Testing Libraries through QUnit

Building a JavaScript library is one of the few things a developer could do to help propagate JavaScript. Through a library, the developer will be able to reuse the codes in various online applications and eventually share them to other developers who might need the same function.

A library usually takes time to develop especially libraries that offer powerful functions but hosting such functions has never been easier because of free hosting services dedicated to codes and libraries. The developer simply has to create the library and the rest will be taken cared of by various institutions that support JavaScript and Ajax based application.

But a practice any developer should follow before releasing any library online is to run the library through various tests. This can be possible if there's an actual online application that needs the library but there are developers who just created a specific library without any actual application in mind.

On the other hand, launching the library in an Ajax or JavaScript based application does not validate the efficiency of the library. There might be a buggy process that were never used in the application but can come out when they are used in another online application.

A good tester for JavaScript library is QUnit. This type of testing tool come in highly recommended since this was developed by jQuery developers. This tool was also used to test the entire jQuery library to ensure its stability in various applications.

The mere fact that it was created through jQuery is testimony of its efficiency. jQuery has slowly become the leader in JavaScript library because of its extensive functions and ever increasing support. Browser compatibility is not even a problem when developer opts to use jQuery in their application. When you're implementing jQuery functions in your application, you can seek the assistance of QUnit to automatically test the functions and see samples.

But aside from its jQuery roots, QUnit is highly applicable for Ajax and JavaScript because of its support for various XMLHttpRequest functions. Testing XHR is a great plus since it will ensure client side interaction. But testing the XHR for security purposes might not be part of the features of QUnit.

If your only concern is stability for your XHR, this tool can help you a lot. After testing the webpage, you can also ask the QUnit to create the application in HTML format for further investigation of the actual code.

The only downside of this testing tool is that it uses its powerful functions by connecting online. Without internet connection, the testing tool is practically useless. That's where the small tool by Firefox called Firebug comes in handy. The testing tool might not be as powerful compared to QUnit but it will be very handy when you need to test your functions even without internet connection.

Testing JavaScript libraries is a must for every developer and this can be easily achieved with the help of QUnit. Although it will constantly require internet connection, it will ensure stability of the application in various browsers.