TestNG vs JUnit: An Unbiased Comparison Between Both Testing Frameworks
Tags: testng, junit, frameworks, softwaretesting
Published: 2023-05-09 11:42:04

TestNG and JUnit are two of the most popular testing frameworks used in the Java programming language. Both frameworks are designed to help developers write and execute [automated unit tests](https://www.headspin.io/blog/unit-testing-guide), but they differ in their approach to testing and their features. In this article, we will compare TestNG vs JUnit and highlight the similarities and differences between the two frameworks.

**TestNG Overview**
TestNG is a testing framework that was created by Cedric Beust in 2004. It is an open-source framework that is designed to improve upon the capabilities of JUnit and provide additional features for testing. TestNG is built on top of JUnit and provides an alternative to JUnit's testing capabilities. TestNG is widely used in the Java community, and its popularity is increasing due to its advanced features.

**JUnit Overview**
JUnit is a testing framework that was created by Kent Beck and Erich Gamma in 1997. It is an open-source framework that is used to write and execute automated tests in Java. JUnit is widely used in the Java community and is one of the most popular testing frameworks available. JUnit provides a simple and easy-to-use interface for testing and is well-suited for writing and executing unit tests.

## Comparison of TestNG vs JUnit
TestNG and JUnit share many similarities, but they differ in their approach to testing and their features. Here are some of the differences between the two frameworks:

**Annotations**: Both TestNG and JUnit use annotations to mark methods and classes as tests, but TestNG provides more annotations for testing, such as @BeforeGroups, @AfterGroups, @BeforeSuite, and @AfterSuite.

**Parallel Testing**: TestNG supports parallel testing out of the box, whereas JUnit does not. TestNG allows developers to [run tests in parallel](https://www.headspin.io/blog/parallel-testing-a-comprehensive-guide), which can significantly reduce the time it takes to run tests.

**Dependency Testing**: TestNG allows developers to specify dependencies between tests, which means that one test can depend on the successful completion of another test. JUnit does not provide this.

**Data-Driven Testing**: TestNG supports data-driven testing, which allows developers to run the same test with different sets of data. JUnit does not provide this feature.

**Reporting**: TestNG provides more comprehensive reporting than JUnit. TestNG generates HTML reports that show the results of each test, including test execution time, pass/fail status, and stack traces for failed tests.

## Conclusion
TestNG and JUnit are both excellent testing frameworks that are widely used in the Java community. TestNG provides more features than JUnit, such as the ability to run tests in parallel, specify dependencies between tests, and perform data-driven testing. TestNG also provides more comprehensive reporting than JUnit. However, JUnit is simpler and easier to use than TestNG, making it a better choice for small projects or beginners to TestNG vs JUnit depends on the needs of the project and the preferences of the developer.

**More info**: https://www.red-redial.net/testng-vs-junit/

**Image source**: https://www.numpyninja.com/