writing-unit-tests-csharp

name	writing-unit-tests-csharp
description	Guidelines and patterns for writing unit tests in C# using MSTest SDK.

Skill: Writing C# Unit Tests

Overview

This skill covers writing unit tests for the backend using MSTest SDK. The project uses a lean, zero-config approach that leverages Microsoft's official SDK-style testing.

Project Structure

backend/
├── WebApp.sln
├── WebApp.Api/
│   ├── Models/           # DTOs and request/response models
│   ├── Services/         # Business logic and agent integration
│   └── Program.cs        # Minimal API endpoints
└── WebApp.Api.Tests/
    ├── WebApp.Api.Tests.csproj
    └── [TestClass].cs    # Test files organized by class under test

Test Project Configuration

The test project uses MSTest SDK which eliminates the need for explicit package references:

See backend/WebApp.Api.Tests/WebApp.Api.Tests.csproj for current configuration. The project uses MSTest SDK which eliminates the need for explicit package references — just set Sdk="MSTest.Sdk/{version}" in the project element.

Test Anatomy

using WebApp.Api.Models;

namespace WebApp.Api.Tests;

[TestClass]
public class ErrorResponseFactoryTests
{
    [TestMethod]
    public void CreateFromException_ReturnsCorrectStatusCode()
    {
        // Arrange
        var exception = new InvalidOperationException("Test");
        
        // Act
        var result = ErrorResponseFactory.CreateFromException(exception, 500, isDevelopment: false);
        
        // Assert
        Assert.AreEqual(500, result.Status);
    }
    
    [TestMethod]
    [DataRow(400, "Bad Request")]
    [DataRow(401, "Unauthorized")]
    [DataRow(500, "Internal Server Error")]
    public void CreateFromException_MapsStatusToTitle(int status, string expectedTitle)
    {
        // Parameterized test using DataRow
    }
}

Running Tests

# Run all backend tests
cd backend
dotnet test

# Run with verbose output
dotnet test --verbosity normal

# Run specific test class
dotnet test --filter "FullyQualifiedName~ErrorResponseFactoryTests"

# Run with coverage (requires coverlet)
dotnet test --collect:"XPlat Code Coverage"

Testable Units in This Project

Models (Pure, Easy to Test)

Class	What to Test
ErrorResponseFactory	Status code mapping, dev vs prod mode, exception detail hiding
ChatRequest	Validation logic if any
StreamChunk	Serialization/deserialization
AnnotationInfo	Property mapping

Services (Require Integration Testing)

Class	Testing Approach
AgentFrameworkService	Use validating-ui-features skill with Playwright for integration tests

Test Naming Convention

Use descriptive names following: MethodName_Scenario_ExpectedBehavior

[TestMethod]
public void CreateFromException_WhenDevelopmentMode_IncludesStackTrace() { }

[TestMethod]
public void CreateFromException_WhenProductionMode_HidesStackTrace() { }

Assertions Reference

MSTest provides these assertion methods:

// Equality
Assert.AreEqual(expected, actual);
Assert.AreNotEqual(notExpected, actual);

// Nullability
Assert.IsNull(value);
Assert.IsNotNull(value);

// Boolean
Assert.IsTrue(condition);
Assert.IsFalse(condition);

// Type
Assert.IsInstanceOfType(obj, typeof(ExpectedType));

// Collections
CollectionAssert.Contains(collection, element);
CollectionAssert.AreEqual(expected, actual);

// Exceptions
Assert.ThrowsException<InvalidOperationException>(() => MethodThatThrows());

When Unit Tests Aren't Enough

Use the validating-ui-features skill and Playwright when:

• Testing requires a running backend server
• Testing SSE streaming behavior
• Testing authentication flows
• Testing the full chat request/response cycle

Quick Reference

Command	Purpose
dotnet test	Run all tests
dotnet test --filter "Name~Test"	Run filtered tests
dotnet build	Build without running
dotnet test --list-tests	List all tests