generating-apex-test

Generating Apex Tests

Generate production-ready Apex test classes and run disciplined test-fix loops with coverage analysis.

Core Principles

1. One behavior per method — each test method validates a single scenario. Separate positive, negative, and bulk tests. NEVER combine related-but-distinct inputs (e.g., null and empty) in one method — create _NullInput_ and _EmptyInput_ as separate test methods
2. Bulkify tests — test with 251+ records to cross the 200-record trigger batch boundary. Batch Apex exception: in test context only one execute() invocation runs, so set batchSize >= testRecordCount. See references/async-testing.md [blocked]
3. Isolate test data — every @TestSetup must delegate record creation to a TestDataFactory class. If none exists, create one first. Never build record lists inline in @TestSetup. Never rely on org data (SeeAllData=false) or hardcoded IDs. For duplicate rule handling, see references/test-data-factory.md [blocked]
4. Assert meaningfully — use exact expected values computed from test data setup. NEVER use range assertions or approximate counts when the value is deterministic. Always include failure messages. See references/assertion-patterns.md [blocked]
5. Use Assert class only — Assert.areEqual, Assert.isTrue, Assert.fail, etc. Never use legacy System.assert, System.assertEquals, or System.assertNotEquals
6. Mock external boundaries — use HttpCalloutMock for callouts, Test.setFixedSearchResults for SOSL, DML mock classes for database isolation. Design for testability via constructor injection. See references/mocking-patterns.md [blocked]
7. Test negative paths — validate error handling and exception scenarios, not just happy paths
8. Wrap with start/stop — pair Test.startTest() with Test.stopTest() to reset governor limits and force async execution

Test.startTest() / Test.stopTest()

Always wrap the code under test in Test.startTest() / Test.stopTest():

• Resets governor limits so the test measures only the code under test
• Executes async operations synchronously (queueables, batch, future methods)
• Fires scheduled jobs immediately

Test Code Anti-Patterns

Workflow

Step 1 — Gather Context

Before generating or fixing tests, identify:

• the target production class(es) under test
• existing test classes, test data factories, and setup helpers
• desired test scope (single class, specific methods, suite, or local tests)
• coverage threshold (75% minimum for deploy, 90%+ recommended)
• org alias when running tests against an org

Step 2 — Generate the Test Class

Apply the structure, naming conventions, and patterns from the asset templates and reference docs.

MANDATORY — File Deliverables: For every test class, create BOTH files:

1. {ClassName}Test.cls — the test class (use assets/test-class-template.cls [blocked] as starting point)
2. {ClassName}Test.cls-meta.xml — the metadata file:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<ApexClass xmlns="http://soap.sforce.com/2006/04/metadata">
    <apiVersion>66.0</apiVersion>
    <

If no TestDataFactory exists in the project, create TestDataFactory.cls + TestDataFactory.cls-meta.xml using assets/test-data-factory-template.cls [blocked].

@TestSetup Example

Test Method Structure

Use Given/When/Then:

Negative Test — Exception Pattern

Use try/catch with Assert.fail to verify expected exceptions:

Naming Convention

• should[ExpectedResult]_When[Scenario]: shouldSendNotification_WhenOpportunityClosedWon
• [SubjectOrAction]_[Scenario]_[ExpectedResult]: AccountUpdate_ChangeName_Success

Step 3 — Run Tests

Start narrow when debugging; widen after the fix is stable.

Step 4 — Analyze Results

Focus on:

• failing methods — exception types and stack traces
• uncovered lines and weak coverage areas
• whether failures indicate bad test data, brittle assertions, or broken production logic

Step 5 — Fix Loop

When tests fail, run a disciplined fix loop (max 3 iterations — stop and surface root cause if still failing):

1. Read the failing test class and the class under test
2. Identify root cause from error messages and stack traces
3. Apply fix — adjust test data or assertions for test-side issues; delegate production code issues to the generating-apex skill
4. Rerun the focused test before broader regression
5. Repeat until all tests pass, iteration limit reached, or root cause requires design change

Step 6 — Validate Coverage

Cover all paths: positive, negative/exception, bulk (251+ records), callout/async.

What to Test by Component

Output Expectations

Deliverables per test class:

• {ClassName}Test.cls + {ClassName}Test.cls-meta.xml (match API version of class under test; default 66.0)
• TestDataFactory.cls + TestDataFactory.cls-meta.xml (if not already present)

Reference Files

Load on demand for detailed patterns: