Best Ways to Test a Rails Application

You have built an amazing Rails application, and now there is just one thing standing in your way for debuting it with the masses. You don’t know if it works properly. With the right testing, you can put your doubts to the side and publish your application. There are various testing options available, but they don’t all have the features. Pick one of the top tools so your app will be ready for prime time once you finish the testing process.

RSpec

RSpec is a great choice for testing Rails applications. RSpec has various types of tests you can run to make sure that your application is ready for its debut.

First, you can run a Feature Specs test. These tests go through applications line by line in to ensure that all of the components work together. If your application passes this test, you know that it will provide a positive user experience.

You can move onto the Model Spec tests next. These tests divide applications up into small chunks. Each chunk is tested separately to make sure it works as it should.

You can also use this tool to run Controller and View Spec tests. With all of these features, your application will be put through the ringer before it goes live.

You can go through our full Professional Rails Course to learn how to utilize RSpec and build an application via TDD/BDD best practices.

Cucumber

Cucumber offers behavior-driven development at its finest (and easiest). This tool runs automated tests so you can make sure that your applications are up to snuff.

You start by determining the behavior that you expect when people interact with your application. Then you can use those examples to run acceptance tests. Cucumber will let you know which of your goals you are meeting and which examples are not working.

Then it compiles a document that includes the specifications and the tests. This makes it easy fix the problems and move forward.

Shoulda Matchers

You can test one line of code at a time with Shoulda Matchers. You can use this tool to write multiple tests instead of sticking to the one or two tests that are often available with testing tools. Since you only test one code at a time, it is easier to write simple tests that are free from errors. That means you will get accurate results. Also, the results are clear and readable. They are even actionable, so you can fix problems that the tests find with ease.

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Testing is an important part of the web development process. If you run the proper tests, you will be able to put your best foot forward every time you publish an application. Get started with one of these tools so you can get the best results.