Testing

Testing

Generate, structure, and run MATLAB unit tests using the matlab.unittest framework. Covers class-based tests, parameterized testing, fixtures, mocking, coverage analysis, CI/CD integration, and app testing via MCP.

When to Use

• User asks to write tests for a MATLAB function or class
• User wants to run an existing test suite
• User needs coverage analysis or CI/CD configuration
• Test-driven development — writing tests before implementation
• Testing App Designer apps with programmatic gestures (see reference/app-testing-guidance.md)

When NOT to Use

• Testing Simulink models — use Simulink test skills
• Performance benchmarking — use profiling workflows

Must-Follow Rules

• Present a test plan first — For non-trivial test suites, propose test methods and edge cases for user approval before writing code
• Always use class-based tests — Every test file must inherit from matlab.unittest.TestCase. Never use script-based tests
• No logic in test methods — No if, switch, for, or try/catch. Follow Arrange-Act-Assert. If a test needs conditionals, split into separate methods
• Test public interfaces, not implementation — Never test private methods directly
• Execute via MCP — Use run_matlab_test_file or evaluate_matlab_code to run tests

Workflow

Simple tests (clear behavior, limited scope)

1. Briefly state what you'll test (methods + key edge cases)
2. Write the test file after user confirms

Standard tests (large codebase, multiple files)

1. Gather requirements — Code to test, expected behaviors, error conditions, scope, dependencies
2. Present test plan — List test methods, edge cases, parameterization strategy for approval
3. Implement — Write tests following the patterns below
4. Run — Execute via run_matlab_test_file MCP tool
5. Check coverage — Identify untested paths, add tests

Key Functions