Test Pyramid
Oct 15, 2025 · 2 min read
The Test Pyramid is a concept in software testing that emphasizes the importance of having a balanced approach to different types of tests. It suggests that there should be a larger number of low-level unit tests at the base of the pyramid, fewer integration tests in the middle, and even fewer end-to-end tests at the top.
Structure of the Test Pyramid
Unit Tests (Base of the Pyramid):
- These tests focus on individual components or functions of the software.
- They are fast to execute and provide quick feedback to developers.
- Unit tests help ensure that each part of the code works as intended in isolation.
Integration Tests (Middle of the Pyramid):
- These tests evaluate the interaction between different components or systems.
- They are slower than unit tests but are essential for identifying issues in the way components work together.
- Integration tests help ensure that the overall system functions correctly as a whole.
End-to-End Tests (Top of the Pyramid):
- These tests simulate real user scenarios and validate the entire application flow.
- They are the slowest and most expensive to run but are crucial for ensuring that the system meets business requirements.
- End-to-end tests help ensure that the application works as expected from the user's perspective.