---
name: code-showcase-testing-patterns
description: Jest testing patterns, factory functions, mocking strategies, and TDD workflow. Use when writing unit tests, creating test factories, or following TDD red-green-refactor cycle.
risk: unknown
source: https://github.com/ChrisWiles/claude-code-showcase/tree/main/.claude/skills/testing-patterns
source_repo: ChrisWiles/claude-code-showcase
source_type: community
date_added: 2026-07-01
license: MIT
license_source: https://github.com/ChrisWiles/claude-code-showcase/blob/main/LICENSE
---

# Testing Patterns and Utilities
## When to Use

Use this skill when you need jest testing patterns, factory functions, mocking strategies, and TDD workflow. Use when writing unit tests, creating test factories, or following TDD red-green-refactor cycle.


## Testing Philosophy

**Test-Driven Development (TDD):**
- Write failing test FIRST
- Implement minimal code to pass
- Refactor after green
- Never write production code without a failing test

**Behavior-Driven Testing:**
- Test behavior, not implementation
- Focus on public APIs and business requirements
- Avoid testing implementation details
- Use descriptive test names that describe behavior

**Factory Pattern:**
- Create `getMockX(overrides?: Partial<X>)` functions
- Provide sensible defaults
- Allow overriding specific properties
- Keep tests DRY and maintainable

## Test Utilities

### Custom Render Function

Create a custom render that wraps components with required providers:

```typescript
// src/utils/testUtils.tsx
import { render } from '@testing-library/react-native';
import { ThemeProvider } from './theme';

export const renderWithTheme = (ui: React.ReactElement) => {
  return render(
    <ThemeProvider>{ui}</ThemeProvider>
  );
};
```

**Usage:**
```typescript
import { renderWithTheme } from 'utils/testUtils';
import { screen } from '@testing-library/react-native';

it('should render component', () => {
  renderWithTheme(<MyComponent />);
  expect(screen.getByText('Hello')).toBeTruthy();
});
```

## Factory Pattern

### Component Props Factory

```typescript
import { ComponentProps } from 'react';

const getMockMyComponentProps = (
  overrides?: Partial<ComponentProps<typeof MyComponent>>
) => {
  return {
    title: 'Default Title',
    count: 0,
    onPress: jest.fn(),
    isLoading: false,
    ...overrides,
  };
};

// Usage in tests
it('should render with custom title', () => {
  const props = getMockMyComponentProps({ title: 'Custom Title' });
  renderWithTheme(<MyComponent {...props} />);
  expect(screen.getByText('Custom Title')).toBeTruthy();
});
```

### Data Factory

```typescript
interface User {
  id: string;
  name: string;
  email: string;
  role: 'admin' | 'user';
}

const getMockUser = (overrides?: Partial<User>): User => {
  return {
    id: '123',
    name: 'John Doe',
    email: 'john@example.com',
    role: 'user',
    ...overrides,
  };
};

// Usage
it('should display admin badge for admin users', () => {
  const user = getMockUser({ role: 'admin' });
  renderWithTheme(<UserCard user={user} />);
  expect(screen.getByText('Admin')).toBeTruthy();
});
```

## Mocking Patterns

### Mocking Modules

```typescript
// Mock entire module
jest.mock('utils/analytics');

// Mock with factory function
jest.mock('utils/analytics', () => ({
  Analytics: {
    logEvent: jest.fn(),
  },
}));

// Access mock in test
const mockLogEvent = jest.requireMock('utils/analytics').Analytics.logEvent;
```

### Mocking GraphQL Hooks

```typescript
jest.mock('./GetItems.generated', () => ({
  useGetItemsQuery: jest.fn(),
}));

const mockUseGetItemsQuery = jest.requireMock(
  './GetItems.generated'
).useGetItemsQuery as jest.Mock;

// In test
mockUseGetItemsQuery.mockReturnValue({
  data: { items: [] },
  loading: false,
  error: undefined,
});
```

## Test Structure

```typescript
describe('ComponentName', () => {
  beforeEach(() => {
    jest.clearAllMocks();
  });

  describe('Rendering', () => {
    it('should render component with default props', () => {});
    it('should render loading state when loading', () => {});
  });

  describe('User interactions', () => {
    it('should call onPress when button is clicked', async () => {});
  });

  describe('Edge cases', () => {
    it('should handle empty data gracefully', () => {});
  });
});
```

## Query Patterns

```typescript
// Element must exist
expect(screen.getByText('Hello')).toBeTruthy();

// Element should not exist
expect(screen.queryByText('Goodbye')).toBeNull();

// Element appears asynchronously
await waitFor(() => {
  expect(screen.findByText('Loaded')).toBeTruthy();
});
```

## User Interaction Patterns

```typescript
import { fireEvent, screen } from '@testing-library/react-native';

it('should submit form on button click', async () => {
  const onSubmit = jest.fn();
  renderWithTheme(<LoginForm onSubmit={onSubmit} />);

  fireEvent.changeText(screen.getByLabelText('Email'), 'user@example.com');
  fireEvent.changeText(screen.getByLabelText('Password'), 'password123');
  fireEvent.press(screen.getByTestId('login-button'));

  await waitFor(() => {
    expect(onSubmit).toHaveBeenCalled();
  });
});
```

## Anti-Patterns to Avoid

### Testing Mock Behavior Instead of Real Behavior

```typescript
// Bad - testing the mock
expect(mockFetchData).toHaveBeenCalled();

// Good - testing actual behavior
expect(screen.getByText('John Doe')).toBeTruthy();
```

### Not Using Factories

```typescript
// Bad - duplicated, inconsistent test data
it('test 1', () => {
  const user = { id: '1', name: 'John', email: 'john@test.com', role: 'user' };
});
it('test 2', () => {
  const user = { id: '2', name: 'Jane', email: 'jane@test.com' }; // Missing role!
});

// Good - reusable factory
const user = getMockUser({ name: 'Custom Name' });
```

## Best Practices

1. **Always use factory functions** for props and data
2. **Test behavior, not implementation**
3. **Use descriptive test names**
4. **Organize with describe blocks**
5. **Clear mocks between tests**
6. **Keep tests focused** - one behavior per test

## Running Tests

```bash
# Run all tests
npm test

# Run with coverage
npm run test:coverage

# Run specific file
npm test ComponentName.test.tsx
```

## Integration with Other Skills

- **react-ui-patterns**: Test all UI states (loading, error, empty, success)
- **systematic-debugging**: Write test that reproduces bug before fixing

## Limitations

- Use this skill only when the task clearly matches its upstream source and local project context.
- Verify commands, generated code, dependencies, credentials, and external service behavior before applying changes.
- Do not treat examples as a substitute for environment-specific tests, security review, or user approval for destructive or costly actions.