ASP.NET Core MVC Interview Question #155

What is WebApplicationFactory in ASP.NET Core testing?

Testing, AJAX/JavaScript Integration, Localization & Advanced MVC Senior Advanced

Quick Interview Answer

WebApplicationFactory<TEntryPoint> creates a test host for an ASP.NET Core application and provides HttpClient instances that send requests through the application's pipeline. It is provided by the Microsoft.AspNetCore.Mvc.Testing package.

Detailed Explanation

Tests can customize services and configuration for the test environment, such as replacing an external dependency or database. Test isolation remains important so one test does not unpredictably affect another.

Code Example

await using var factory =
    new WebApplicationFactory<Program>();

var client = factory.CreateClient();

var response = await client.GetAsync("/Products");

response.EnsureSuccessStatusCode();