dotnet-test

.NET Backend Unit & Integration Testing

Goal

Generate unit and integration tests for non-UI C# code (EF Core DbContext, handlers, domain logic) using xUnit and in-memory or SQLite EF Core test contexts.

If Tests for This Handler Already Exist

A diff of the specification change may follow the file path in the arguments. When it is there, it is the definitive list of what changed — work through it change by change. A removed line means the scenario it described was dropped: delete the tests that exist only for it instead of keeping them as passing extras.

Before writing new tests, look for an existing test class for this handler / repository (e.g. PlaceOrderHandlerTests.cs). If one exists, update it to match the current specification and implementation instead of creating a second test class:

• Add test methods for scenarios and business rules the spec has gained since the tests were written
• Update existing test methods whose seeded data, command/query shape, or expected results the implementation has changed
• Delete tests for scenarios the spec no longer contains
• Leave passing tests the spec still requires untouched
• Run the whole test class afterwards, not only the methods you added

Workflow

1. Identify Target Service/Handler:
   • Locate the target handler or EF Core repository (e.g. PlaceOrderHandler.cs).
   • Check whether tests for it already exist. If they do, follow "If Tests for This Handler Already Exist" above and update them instead of adding a parallel test class.
2. Setup Test Database Context:
   • Prefer SQLite in-memory or Testcontainers: Use UseSqlite("DataSource=:memory:") (keeping connection open during test execution) or Testcontainers for realistic relational database behavior. Avoid UseInMemoryDatabase for EF Core tests as it does not enforce relational constraints or raw SQL behavior.
3. Execute & Assert (AAA Pattern with Fresh DbContext Instances):
   • Arrange: Seed test data using an initial DbContext instance, then dispose or save changes.
   • Act: Execute the handler or service method using a new, separate DbContext instance to prevent EF Core change tracking from masking bugs.
   • Assert: Verify expected outcome, returned DTOs, or database state using a third fresh DbContext instance.
4. Verification:
   • Execute dotnet test to confirm tests pass.
5. Next Step Guidance:
   • Conclude your response by guiding the user on E2E testing:

   "Next step: Run /playwright-test to generate native C# end-to-end browser tests for your use cases."