Golang Testing

Go Testing Patterns

Comprehensive Go testing patterns for writing reliable, maintainable tests following TDD methodology.

When to Activate

• Writing new Go functions or methods
• Adding test coverage to existing code
• Creating benchmarks for performance-critical code
• Implementing fuzz tests for input validation
• Following TDD workflow in Go projects

TDD Workflow for Go

The RED-GREEN-REFACTOR Cycle

RED     → Write a failing test first
GREEN   → Write minimal code to pass the test
REFACTOR → Improve code while keeping tests green
REPEAT  → Continue with next requirement

Step-by-Step TDD in Go

// Step 1: Define the interface/signature
// calculator.go
package calculator

func Add(a, b int) int {
    panic("not implemented") // Placeholder
}

// Step 2: Write failing test (RED)
// calculator_test.go
package calculator

import "testing"

func TestAdd(t *testing.T) {
    got := Add(2, 3)
    want := 5
    if got != want {
        t.Errorf("Add(2, 3) = %d; want %d", got, want)
    }
}

// Step 3: Run test - verify FAIL
// $ go test
// --- FAIL: TestAdd (0.00s)
// panic: not implemented