How to Check Values of a Collection in a Unit Test in C++

Checking the Values of a Collection in a Unit Test in C++

When performing unit tests in C++, checking the values of a collection can be tricky. In order to ensure that all elements within a vector or other STL container are valid and expected, several conditions may need to be verified. The following steps demonstrate how to check the values of a collection with a unit test:

Step One: Define the Expected Values

Before any tests can be executed, it is important to clearly outline what the expected values should be. This will help to identify any issues quickly if something does not match. It also helps to create standards for testing and make sure that the same expectations are used across tests.

Step Two: Iterate Through the Container

Once the expected values have been identified, the next step is to iterate through the container and compare the values with the expected values. A loop such as a for loop or a while loop can be used here.

Step Three: Check the Values

Now that the loop has been set up, the values from the container can be checked. A simple comparison can be used to see if the value is as expected. If there is a mismatch, an error should be thrown so it can be easily identified.

Step Four: Report Results

Once all of the values within the container have been checked, the results should be reported. This will show which tests were successful and which ones failed, helping to quickly identify any problems.

By following these steps, checking the values of a collection in a unit test in C++ can be much easier. With a clear set of expectations and a simple loop, it is possible to make sure that every value is what is expected.