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Why can't you rely on 100% test coverage when using unit tests?

sobes.tech AI

Answer from AI

  • Code complexity: not all code is easily testable in isolation (e.g., interactions with external systems, databases).
  • Need for mocking/stubs: to isolate units, stubs are required, which also need maintenance and may inaccurately simulate the behavior of real dependencies.
  • Boundary conditions and combinations: the number of possible input data and their combinations can be infinite or too large for complete coverage.
  • Non-functional requirements: unit tests do not verify performance, usability, security, and other non-functional aspects.
  • Integration errors: unit tests check components separately but do not guarantee their correct operation together.
  • Understanding requirements deficiencies: tests are written based on understanding requirements, and errors in understanding can lead to incomplete coverage of real usage scenarios.
  • Cost and time: achieving 100% coverage may be impractical in terms of time and resources for only a slight increase in quality.