Einingarprófunum

Einingarprófunum, often translated as unit testing, is a software testing method where individual units of source code are tested to determine if they are fit for use. A unit is the smallest testable part of an application. Developers perform unit testing when they write code to test specific pieces of their application. The goal is to validate that each unit of the software performs as designed.

The process typically involves writing code that exercises a specific unit, such as a function or method, and then asserting that the output or behavior of that unit matches the expected outcome. This allows developers to identify and fix bugs early in the development cycle. Unit tests are usually automated and run frequently, often as part of a continuous integration process.

Benefits of unit testing include improved code quality, easier debugging, better design, and simplified maintenance. By isolating code segments, developers can pinpoint issues more efficiently. Well-written unit tests can also serve as documentation for the code, illustrating how individual components are intended to function. Various frameworks exist to support unit testing in different programming languages, such as JUnit for Java, NUnit for .NET, and Pytest for Python.