Testing (.NET 10)

Core Principles

1. Integration tests are the highest-value tests — A single WebApplicationFactory test covers routing, binding, validation, business logic, and persistence in one shot. Start here before writing unit tests.
2. Real databases in tests — Use Testcontainers to spin up real PostgreSQL/SQL Server instances. In-memory providers hide real bugs (transactions, constraints, SQL generation).
3. AAA pattern is mandatory — Every test has three clearly separated sections: Arrange, Act, Assert. No mixing.
4. Test behavior, not implementation — Tests should survive refactoring. Test what the system does, not how it does it.

Patterns

xUnit v3 Basics