English Reference

Word

unit test

Definitions

01software check

C1 · Computing

n. a small, automated test that checks a single function or part of a computer program.

n. an automated test designed to verify the correctness of a specific, isolated section of source code, such as a single function or method.

“The developer wrote a unit test to make sure the login button worked correctly.”

“Before merging the new feature, the engineer had to ensure that every unit test passed to prevent regressions in the core logic.”

Technical

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'write', 'run', or 'pass'.

Synonyms

test casemodule test

Antonyms

integration test

02to test code

C1 · Computing

v. to perform tests on small parts of a computer program to find errors.

v. to subject software components to individual verification procedures.

“It is important to unit test your code as you write it.”

“The team decided to unit test the entire payment module before moving on to the user interface design.”

Technical

Usage

This is a transitive verb, though it is often used as a gerund (unit testing).

Synonyms

Etymology

A compound of unit, denoting a single entity or individual part, and test, from the Middle English term for a vessel used to assay precious metals. The phrase emerged from general engineering practices where discrete components are verified independently before assembly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Domain

Programming

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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