csharp-testing

C# Testing Patterns

Comprehensive testing patterns for .NET applications using xUnit, FluentAssertions, and modern testing practices.

When to Use

• Writing new tests for C# code
• Reviewing test quality and coverage
• Setting up test infrastructure for .NET projects
• Debugging flaky or slow tests

Test Framework Stack

Tool	Purpose
xUnit	Test framework (preferred for .NET)
FluentAssertions	Readable assertion syntax
NSubstitute or Moq	Mocking dependencies
Testcontainers	Real infrastructure in integration tests
WebApplicationFactory	ASP.NET Core integration tests
Bogus	Realistic test data generation

Unit Test Structure

Arrange-Act-Assert

public sealed class OrderServiceTests
{
    private readonly IOrderRepository _repository = Substitute.For<IOrderRepository>();
    private readonly ILogger<OrderService> _logger = Substitute.For<ILogger<OrderService>>();
    private readonly OrderService _sut;

    public OrderServiceTests()
    {
        _sut = new OrderService(_repository, _logger);
    }

    [Fact]
    public async Task PlaceOrderAsync_ReturnsSuccess_WhenRequestIsValid()
    {
        // Arrange
        var request = new CreateOrderRequest
        {
            CustomerId = "cust-123",
            Items = [new OrderItem("SKU-001", 2, 29.99m)]
        };

        // Act
        var result = await _sut.PlaceOrderAsync(request, CancellationToken.None);

        // Assert
        result.IsSuccess.Should().BeTrue();
        result.Value.Should().NotBeNull();
        result.Value!.CustomerId.Should().Be("cust-123");
    }

    [Fact]
    public async Task PlaceOrderAsync_ReturnsFailure_WhenNoItems()
    {
        // Arrange
        var request = new CreateOrderRequest
        {
            CustomerId = "cust-123",
            Items = []
        };

        // Act
        var result = await _sut.PlaceOrderAsync(request, CancellationToken.None);

        // Assert
        result.IsSuccess.Should().BeFalse();
        result.Error.Should().Contain("at least one item");
    }
}