Mocks

Introduction

Consider Using Fakes Instead

Mocks are powerful but easy to overuse. Consider using fakes with explicit assertions instead. Fakes provide simpler behavior replacement without coupling tests to implementation details. Reserve mocks for cases where upfront expectations truly clarify test intent.

Mocks (and expectations) are fake methods (like spies) with pre-programmed behavior (like stubs) as well as pre-programmed expectations.

A mock will fail your test if it is not used as expected.

When to use mocks?

Mocks should only be used for the method under test. In every unit test, there should be one unit under test.

If you want to control how your unit is being used and like stating expectations upfront (as opposed to asserting after the fact), use a mock.

When to not use mocks?

Mocks come with built-in expectations that may fail your test.

Thus, they enforce implementation details. The rule of thumb is: if you wouldn't add an assertion for some specific call, don't mock it. Use a stub instead.

In general you should have no more than one mock (possibly with several expectations) in a single test.

Expectations implement both the spies and stubs APIs.

Mocks vs Stubs vs Fakes

Use mocks when:

• You want to declare expectations upfront (before acting)
• You need to verify interactions immediately upon use
• The expectation itself clarifies the test's intent

Use stubs when:

• You need call-specific behavior (onCall(), onFirstCall())
• You need argument-based behavior (withArgs())
• You're controlling behavior but don't care about verification

Use fakes when:

• You need simple behavior replacement (recommended for most cases)
• You want immutable, predictable test doubles
• You prefer explicit assertions over built-in expectations