Top 7 Java Testing Frameworks Every QA Engineer Must Know

 

Picking the right Java testing frameworks for your app is challenging, given all the testing frameworks for Java available today and the growing range of modern Java testing tools designed for automation. One wrong choice and you might end up with slower test execution, poor maintenance, and limited coverage, even if you pick from the most trusted Java testing frameworks.

You see, each Java framework comes with specific features and use cases. Some shine at unit testing, while others offer readable test scripts suitable for both technical and non-technical team members. So, how do you take a call?

Fret not. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most popular Java testing frameworks, their key features, and what parameters you should consider before selecting one. This guide also highlights the best Java testing frameworks and related Java test automation tools to make your decision easier.

Let’s get started.

What Is a Java Testing Framework?

Java testing framework is a structured set of rules, libraries, and tools used to design, create, and execute test scripts for assessing the quality of software.

The rules may include components like test data handling, scripting guidelines, object repositories, and coding standards.

A Java testing framework acts like a blueprint for structuring test cases and maintaining coding standards throughout the testing lifecycle.

Top Java Testing Frameworks and Tools

1. JUnit

JUnit is an open-source testing framework for Java designed primarily for unit testing, but can also be used to perform integration and functional tests. It belongs to the xUnit family of testing frameworks and allows you to write and execute repeatable tests.

JUnit automates the testing process by integrating with widely used project build tools like Apache Ant, Apache Maven, and Gradle.

It’s often ranked among the best Java testing frameworks for teams starting out with unit testing.

It’s rooted in the Test-Driven Development (TDD) approach that enhances code’s stability and the developer’s productivity by reducing the time spent on debugging. JUnit 5 is the latest version of the testing framework. As part of the broader set of Java test frameworks, it remains lightweight and highly reliable.

Key features

• Use annotations @BeforeEach and @AfterEach to set up and tear down test fixtures before and after each test method; @BeforeAll and @AfterAll are used once per test class
• Verify actual results with expected outcomes using assertions like assertEquals() to check if two values are equal, assertFalse() to check if a condition is false, assertTrue() to check if it’s true, and assertNotNull() if an object is not null
• Parameterize tests to repeatedly run a single test method with different arguments by using @ParameterizedTest
• Categorize test classes via @Tag annotation to filter test discovery and execution

Cons

• Not suitable when working with large testing suites
• No support for dependency and GUI testing

2. TestNG

TestNG is a widely used Java testing framework inspired by JUnit and NUnit, but with new functionalities. It can be used to perform unit, integration, functional, and end-to-end testing. The framework makes it easier to write and execute tests, hence it’s suitable for complex test suites. Its flexibility also makes it a go-to choice when comparing testing frameworks for Java that support parallel execution.

TestNG is an open-source project that lets you group tests, execute them simultaneously, test dependencies, and generate detailed HTML reports. It is supported by major JAVA Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like Eclipse, NetBeans, and IntelliJ IDEA, and also integrates well with build tools.

Key features

• Prioritize test methods using the priority attribute in @Test to control execution order
• Group test cases into logical units using @Test() and include or exclude a group during a test run based on your needs
• Execute tests based on their dependencies using “dependsOnMethods” or “dependsOnGroups” attribute
• Reduce test execution time by running test suites/classes/methods in parallel mode

Cons

• Lacks test data management capabilities, hence requires integration with external sources like Excel, CSV, or databases
• Not suitable for projects that don’t need prioritization of test cases

3. Mockito

Mockito is an open-source mocking framework for Java applications. It is used for unit testing by creating complex mock objects and interactions, which simulate the behavior of real dependencies. When paired with Java automated testing tools, Mockito helps teams cover complex scenarios.

Mockito automates mock object creation using the Java Reflection API, without the need to write them explicitly. The tests are readable and produce clean verification errors.

Key features

• Simplify dependency injection and reduce boilerplate code by injecting mock objects automatically into the field using @InjectMocks
• Create partial mocks via @Spy to retain the actual behavior of the object and allow real method calls
• Use stubbing to specify return values of mocked methods for precise control over test scenarios
• Test exception handling using doThrow() and skip execution of void methods using doNothing()

Cons

• Doesn’t support mocking local variables
• No direct access or control over private fields of parent class

4. JBehave

JBehave is a Java testing framework that supports Behavior Driven Development (BDD) and often works in conjunction with Selenium drivers. It’s designed in simple language to make it more accessible for beginners. It’s also a popular option in the Java test automation tools ecosystem for behavior-driven testing.

It easily integrates with build tools as well as IDEs, such as Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA. You can compose test steps using Groovy and Selenium, and generate reports in the form of HTML, Text, XML, and Console.

Key features

• Specify user stories as classpath or external URL-based resources
• Write user stories in JBehave syntax or Gherkin syntax to make it readable for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Use annotations @Given, @Then, and @When to link text-based steps to Java methods and automatically convert string arguments to any parameter types using custom parameter converters
• Create and manage both configuration and Steps instances via Dependency Injection using your preferred framework (Guice, PicoContainer, Needle, Weld, Spring)

Cons

• Due to dependency on BDD, JBehave relies on strong communication between stakeholders
• It only supports stories and not features, limiting structured grouping and test organization.

5. Salenide

Selenide is an open-source framework for writing and maintaining automated tests in Java, and is built based on Selenium WebDriver. It offers a stable and concise API to simplify browser-based User Interface (UI) testing. It can be part of an integrated Java test automation framework for end-to-end testing.

The framework solves Ajax issues to ensure more precise and stable tests, and integrates well with JUnit and TestNG.

Key features

• Write concise and readable test code with simplified syntax that eliminates verbose boilerplate
• Screenshot failures and capture page sources to accelerate debugging
• Reduce test flakiness and improve reliability through built-in automatic waits for elements
• Test web applications built using AngularJS

Cons

• Might require customization workarounds to support complex testing needs
• It has a relatively small community, which might affect resource and support availability

6. Serenity

Serenity BDD is an open-source Java testing frameworks specifically for web applications. It is built on top of Selenium and supports Behavior Driven Development (BDD).

The framework can be integrated with Selenium Webdriver, JUnit, and JBehave, and allows writing structured and maintainable acceptance and regression test cases. It supports RestAssured for testing REST API and can be used with project management tools like Jira.

Key features

• Leverage its given-when-then format to create readable test cases for testers and non-technical stakeholders
• Execute defined scenarios and generate detailed reports, including log steps, performance metrics, and screenshots, using the test runner
• Generate unique reports for each test case when running multiple tests in parallel
• Automate test cases for web apps, browsers, and APIs

Cons

• Creating feature files and initial setup, such as defining step libraries, reusable tasks, and actors, can be time-consuming
• Dependency on BDD makes clear communication between project participants crucial

7. Spock

Spock is a Java testing and specification framework built on Groovy that allows teams to perform data-driven testing. Its compatibility with Java test frameworks and JVM tools makes it highly versatile.

It’s compatible with all languages that run on Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and supports most IDEs, build tools, and continuous integration servers. It integrates with JUnit runner and offers built-in mocking and stubbing that help reduce the need for external libraries.

Key features

• Write test cases using specification-style syntax that organizes tests into given-when-then blocks
• Validate logic across edge cases, boundary conditions, and parameter sets using the ‘where:’ block
• Use built-in mocking and stubbing support to create focused unit tests and verify the behavior of dependencies
• Get detailed insights into test execution, errors encountered, and test results to efficiently debug issues

Cons

• Projects require a dependency on Groovy, which might not be suitable for Java-only environments
• Developers may face a learning curve adapting to new syntax and conventions

Pick the Right Java Testing Framework: Things to Consider

Of all the Java testing frameworks available, you might be wondering, which one’s right for your team or project?

This comparison also factors in which Java test automation tools integrate seamlessly with each framework.

Here are some important factors to consider before pinning down an option.

1. Type of testing

Not all Java testing frameworks are built to handle different testing types. Some are designed for mocking complex dependencies, while others are great at simulating user interactions. Determining your testing goals will help you decide the framework you need.

For example, JUnit is widely preferred for unit testing and remains one of the best Java testing frameworks because of its simplicity, annotations, and easy integration with most build tools and IDEs.

TestNG is great for complex projects that need advanced features like prioritization and test method dependencies. For apps with rich UI and dynamic web elements, Selenide helps simplify browser automation and offers screenshot-based reporting.

2. Team familiarity

The framework you choose should align with your development and testing team’s skill sets. Also, consider the learning curve associated with the framework. Some are easier to use while others might require a significant amount of time to learn.

JUnit and TestNG have strong community support, resources, tutorials, and tooling integrations, which are convenient for beginners. Spock, on the other hand, offers powerful features but might be unfamiliar to teams having experience with standard Java syntax.

3. Integration with tools

Look at whether the framework integrates well with tools and environments. Ask yourself:

Does the framework easily integrate with project build tools?
Can the framework be integrated into CI tools like Jenkins or Gitlab CI?
Does the framework support common reporting formats like XML, HTML, and Allure?

JUnit and TestNG, for example, are highly compatible with most build tools like Maven, Gradle, and Ant. Plus, they integrate with CI systems and, hence, are ideal for projects with automated test execution.

Selenide integrates with Allure to generate visually appealing reports that include screenshots, page source, and console logs.

4. Speed and performance

Delivering robust apps despite tight deadlines is a constant in software development. Test execution speed can significantly affect test development cycles. Consider the framework overhead and execution performance before selecting.

Lightweight Java testing frameworks like JUnit require minimal setup and support quick test execution. TestNG, on the other hand, can speed up the testing process in larger codebases by running parallel tests.

Simplify Java Testing with TestGrid

The testing framework you choose should not be based simply on how popular it is. It should align with your project goals, your team’s experience and skillset, and testing requirements.

Now that you have a fair idea of the different Java testing frameworks, TestGrid can help you execute the test across devices, browsers, and CI environments.

TestGrid is an AI-powered end-to-end testing platform that supports multiple Java-based testing frameworks, including Selenium, Appium, JUnit, TestNG, and Cucumber. You can run your Java test scripts on real devices and browsers hosted on both cloud and on-premise infrastructure.

Don’t want to manually write scripts? TestGrid’s ‘record and play’ test case generators auto-detect interactions, such as clicks on web pages and mobile apps, and generate test steps. You can then refine the steps, run them, and view results.

With a unified dashboard, you can get real-time insights into test execution status, logs, and session summaries. Plus, features like visual testing let you capture screenshots during testing and compare them against baselines to detect UI regressions.

This blog originally published at Testgrid :Top 7 Java Testing Frameworks