Unit test

/ˈjunɪt tɛst/ noun

Definition

A type of automated test that verifies the correctness of individual components or functions in isolation. Unit tests help ensure that each small piece of code works as expected before integrating with other parts.

Etymology

From 'unit' meaning a single thing, and 'test' from Old French 'test' meaning pot or vessel (used for assaying metals). In software development since the 1970s, emphasizing testing individual units of functionality separately.

Kelly Says

Unit testing is like taste-testing each ingredient before cooking a meal - you want to make sure the salt is actually salt and the sugar is actually sugar before combining them! It catches problems early when they're cheap and easy to fix.

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