What sets apart fakeAsync from async when it comes to Angular testing?

From my understanding, the tick() function is used in conjunction with fakeAsync(). Additionally, fixture.whenStable().then() can be used with both async() and fakeAsync().

I am curious about the specific scenarios in which these functions are utilized. Can someone provide examples to clarify their use cases?

Please note that I am interested in utilizing a Fake Service or Stub in both of these situations.

Answer №1

Summary:

In most scenarios, fakeAsync()/tick() can be used interchangeably with async()/whenStable(). However, the preferred choice is the former unless XHR calls are required, which mandates the use of async()/whenStable() as fakeAsync() does not support XHR calls.


Generally, both methods serve similar purposes. The only exception where choosing one over the other is essential is for components with external templates and styles not compiled inline when testing with SystemJS. In such cases, XHR calls prohibit the use of fakeAsync(), while Webpack allows it due to compiling external resources inline.

Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to personal preference. When faced with nested asynchronous calls, like in this example, using multiple fixture.whenStable() calls may result in complex and less readable code.

someAsyncAction();
fixture.whenStable().then(() => {
  fixture.detectChanges();
  expect(something)

  changeSomethingElseAsynchronously();      
  fixture.whenStable().then(() => {
    fixture.detectChanges();
    expect(something);

    anotherAsyncAction();
    fixture.whenStable().then(() => {
      fixture.detectChanges()
      expect(somthingeElse)
    })
  })
})

To enhance readability and maintainability, simplifying the structure without excessive fixture.whenStable() calls might be preferable.

tick();
fixture.detectChanges();
expect(something)

changeSomethingAsynchronously()
tick();
fixture.detectChanges();
expect(somethingElse)

changeSomethingAsynchronously()
tick();
fixture.detectChanges();
expect(somethingElse);

Considering the need for precision and completeness, following up on fixture.whenStable() calls becomes crucial to avoid false positives during testing.

fixture.whenStable().then(() => {
  expect(...)
  console.log('called...')
})

For assurance in test execution and result validation, some developers opt to minimize reliance on async and lean towards fakeAsync for its synchronous behavior that ensures all assertions are executed as expected.

Answer №2

To handle HTTP calls, use async or waitForAsync. For handling scenarios without HTTP calls but involving observables, promises, or setTimeouts, use fakeAsync instead.

When using fakeAsync with the tick function, time can be advanced by a specific number of milliseconds. For instance, calling tick(50000) would complete any asynchronous tasks that would typically take 50 seconds in an instant, as it effectively fast-forwards time by 50 seconds. Take a look at the example below to see how this works with setTimeout requiring 50 seconds when used in async or waitForAsync tests, while executing instantly with fakeAsync.

describe('this test', () => {
  it('appears asynchronous but is actually synchronous', fakeAsync(() => {
       let flag = false;
       setTimeout(() => {
         flag = true;
       }, 50000);
       expect(flag).toBe(false);
       tick(25000);
       expect(flag).toBe(false);
       tick(25000);
       expect(flag).toBe(true);
     }));
});

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