Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Test automation for .NET applications running on AWS (XNT308)

Summary

Dror Helper, a Microsoft specialist solution architect at AWS, discusses strategies for automated testing of .NET applications, specifically ASP.NET Core microservices and AWS Lambda functions.
He emphasizes the importance of automated tests to prevent regressions and ensure code functionality.
The talk covers unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests, including the testing pyramid concept introduced by Mike Cohn.
Dror explains how to handle external dependencies and shared state in tests, using real services or emulated versions.
He demonstrates how to test Lambda functions and microservices, including service-level tests and end-to-end tests.
The session includes examples of using unit testing frameworks, Docker for setting up dependencies, and AWS services like S3 and DynamoDB.
Dror encourages the use of feedback loops and the importance of trust in automated tests.
He provides resources and repositories for attendees to reference for their test automation efforts.

Automated testing is crucial for maintaining the reliability of microservices and serverless architectures, especially when multiple services and external dependencies are involved.
The testing pyramid serves as a guideline for the quantity and scope of tests, suggesting a larger number of unit tests and fewer high-level tests.
Emulated services can be a cost-effective and fast alternative to using real AWS services for testing, but they may not fully replicate the functionality or permissions.
Service-level tests can bridge the gap between unit/integration tests and end-to-end tests, focusing on the requirements of individual services.
End-to-end tests are essential for validating the entire workflow of an application but should be reserved for key scenarios due to their complexity and execution time.
Docker can be effectively used to manage external dependencies during testing, providing a controlled and isolated environment.
Feedback loops and the ability to trust the results of automated tests are critical for a productive development process.
Dror Helper provides practical examples and resources, demonstrating a commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices within the AWS community.