Proper techniques for testing an AngularJS Controller Function

Recently, we integrated jasmine tests into our AngularJS project and I have a query:

We are looking to write tests for this controller function:

$scope.deleteClick = function () {
        $scope.processing = true;
        peopleNotesSrv.deleteNote($scope.currentOperator.operatorId, $scope.noteId, $scope.deleteSuccessCallback, $scope.deleteErrorCallback);
    };

Here is the test we created:

    it('deleteClick should pass proper parameters to peopleNoteSrv', function () {
        $controllerConstructor('PeopleNoteEditCtrl', { $scope: $scope });

        $scope.noteId = 5;

        expect(function () { $scope.deleteClick(); }).not.toThrow();
    });

This test verifies that when the $scope.deleteClick() function is invoked, $scope.processing is set to true and no errors are thrown during the call to peopleNotesSrv due to invalid arguments. We plan to test the two callback functions separately.

Should we also test if the peopleNotesSrv.deleteNote function was called to provide more clarity in the test? The current test doesn't fully explain the functionality of the deleteClick() function internally, which may be misleading.

Answer №1

Consider what you would do if you had developed it using TDD. It aligns with Sam's suggestions, but here are some specific examples:

Testing Controllers

  1. Begin by writing a test expecting a deleteClick to be present.
  2. Check that deleteClick sets the loading state (confirm processing = true)
  3. Verify if a service is injected into the controller (peopleNotesSrv)
  4. Ensure deleteClick calls the service (using spies as mentioned earlier)
  5. Confirm that $scope.noteId and other $scope.params are available and set

These steps cover the Controller testing aspect. Any criteria related to failures or errors should be tested in a Service.spec file. For service details, refer to these examples.

Service Testing

  1. Validate the existence of deleteNote method
  2. Test scenarios with incorrect number of arguments supplied
  3. Perform positive tests (e.g., noteId = 5)
  4. Conduct negative tests
  5. Verify proper execution of callbacks

...and more.

Validating controllers may not be logical because then every Controller would require such testing. By isolating the Service as a separate Unit of Test and ensuring it meets all criteria, you can utilize it without additional testing. This concept is similar to assuming jQuery features work as expected without individual testing, just like Angular jQLite :)

UPDATE:

Triggering fails in controller tests upon service call

To illustrate this, let's create a scenario where we want our Service Test to fail when an incorrect number of arguments is provided:

 describe('Service: peopleNoteSrv', function () {

   // load the service's module
 beforeEach(module('angularControllerServicecallApp'));

  // instantiate service
 var peopleNoteSrv;
 beforeEach(inject(function (_peopleNoteSrv_) {
   peopleNoteSrv = _peopleNoteSrv_;
 }));

  it('should throw error on incorrect argument count', function () {
   expect(function() { peopleNoteSrv.deleteNote('justOneParameter'); }).toThrow();
 });

});

In order for the above test to pass, add the error throwing logic in our service method:

angular.module('angularControllerServicecallApp')
  .service('peopleNoteSrv', function peopleNoteSrv() {

    this.deleteNote = function(param1, param2, param3) {
      if(arguments.length !== 3)
        throw Error('Invalid number of arguments supplied');
      return "OK";
    };
});

Additionally, let's create two demo controllers - FirstCtrl functioning correctly, while SecondCtrl should fail:

angular.module('angularControllerServicecallApp')
  .controller('FirstCtrl', function ($scope, peopleNoteSrv) {
    $scope.doIt = function() {
      return peopleNoteSrv.deleteNote('param1', 'param2', 'param3');
    }
  });

 angular.module('angularControllerServicecallApp')
  .controller('SecondCtrl', function ($scope, peopleNoteSrv) {
    $scope.doIt = function() {
      return peopleNoteSrv.deleteNote('onlyOneParameter');
    }
  });

Both controllers have the following test scenario:

it('should call Service properly', function () {
  expect(scope.doIt()).toBe("OK");
});

Karma output will indicate any mismatches between expected and actual results. Specifically identifying which part of the code needs attention, like updating SecondCtrl. This approach applies to any tests involving the Service method.

I hope this explanation clarifies your query.

Answer №2

In my perspective, the answer lies in the specific scenario at hand.

There are two distinct situations to consider:


1 - If there exist tests for the peopleNotesSrv service.

In this instance, it is advisable to retain the existing test or delve deeper into the functionality of $scope.deleteClick(), ensuring that any watchers on $scope.processing related to a .deleteClick() call are accounted for as well.


2 - In the absence of comprehensive tests for the peopleNotesSrv service.

In such a case, crafting a more detailed test verifying the efficacy of .deleteNote() is recommended.


In my view, consolidating tests and refraining from redundancy is crucial to avoid gaps in the testing process. Redundant testing can lead to additional effort and potentially overlooked issues. Instead, focus on building robust tests within one area to ensure thorough coverage of all scenarios. By detecting errors promptly and ensuring the intended functionality of code like deletNote(), you can streamline the testing process and enhance overall test coverage. Additionally, centralizing tests for a specific service simplifies maintenance and organization within your testing suite.

A pertinent question to ponder is the nature of the test being conducted – Unit Test or End-to-End test?

If assuming a Unit Test context as in my explanation, tracing function calls would suffice. However, if an End-to-End test, further verification of each step may be necessary in confirming expected outcomes.

Referencing resources on Unit Tests, End-to-End tests, and insights on Angular development can provide valuable guidance:

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