Integration Testing
Testing how multiple components work together as a combined system.
Definition
Integration testing verifies that multiple software components, modules, or services function correctly when combined, catching interface defects and data flow issues that unit tests miss. It tests interactions between databases, APIs, message queues, and third-party services in an environment resembling production. Strategies include big-bang (all components at once), top-down, bottom-up, and sandwich approaches. Contract testing validates API contracts between services in microservice architectures.
Example
“After unit-testing the payment service and inventory service separately, integration tests verify that placing an order correctly deducts stock and charges the customer's payment method together.”
Synonyms
- system integration testing
- component integration test
- end-to-end component test
Antonyms / Opposites
- unit testing
- isolated testing
Images
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Related Terms
- unit-testing
- cicd
- microservices
- api