From: Caleb Clausen <vikkous@...>
Date: 2010-03-08T01:59:44+09:00
Subject: Re: testing a class method that also is called in initialize

On 3/6/10, Adam Akhtar <adamtemporary@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi im still learning testing and bit confused about testing the
> parse_file method below
>
>
> class Data
>   def initialize a_file
>      @records = parse_file(a_file)
>   end
>
>    def parse_file(a_file)
>       ....
>    end
> end
>
> To test parse_file i must first create a new data object i.e.
>
> sample_data = Data.new("survey")
> then in my test
>
> assert_equal blah, sample_data.parse_file("sample.txt")
>
> but in the test when i create a new data object the the method  will be
> invoked via initialize before ive even tested it which doesnt sit right
> with me.

What harm is going to come of letting parse_file run before the
assertion which tests it? I don't understand your concern.

IMNSHO, the assignment to @records should occur inside of parse_file,
OR parse_file should be private.

> Should i be mocking this? Or is there a simpler solution to this.

Avoid mocks unless they're really necessary.