The main difference between unit and feature tests in Laravel is that unit tests focus on isolated components like classes or methods, while feature tests simulate user interactions. Unit tests check internal logic such as a method returning the correct value, are fast, and do not involve HTTP requests. Feature tests validate how different parts work together from a user’s perspective, including routes, controllers, and responses. To write a unit test, create a test class under tests/Unit/, extend PHPUnit\Framework\TestCase, and test individual behaviors without booting the full framework. For feature tests, use tests/Feature/, simulate HTTP requests with get(), post(), etc., and assert expected outcomes using helper methods like assertRedirect() or assertDatabaseHas(). Both types of tests are essential for comprehensive coverage and reliable applications.
When it comes to testing in Laravel, knowing how to write unit and feature tests is essential for building reliable applications. The main difference lies in what they test: unit tests focus on individual components like classes or methods, while feature tests simulate user interactions with your application.
What’s the Difference Between Unit and Feature Tests?
Understanding the distinction helps you decide which type of test to write.
Unit tests are about checking small, isolated parts of your code — like a service class or a helper function. They're fast and help ensure that logic inside your application behaves as expected without involving HTTP requests or the full framework stack.
Feature tests, on the other hand, test how different parts of your system work together from a user's perspective. This includes testing routes, controllers, forms, and even JSON responses. These tests often simulate browser behavior using Laravel’s built-in tools like the get, post, and assert methods.
For example:
- A unit test might verify that a method in your
InvoiceCalculatorclass returns the correct total. - A feature test might check that submitting a form successfully creates a new invoice and redirects the user to the correct page.
Choosing between them depends on what you're trying to validate. If you’re verifying internal logic, go with unit tests. For user-facing behavior, use feature tests.
How to Structure and Write a Unit Test
Creating a unit test in Laravel starts with setting up a test class. You can generate one using Artisan:
php artisan make:test ExampleUnitTest --unit
This creates a file under tests/Unit/. In this file, you'll typically import necessary classes, set up any mocks or dependencies, and then write test methods.
Here's a basic structure:
use PHPUnit\Framework\TestCase;
class InvoiceCalculatorTest extends TestCase
{
/** @test */
public function it_calculates_total_correctly()
{
$calculator = new InvoiceCalculator();
$total = $calculator->calculate([100, 200]);
$this->assertEquals(300, $total);
}
}A few things to note:
- Extend
PHPUnit\Framework\TestCase, not Laravel’sTests\TestCase. - Don’t boot the entire Laravel app unless needed — this keeps unit tests fast.
- Use descriptive method names and keep each test focused on a single behavior.
If your class uses Laravel-specific features (like facades), you may need to mock them or use Laravel’s testing helpers.
Writing Feature Tests That Mimic Real User Behavior
To create a feature test, run:
php artisan make:test InvoiceFeatureTest
By default, this will be placed in tests/Feature/.
A typical feature test simulates HTTP requests and checks responses. For example:
use Illuminate\Foundation\Testing\RefreshDatabase;
use Tests\TestCase;
class InvoiceTest extends TestCase
{
use RefreshDatabase;
/** @test */
public function user_can_create_an_invoice()
{
$response = $this->post('/invoices', [
'amount' => 500,
'client' => 'Acme Inc.',
]);
$response->assertRedirect('/');
$this->assertDatabaseHas('invoices', ['amount' => 500]);
}
}Key points:
- Use
RefreshDatabaseto reset the database before each test. - Simulate GET, POST, PUT, DELETE requests using
$this->get(),$this->post(), etc. - Chain assertions like
assertStatus(),assertSee(), orassertDatabaseHas()to check results. - You can also test JSON APIs by using
$this->json('GET', '/api/invoices').
These tests give confidence that your endpoints behave correctly when used in real scenarios.
Writing both unit and feature tests gives you solid coverage. Start simple — maybe test a critical service with a unit test, and cover key user flows with feature tests. It’s not complicated, but it does require some practice to know what and how to test.
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