@Spy for partial mocking in JUnit - Build an Automation Script
import static org.mockito.Mockito.*; import static org.junit.jupiter.api.Assertions.*; import org.junit.jupiter.api.Test; import org.junit.jupiter.api.extension.ExtendWith; import org.mockito.Spy; import org.mockito.junit.jupiter.MockitoExtension; @ExtendWith(MockitoExtension.class) public class CalculatorTest { static class Calculator { public int add(int a, int b) { return a + b; } public int multiply(int a, int b) { return a * b; } } @Spy Calculator calculator; @Test void testPartialMockingWithSpy() { // Stub multiply method to always return 100 when(calculator.multiply(anyInt(), anyInt())).thenReturn(100); // Call add method - real method should be called int sum = calculator.add(5, 3); // Call multiply method - stubbed method should be called int product = calculator.multiply(5, 3); // Verify results assertEquals(8, sum, "Add method should return real sum"); assertEquals(100, product, "Multiply method should return stubbed value"); } }
This test class uses @ExtendWith(MockitoExtension.class) to enable Mockito annotations.
The Calculator class has two methods: add and multiply.
We annotate a Calculator instance with @Spy to create a partial mock. This means real methods are called unless stubbed.
We stub the multiply method to always return 100 regardless of input using when(...).thenReturn(...).
When calling add(5,3), the real method runs and returns 8.
When calling multiply(5,3), the stubbed method runs and returns 100.
Assertions verify these expected results, confirming partial mocking works as intended.
Now add data-driven testing with 3 different input pairs for add and multiply methods using @Spy
Practice
@Spy annotation do in JUnit testing?Solution
Step 1: Understand @Spy purpose
@Spy creates a real instance of the class but allows selective method overriding.Step 2: Compare with other mocking types
Unlike full mocks, spies call real methods unless stubbed.Final Answer:
Creates a real object but allows overriding some methods for partial mocking. -> Option CQuick Check:
@Spy = Partial real object with override [OK]
- Confusing @Spy with @Mock which creates full fake objects
- Thinking @Spy mocks static methods
- Assuming @Spy runs tests automatically
Solution
Step 1: Recognize proper spy initialization
Using @Spy requires calling MockitoAnnotations.openMocks(this) to initialize the spy fields.Step 2: Check other options
@Spy MyClass mySpy = new MyClass(); misses initialization call; C uses mock instead of spy; D tries spying on null which is invalid.Final Answer:
@Spy MyClass mySpy; MockitoAnnotations.openMocks(this); -> Option AQuick Check:
Initialize spies with openMocks(this) [OK]
- Not calling MockitoAnnotations.openMocks(this)
- Confusing spy creation with mock creation
- Trying to spy on null or uninitialized objects
@Spy
List<String> spyList = new ArrayList<>();
@Test
void testSpyList() {
spyList.add("one");
spyList.add("two");
Mockito.doReturn(100).when(spyList).size();
System.out.println(spyList.size());
}Solution
Step 1: Understand spy behavior with doReturn
The spy calls real methods unless stubbed. Here, size() is stubbed to return 100.Step 2: Analyze output of spyList.size()
Despite adding two elements, size() returns 100 due to stubbing.Final Answer:
100 -> Option BQuick Check:
Stubbed spy method returns stub value [OK]
- Expecting real method size() to return actual list size
- Using when(spyList.size()) instead of doReturn for spies
- Forgetting spy initialization causing NullPointerException
@Spy
MyService service;
@Test
void testService() {
service = new MyService();
Mockito.doReturn("mocked").when(service).getData();
assertEquals("mocked", service.getData());
}Solution
Step 1: Check spy initialization
The @Spy field must be initialized by calling MockitoAnnotations.openMocks(this) before use.Step 2: Analyze assignment and usage
Assigning new instance manually is allowed but without initialization, spy won't work properly.Final Answer:
The spy object is not initialized with MockitoAnnotations.openMocks(this). -> Option AQuick Check:
Always init @Spy with openMocks(this) [OK]
- Forgetting to call MockitoAnnotations.openMocks(this)
- Thinking manual assignment replaces initialization
- Believing doReturn can't be used with spies
PaymentProcessor to test only the processPayment() method while keeping other methods real. Which approach using @Spy is best to achieve this?Solution
Step 1: Understand partial mocking goal
Partial mocking means real methods run except those stubbed.Step 2: Choose spy with selective stubbing
Using @Spy and stubbing only processPayment() lets you test that method while others behave normally.Step 3: Evaluate other options
Mocking entire class loses real behavior; overriding all except one is complex; no spy means no partial mocking.Final Answer:
Create a spy of PaymentProcessor and stub only processPayment() method with Mockito.doReturn(). -> Option DQuick Check:
@Spy + stub target method = partial mocking [OK]
- Mocking entire class losing real method calls
- Overriding too many methods manually
- Not using @Spy for partial mocking
Ready to prove it?
Pass the test and this pattern moves unknown
