How do I test a view controller?

Asked on 08/03/2024

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To test a view controller in Xcode, you can follow these steps, leveraging the new features introduced in Xcode 16 and Swift Testing:

  1. Create a Test Target:

    • If your project doesn't already have a test target, you can add one by choosing the appropriate template in Xcode 16. This is covered in the session Meet Swift Testing.
  2. Write a Test Function:

    • Import the testing module and write a global function with the @Test attribute. This attribute marks the function as a test, and Xcode will recognize it and show a run button alongside it. This is demonstrated in the session Meet Swift Testing.
  3. Initialize the View Controller:

    • In your test function, initialize the view controller you want to test. You can do this by creating an instance of the view controller and setting up any necessary dependencies or initial state.
  4. Perform Actions and Verify Results:

    • Perform actions on the view controller and use assertions to verify the expected outcomes. Swift Testing provides the expect macro to validate that your code behaves as expected. This is highlighted in the session Go further with Swift Testing.
  5. Use Test Suites and Tags for Organization:

    • To avoid unintentional state sharing and to organize your tests, you can use test suites and tags. Each test function is called on a new instance of its containing suite type, ensuring isolation. Tags can help group related tests and run them together. This is discussed in the session Meet Swift Testing and What’s new in Xcode 16.
  6. Run and Debug Tests:

    • Use the test navigator (Command + 6) to see all your tests, run them, and view the results. You can filter tests by tags or names to focus on specific tests. This is covered in the session Xcode essentials.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the sessions:

These sessions provide comprehensive insights into the new testing features and best practices in Xcode 16.