`. It has Angular properties and methods that abstract interaction with the native element. This test calls the `DebugElement.triggerEventHandler` with the "click" event name. The "click" event binding responds by calling `DashboardHeroComponent.click()`. The Angular `DebugElement.triggerEventHandler` can raise _any data-bound event_ by its _event name_. The second parameter is the event object passed to the handler. The test triggered a "click" event with a `null` event object. The test assumes (correctly in this case) that the runtime event handler—the component's `click()` method—doesn't care about the event object.

Other handlers are less forgiving. For example, the `RouterLink` directive expects an object with a `button` property that identifies which mouse button (if any) was pressed during the click. The `RouterLink` directive throws an error if the event object is missing.

#### Click the element The following test alternative calls the native element's own `click()` method, which is perfectly fine for _this component_. {@a click-helper} #### _click()_ helper Clicking a button, an anchor, or an arbitrary HTML element is a common test task. Make that consistent and easy by encapsulating the _click-triggering_ process in a helper such as the `click()` function below: The first parameter is the _element-to-click_. If you wish, you can pass a custom event object as the second parameter. The default is a (partial) left-button mouse event object accepted by many handlers including the `RouterLink` directive.

The `click()` helper function is **not** one of the Angular testing utilities. It's a function defined in _this guide's sample code_. All of the sample tests use it. If you like it, add it to your own collection of helpers.

Here's the previous test, rewritten using the click helper.

{@a component-inside-test-host} ### Component inside a test host The previous tests played the role of the host `DashboardComponent` themselves. But does the `DashboardHeroComponent` work correctly when properly data-bound to a host component? You could test with the actual `DashboardComponent`. But doing so could require a lot of setup, especially when its template features an `*ngFor` repeater, other components, layout HTML, additional bindings, a constructor that injects multiple services, and it starts interacting with those services right away. Imagine the effort to disable these distractions, just to prove a point that can be made satisfactorily with a _test host_ like this one: This test host binds to `DashboardHeroComponent` as the `DashboardComponent` would but without the noise of the `Router`, the `HeroService`, or the `*ngFor` repeater. The test host sets the component's `hero` input property with its test hero. It binds the component's `selected` event with its `onSelected` handler, which records the emitted hero in its `selectedHero` property. Later, the tests will be able to easily check `selectedHero` to verify that the `DashboardHeroComponent.selected` event emitted the expected hero. The setup for the _test-host_ tests is similar to the setup for the stand-alone tests: This testing module configuration shows three important differences: 1. It _declares_ both the `DashboardHeroComponent` and the `TestHostComponent`. 1. It _creates_ the `TestHostComponent` instead of the `DashboardHeroComponent`. 1. The `TestHostComponent` sets the `DashboardHeroComponent.hero` with a binding. The `createComponent` returns a `fixture` that holds an instance of `TestHostComponent` instead of an instance of `DashboardHeroComponent`. Creating the `TestHostComponent` has the side-effect of creating a `DashboardHeroComponent` because the latter appears within the template of the former. The query for the hero element (`heroEl`) still finds it in the test DOM, albeit at greater depth in the element tree than before. The tests themselves are almost identical to the stand-alone version: Only the selected event test differs. It confirms that the selected `DashboardHeroComponent` hero really does find its way up through the event binding to the host component.

{@a routing-component} ### Routing component A _routing component_ is a component that tells the `Router` to navigate to another component. The `DashboardComponent` is a _routing component_ because the user can navigate to the `HeroDetailComponent` by clicking on one of the _hero buttons_ on the dashboard. Routing is pretty complicated. Testing the `DashboardComponent` seemed daunting in part because it involves the `Router`, which it injects together with the `HeroService`. Mocking the `HeroService` with a spy is a [familiar story](#component-with-async-service). But the `Router` has a complicated API and is entwined with other services and application preconditions. Might it be difficult to mock? Fortunately, not in this case because the `DashboardComponent` isn't doing much with the `Router` This is often the case with _routing components_. As a rule you test the component, not the router, and care only if the component navigates with the right address under the given conditions. Providing a router spy for _this component_ test suite happens to be as easy as providing a `HeroService` spy. The following test clicks the displayed hero and confirms that `Router.navigateByUrl` is called with the expected url. {@a routed-component-w-param} ### Routed components A _routed component_ is the destination of a `Router` navigation. It can be trickier to test, especially when the route to the component _includes parameters_. The `HeroDetailComponent` is a _routed component_ that is the destination of such a route. When a user clicks a _Dashboard_ hero, the `DashboardComponent` tells the `Router` to navigate to `heroes/:id`. The `:id` is a route parameter whose value is the `id` of the hero to edit. The `Router` matches that URL to a route to the `HeroDetailComponent`. It creates an `ActivatedRoute` object with the routing information and injects it into a new instance of the `HeroDetailComponent`. Here's the `HeroDetailComponent` constructor: The `HeroDetail` component needs the `id` parameter so it can fetch the corresponding hero via the `HeroDetailService`. The component has to get the `id` from the `ActivatedRoute.paramMap` property which is an `Observable`. It can't just reference the `id` property of the `ActivatedRoute.paramMap`. The component has to _subscribe_ to the `ActivatedRoute.paramMap` observable and be prepared for the `id` to change during its lifetime.

The [ActivatedRoute in action](guide/router#activated-route-in-action) section of the [Router](guide/router) guide covers `ActivatedRoute.paramMap` in more detail.

Tests can explore how the `HeroDetailComponent` responds to different `id` parameter values by manipulating the `ActivatedRoute` injected into the component's constructor. You know how to spy on the `Router` and a data service. You'll take a different approach with `ActivatedRoute` because - `paramMap` returns an `Observable` that can emit more than one value during a test. - You need the router helper function, `convertToParamMap()`, to create a `ParamMap`. - Other _routed component_ tests need a test double for `ActivatedRoute`. These differences argue for a re-usable stub class. #### _ActivatedRouteStub_ The following `ActivatedRouteStub` class serves as a test double for `ActivatedRoute`. Consider placing such helpers in a `testing` folder sibling to the `app` folder. This sample puts `ActivatedRouteStub` in `testing/activated-route-stub.ts`.

Consider writing a more capable version of this stub class with the [_marble testing library_](#marble-testing).

{@a tests-w-test-double} #### Testing with _ActivatedRouteStub_ Here's a test demonstrating the component's behavior when the observed `id` refers to an existing hero:

The `createComponent()` method and `page` object are discussed [below](#page-object). Rely on your intuition for now.

When the `id` cannot be found, the component should re-route to the `HeroListComponent`. The test suite setup provided the same router spy [described above](#routing-component) which spies on the router without actually navigating. This test expects the component to try to navigate to the `HeroListComponent`. While this app doesn't have a route to the `HeroDetailComponent` that omits the `id` parameter, it might add such a route someday. The component should do something reasonable when there is no `id`. In this implementation, the component should create and display a new hero. New heroes have `id=0` and a blank `name`. This test confirms that the component behaves as expected:

### Nested component tests Component templates often have nested components, whose templates may contain more components. The component tree can be very deep and, most of the time, the nested components play no role in testing the component at the top of the tree. The `AppComponent`, for example, displays a navigation bar with anchors and their `RouterLink` directives. While the `AppComponent` _class_ is empty, you may want to write unit tests to confirm that the links are wired properly to the `RouterLink` directives, perhaps for the reasons [explained below](#why-stubbed-routerlink-tests). To validate the links, you don't need the `Router` to navigate and you don't need the `` to mark where the `Router` inserts _routed components_. The `BannerComponent` and `WelcomeComponent` (indicated by `` and ``) are also irrelevant. Yet any test that creates the `AppComponent` in the DOM will also create instances of these three components and, if you let that happen, you'll have to configure the `TestBed` to create them. If you neglect to declare them, the Angular compiler won't recognize the ``, ``, and `` tags in the `AppComponent` template and will throw an error. If you declare the real components, you'll also have to declare _their_ nested components and provide for _all_ services injected in _any_ component in the tree. That's too much effort just to answer a few simple questions about links. This section describes two techniques for minimizing the setup. Use them, alone or in combination, to stay focused on the testing the primary component. {@a stub-component} ##### Stubbing unneeded components In the first technique, you create and declare stub versions of the components and directive that play little or no role in the tests. The stub selectors match the selectors for the corresponding real components. But their templates and classes are empty. Then declare them in the `TestBed` configuration next to the components, directives, and pipes that need to be real. The `AppComponent` is the test subject, so of course you declare the real version. The `RouterLinkDirectiveStub`, [described later](#routerlink), is a test version of the real `RouterLink` that helps with the link tests. The rest are stubs. {@a no-errors-schema} #### _NO_ERRORS_SCHEMA_ In the second approach, add `NO_ERRORS_SCHEMA` to the `TestBed.schemas` metadata. The `NO_ERRORS_SCHEMA` tells the Angular compiler to ignore unrecognized elements and attributes. The compiler will recognize the `` element and the `routerLink` attribute because you declared a corresponding `AppComponent` and `RouterLinkDirectiveStub` in the `TestBed` configuration. But the compiler won't throw an error when it encounters ``, ``, or ``. It simply renders them as empty tags and the browser ignores them. You no longer need the stub components. #### Use both techniques together These are techniques for _Shallow Component Testing_ , so-named because they reduce the visual surface of the component to just those elements in the component's template that matter for tests. The `NO_ERRORS_SCHEMA` approach is the easier of the two but don't overuse it. The `NO_ERRORS_SCHEMA` also prevents the compiler from telling you about the missing components and attributes that you omitted inadvertently or misspelled. You could waste hours chasing phantom bugs that the compiler would have caught in an instant. The _stub component_ approach has another advantage. While the stubs in _this_ example were empty, you could give them stripped-down templates and classes if your tests need to interact with them in some way. In practice you will combine the two techniques in the same setup, as seen in this example. The Angular compiler creates the `BannerComponentStub` for the `` element and applies the `RouterLinkStubDirective` to the anchors with the `routerLink` attribute, but it ignores the `` and `` tags.

{@a routerlink} ### Components with _RouterLink_ The real `RouterLinkDirective` is quite complicated and entangled with other components and directives of the `RouterModule`. It requires challenging setup to mock and use in tests. The `RouterLinkDirectiveStub` in this sample code replaces the real directive with an alternative version designed to validate the kind of anchor tag wiring seen in the `AppComponent` template. The URL bound to the `[routerLink]` attribute flows in to the directive's `linkParams` property. The `HostListener` wires the click event of the host element (the `` anchor elements in `AppComponent`) to the stub directive's `onClick` method. Clicking the anchor should trigger the `onClick()` method, which sets the stub's telltale `navigatedTo` property. Tests inspect `navigatedTo` to confirm that clicking the anchor set the expected route definition.

Whether the router is configured properly to navigate with that route definition is a question for a separate set of tests.

{@a by-directive} {@a inject-directive} #### _By.directive_ and injected directives A little more setup triggers the initial data binding and gets references to the navigation links: Three points of special interest: 1. You can locate the anchor elements with an attached directive using `By.directive`. 1. The query returns `DebugElement` wrappers around the matching elements. 1. Each `DebugElement` exposes a dependency injector with the specific instance of the directive attached to that element. The `AppComponent` links to validate are as follows: {@a app-component-tests} Here are some tests that confirm those links are wired to the `routerLink` directives as expected:

The "click" test _in this example_ is misleading. It tests the `RouterLinkDirectiveStub` rather than the _component_. This is a common failing of directive stubs. It has a legitimate purpose in this guide. It demonstrates how to find a `RouterLink` element, click it, and inspect a result, without engaging the full router machinery. This is a skill you may need to test a more sophisticated component, one that changes the display, re-calculates parameters, or re-arranges navigation options when the user clicks the link.

{@a why-stubbed-routerlink-tests} #### What good are these tests? Stubbed `RouterLink` tests can confirm that a component with links and an outlet is setup properly, that the component has the links it should have, and that they are all pointing in the expected direction. These tests do not concern whether the app will succeed in navigating to the target component when the user clicks a link. Stubbing the RouterLink and RouterOutlet is the best option for such limited testing goals. Relying on the real router would make them brittle. They could fail for reasons unrelated to the component. For example, a navigation guard could prevent an unauthorized user from visiting the `HeroListComponent`. That's not the fault of the `AppComponent` and no change to that component could cure the failed test. A _different_ battery of tests can explore whether the application navigates as expected in the presence of conditions that influence guards such as whether the user is authenticated and authorized.

A future guide update will explain how to write such tests with the `RouterTestingModule`.

{@a page-object} ### Use a _page_ object The `HeroDetailComponent` is a simple view with a title, two hero fields, and two buttons. But there's plenty of template complexity even in this simple form. Tests that exercise the component need ... - to wait until a hero arrives before elements appear in the DOM. - a reference to the title text. - a reference to the name input box to inspect and set it. - references to the two buttons so they can click them. - spies for some of the component and router methods. Even a small form such as this one can produce a mess of tortured conditional setup and CSS element selection. Tame the complexity with a `Page` class that handles access to component properties and encapsulates the logic that sets them. Here is such a `Page` class for the `hero-detail.component.spec.ts` Now the important hooks for component manipulation and inspection are neatly organized and accessible from an instance of `Page`. A `createComponent` method creates a `page` object and fills in the blanks once the `hero` arrives. The [_HeroDetailComponent_ tests](#tests-w-test-double) in an earlier section demonstrate how `createComponent` and `page` keep the tests short and _on message_. There are no distractions: no waiting for promises to resolve and no searching the DOM for element values to compare. Here are a few more `HeroDetailComponent` tests to reinforce the point.

{@a compile-components} ### Calling _compileComponents()_

You can ignore this section if you _only_ run tests with the CLI `ng test` command because the CLI compiles the application before running the tests.

If you run tests in a **non-CLI environment**, the tests may fail with a message like this one: Error: This test module uses the component BannerComponent which is using a "templateUrl" or "styleUrls", but they were never compiled. Please call "TestBed.compileComponents" before your test. The root of the problem is at least one of the components involved in the test specifies an external template or CSS file as the following version of the `BannerComponent` does. The test fails when the `TestBed` tries to create the component. Recall that the app hasn't been compiled. So when you call `createComponent()`, the `TestBed` compiles implicitly. That's not a problem when the source code is in memory. But the `BannerComponent` requires external files that the compiler must read from the file system, an inherently _asynchronous_ operation. If the `TestBed` were allowed to continue, the tests would run and fail mysteriously before the compiler could finished. The preemptive error message tells you to compile explicitly with `compileComponents()`. #### _compileComponents()_ is async You must call `compileComponents()` within an asynchronous test function.

If you neglect to make the test function async (e.g., forget to use `async()` as described below), you'll see this error message Error: ViewDestroyedError: Attempt to use a destroyed view

A typical approach is to divide the setup logic into two separate `beforeEach()` functions: 1. An async `beforeEach()` that compiles the components 1. A synchronous `beforeEach()` that performs the remaining setup. To follow this pattern, import the `async()` helper with the other testing symbols. #### The async _beforeEach_ Write the first async `beforeEach` like this. The `async()` helper function takes a parameterless function with the body of the setup. The `TestBed.configureTestingModule()` method returns the `TestBed` class so you can chain calls to other `TestBed` static methods such as `compileComponents()`. In this example, the `BannerComponent` is the only component to compile. Other examples configure the testing module with multiple components and may import application modules that hold yet more components. Any of them could be require external files. The `TestBed.compileComponents` method asynchronously compiles all components configured in the testing module.

Do not re-configure the `TestBed` after calling `compileComponents()`.

Calling `compileComponents()` closes the current `TestBed` instance to further configuration. You cannot call any more `TestBed` configuration methods, not `configureTestingModule()` nor any of the `override...` methods. The `TestBed` throws an error if you try. Make `compileComponents()` the last step before calling `TestBed.createComponent()`. #### The synchronous _beforeEach_ The second, synchronous `beforeEach()` contains the remaining setup steps, which include creating the component and querying for elements to inspect. You can count on the test runner to wait for the first asynchronous `beforeEach` to finish before calling the second. #### Consolidated setup You can consolidate the two `beforeEach()` functions into a single, async `beforeEach()`. The `compileComponents()` method returns a promise so you can perform the synchronous setup tasks _after_ compilation by moving the synchronous code into a `then(...)` callback. #### _compileComponents()_ is harmless There's no harm in calling `compileComponents()` when it's not required. The component test file generated by the CLI calls `compileComponents()` even though it is never required when running `ng test`. The tests in this guide only call `compileComponents` when necessary.

{@a import-module} ### Setup with module imports Earlier component tests configured the testing module with a few `declarations` like this: The `DashboardComponent` is simple. It needs no help. But more complex components often depend on other components, directives, pipes, and providers and these must be added to the testing module too. Fortunately, the `TestBed.configureTestingModule` parameter parallels the metadata passed to the `@NgModule` decorator which means you can also specify `providers` and `imports`. The `HeroDetailComponent` requires a lot of help despite its small size and simple construction. In addition to the support it receives from the default testing module `CommonModule`, it needs: - `NgModel` and friends in the `FormsModule` to enable two-way data binding. - The `TitleCasePipe` from the `shared` folder. - Router services (which these tests are stubbing). - Hero data access services (also stubbed). One approach is to configure the testing module from the individual pieces as in this example:

Notice that the `beforeEach()` is asynchronous and calls `TestBed.compileComponents` because the `HeroDetailComponent` has an external template and css file. As explained in [_Calling compileComponents()_](#compile-components) above, these tests could be run in a non-CLI environment where Angular would have to compile them in the browser.

#### Import a shared module Because many app components need the `FormsModule` and the `TitleCasePipe`, the developer created a `SharedModule` to combine these and other frequently requested parts. The test configuration can use the `SharedModule` too as seen in this alternative setup: It's a bit tighter and smaller, with fewer import statements (not shown). {@a feature-module-import} #### Import a feature module The `HeroDetailComponent` is part of the `HeroModule` [Feature Module](guide/feature-modules) that aggregates more of the interdependent pieces including the `SharedModule`. Try a test configuration that imports the `HeroModule` like this one: That's _really_ crisp. Only the _test doubles_ in the `providers` remain. Even the `HeroDetailComponent` declaration is gone. In fact, if you try to declare it, Angular will throw an error because `HeroDetailComponent` is declared in both the `HeroModule` and the `DynamicTestModule` created by the `TestBed`.

Importing the component's feature module can be the easiest way to configure tests when there are many mutual dependencies within the module and the module is small, as feature modules tend to be.

{@a component-override} ### Override component providers The `HeroDetailComponent` provides its own `HeroDetailService`. It's not possible to stub the component's `HeroDetailService` in the `providers` of the `TestBed.configureTestingModule`. Those are providers for the _testing module_, not the component. They prepare the dependency injector at the _fixture level_. Angular creates the component with its _own_ injector, which is a _child_ of the fixture injector. It registers the component's providers (the `HeroDetailService` in this case) with the child injector. A test cannot get to child injector services from the fixture injector. And `TestBed.configureTestingModule` can't configure them either. Angular has been creating new instances of the real `HeroDetailService` all along!

These tests could fail or timeout if the `HeroDetailService` made its own XHR calls to a remote server. There might not be a remote server to call. Fortunately, the `HeroDetailService` delegates responsibility for remote data access to an injected `HeroService`. The [previous test configuration](#feature-module-import) replaces the real `HeroService` with a `TestHeroService` that intercepts server requests and fakes their responses.

What if you aren't so lucky. What if faking the `HeroService` is hard? What if `HeroDetailService` makes its own server requests? The `TestBed.overrideComponent` method can replace the component's `providers` with easy-to-manage _test doubles_ as seen in the following setup variation: Notice that `TestBed.configureTestingModule` no longer provides a (fake) `HeroService` because it's [not needed](#spy-stub). {@a override-component-method} #### The _overrideComponent_ method Focus on the `overrideComponent` method. It takes two arguments: the component type to override (`HeroDetailComponent`) and an override metadata object. The [override metadata object](#metadata-override-object) is a generic defined as follows: type MetadataOverride<T> = { add?: Partial<T>; remove?: Partial<T>; set?: Partial<T>; }; A metadata override object can either add-and-remove elements in metadata properties or completely reset those properties. This example resets the component's `providers` metadata. The type parameter, `T`, is the kind of metadata you'd pass to the `@Component` decorator: selector?: string; template?: string; templateUrl?: string; providers?: any[]; ... {@a spy-stub} #### Provide a _spy stub_ (_HeroDetailServiceSpy_) This example completely replaces the component's `providers` array with a new array containing a `HeroDetailServiceSpy`. The `HeroDetailServiceSpy` is a stubbed version of the real `HeroDetailService` that fakes all necessary features of that service. It neither injects nor delegates to the lower level `HeroService` so there's no need to provide a test double for that. The related `HeroDetailComponent` tests will assert that methods of the `HeroDetailService` were called by spying on the service methods. Accordingly, the stub implements its methods as spies: {@a override-tests} #### The override tests Now the tests can control the component's hero directly by manipulating the spy-stub's `testHero` and confirm that service methods were called. {@a more-overrides} #### More overrides The `TestBed.overrideComponent` method can be called multiple times for the same or different components. The `TestBed` offers similar `overrideDirective`, `overrideModule`, and `overridePipe` methods for digging into and replacing parts of these other classes. Explore the options and combinations on your own.

{@a attribute-directive} ## Attribute Directive Testing An _attribute directive_ modifies the behavior of an element, component or another directive. Its name reflects the way the directive is applied: as an attribute on a host element. The sample application's `HighlightDirective` sets the background color of an element based on either a data bound color or a default color (lightgray). It also sets a custom property of the element (`customProperty`) to `true` for no reason other than to show that it can. It's used throughout the application, perhaps most simply in the `AboutComponent`: Testing the specific use of the `HighlightDirective` within the `AboutComponent` requires only the techniques explored above (in particular the ["Shallow test"](#nested-component-tests) approach). However, testing a single use case is unlikely to explore the full range of a directive's capabilities. Finding and testing all components that use the directive is tedious, brittle, and almost as unlikely to afford full coverage. _Class-only tests_ might be helpful, but attribute directives like this one tend to manipulate the DOM. Isolated unit tests don't touch the DOM and, therefore, do not inspire confidence in the directive's efficacy. A better solution is to create an artificial test component that demonstrates all ways to apply the directive.

The `` case binds the `HighlightDirective` to the name of a color value in the input box. The initial value is the word "cyan" which should be the background color of the input box.

Here are some tests of this component: A few techniques are noteworthy: - The `By.directive` predicate is a great way to get the elements that have this directive _when their element types are unknown_. - The `:not` pseudo-class in `By.css('h2:not([highlight])')` helps find `

` elements that _do not_ have the directive. `By.css('*:not([highlight])')` finds _any_ element that does not have the directive. - `DebugElement.styles` affords access to element styles even in the absence of a real browser, thanks to the `DebugElement` abstraction. But feel free to exploit the `nativeElement` when that seems easier or more clear than the abstraction. - Angular adds a directive to the injector of the element to which it is applied. The test for the default color uses the injector of the second `

` to get its `HighlightDirective` instance and its `defaultColor`. - `DebugElement.properties` affords access to the artificial custom property that is set by the directive.
## Pipe Testing Pipes are easy to test without the Angular testing utilities. A pipe class has one method, `transform`, that manipulates the input value into a transformed output value. The `transform` implementation rarely interacts with the DOM. Most pipes have no dependence on Angular other than the `@Pipe` metadata and an interface. Consider a `TitleCasePipe` that capitalizes the first letter of each word. Here's a naive implementation with a regular expression. Anything that uses a regular expression is worth testing thoroughly. Use simple Jasmine to explore the expected cases and the edge cases. {@a write-tests} #### Write DOM tests too These are tests of the pipe _in isolation_. They can't tell if the `TitleCasePipe` is working properly as applied in the application components. Consider adding component tests such as this one:
{@a test-debugging} ## Test debugging Debug specs in the browser in the same way that you debug an application. 1. Reveal the Karma browser window (hidden earlier). 1. Click the DEBUG button; it opens a new browser tab and re-runs the tests. 1. Open the browser's “Developer Tools” (`Ctrl-Shift-I` on Windows; `Command-Option-I` in macOS). 1. Pick the "sources" section. 1. Open the `1st.spec.ts` test file (Control/Command-P, then start typing the name of the file). 1. Set a breakpoint in the test. 1. Refresh the browser, and it stops at the breakpoint.

{@a atu-apis} ## Testing Utility APIs This section takes inventory of the most useful Angular testing features and summarizes what they do. The Angular testing utilities include the `TestBed`, the `ComponentFixture`, and a handful of functions that control the test environment. The [_TestBed_](#testbed-api-summary) and [_ComponentFixture_](#component-fixture-api-summary) classes are covered separately. Here's a summary of the stand-alone functions, in order of likely utility:

Function Description

`async` Runs the body of a test (`it`) or setup (`beforeEach`) function within a special _async test zone_. See [discussion above](#async).

`fakeAsync` Runs the body of a test (`it`) within a special _fakeAsync test zone_, enabling a linear control flow coding style. See [discussion above](#fake-async).

`tick` Simulates the passage of time and the completion of pending asynchronous activities by flushing both _timer_ and _micro-task_ queues within the _fakeAsync test zone_.
The curious, dedicated reader might enjoy this lengthy blog post, ["_Tasks, microtasks, queues and schedules_"](https://jakearchibald.com/2015/tasks-microtasks-queues-and-schedules/).
Accepts an optional argument that moves the virtual clock forward by the specified number of milliseconds, clearing asynchronous activities scheduled within that timeframe. See [discussion above](#tick).

`inject` Injects one or more services from the current `TestBed` injector into a test function. It cannot inject a service provided by the component itself. See discussion of the [debugElement.injector](#get-injected-services).

`discardPeriodicTasks` When a `fakeAsync()` test ends with pending timer event _tasks_ (queued `setTimeOut` and `setInterval` callbacks), the test fails with a clear error message. In general, a test should end with no queued tasks. When pending timer tasks are expected, call `discardPeriodicTasks` to flush the _task_ queue and avoid the error.

`flushMicrotasks` When a `fakeAsync()` test ends with pending _micro-tasks_ such as unresolved promises, the test fails with a clear error message. In general, a test should wait for micro-tasks to finish. When pending microtasks are expected, call `flushMicrotasks` to flush the _micro-task_ queue and avoid the error.

`ComponentFixtureAutoDetect` A provider token for a service that turns on [automatic change detection](#automatic-change-detection).

`getTestBed` Gets the current instance of the `TestBed`. Usually unnecessary because the static class methods of the `TestBed` class are typically sufficient. The `TestBed` instance exposes a few rarely used members that are not available as static methods.

{@a testbed-class-summary} #### _TestBed_ class summary The `TestBed` class is one of the principal Angular testing utilities. Its API is quite large and can be overwhelming until you've explored it, a little at a time. Read the early part of this guide first to get the basics before trying to absorb the full API. The module definition passed to `configureTestingModule` is a subset of the `@NgModule` metadata properties. type TestModuleMetadata = { providers?: any[]; declarations?: any[]; imports?: any[]; schemas?: Array<SchemaMetadata | any[]>; }; {@a metadata-override-object} Each override method takes a `MetadataOverride` where `T` is the kind of metadata appropriate to the method, that is, the parameter of an `@NgModule`, `@Component`, `@Directive`, or `@Pipe`. type MetadataOverride<T> = { add?: Partial<T>; remove?: Partial<T>; set?: Partial<T>; }; {@a testbed-methods} {@a testbed-api-summary} The `TestBed` API consists of static class methods that either update or reference a _global_ instance of the `TestBed`. Internally, all static methods cover methods of the current runtime `TestBed` instance, which is also returned by the `getTestBed()` function. Call `TestBed` methods _within_ a `beforeEach()` to ensure a fresh start before each individual test. Here are the most important static methods, in order of likely utility.

Methods Description

`configureTestingModule` The testing shims (`karma-test-shim`, `browser-test-shim`) establish the [initial test environment](guide/testing) and a default testing module. The default testing module is configured with basic declaratives and some Angular service substitutes that every tester needs. Call `configureTestingModule` to refine the testing module configuration for a particular set of tests by adding and removing imports, declarations (of components, directives, and pipes), and providers.

`compileComponents` Compile the testing module asynchronously after you've finished configuring it. You must call this method if _any_ of the testing module components have a `templateUrl` or `styleUrls` because fetching component template and style files is necessarily asynchronous. See [above](#compile-components). After calling `compileComponents`, the `TestBed` configuration is frozen for the duration of the current spec.

`createComponent` Create an instance of a component of type `T` based on the current `TestBed` configuration. After calling `compileComponent`, the `TestBed` configuration is frozen for the duration of the current spec.

`overrideModule` Replace metadata for the given `NgModule`. Recall that modules can import other modules. The `overrideModule` method can reach deeply into the current testing module to modify one of these inner modules.

`overrideComponent` Replace metadata for the given component class, which could be nested deeply within an inner module.

`overrideDirective` Replace metadata for the given directive class, which could be nested deeply within an inner module.

`overridePipe` Replace metadata for the given pipe class, which could be nested deeply within an inner module.

{@a testbed-inject} `inject` Retrieve a service from the current `TestBed` injector. The `inject` function is often adequate for this purpose. But `inject` throws an error if it can't provide the service. What if the service is optional? The `TestBed.inject()` method takes an optional second parameter, the object to return if Angular can't find the provider (`null` in this example): After calling `TestBed.inject`, the `TestBed` configuration is frozen for the duration of the current spec.

{@a testbed-initTestEnvironment} `initTestEnvironment` Initialize the testing environment for the entire test run. The testing shims (`karma-test-shim`, `browser-test-shim`) call it for you so there is rarely a reason for you to call it yourself. You may call this method _exactly once_. If you must change this default in the middle of your test run, call `resetTestEnvironment` first. Specify the Angular compiler factory, a `PlatformRef`, and a default Angular testing module. Alternatives for non-browser platforms are available in the general form `@angular/platform-/testing/`.

`resetTestEnvironment` Reset the initial test environment, including the default testing module.

A few of the `TestBed` instance methods are not covered by static `TestBed` _class_ methods. These are rarely needed. {@a component-fixture-api-summary} #### The _ComponentFixture_ The `TestBed.createComponent` creates an instance of the component `T` and returns a strongly typed `ComponentFixture` for that component. The `ComponentFixture` properties and methods provide access to the component, its DOM representation, and aspects of its Angular environment. {@a component-fixture-properties} #### _ComponentFixture_ properties Here are the most important properties for testers, in order of likely utility.

Properties Description

`componentInstance` The instance of the component class created by `TestBed.createComponent`.

`debugElement` The `DebugElement` associated with the root element of the component. The `debugElement` provides insight into the component and its DOM element during test and debugging. It's a critical property for testers. The most interesting members are covered [below](#debug-element-details).

`nativeElement` The native DOM element at the root of the component.

`changeDetectorRef` The `ChangeDetectorRef` for the component. The `ChangeDetectorRef` is most valuable when testing a component that has the `ChangeDetectionStrategy.OnPush` method or the component's change detection is under your programmatic control.

{@a component-fixture-methods} #### _ComponentFixture_ methods The _fixture_ methods cause Angular to perform certain tasks on the component tree. Call these method to trigger Angular behavior in response to simulated user action. Here are the most useful methods for testers.

Methods Description

`detectChanges` Trigger a change detection cycle for the component. Call it to initialize the component (it calls `ngOnInit`) and after your test code, change the component's data bound property values. Angular can't see that you've changed `personComponent.name` and won't update the `name` binding until you call `detectChanges`. Runs `checkNoChanges` afterwards to confirm that there are no circular updates unless called as `detectChanges(false)`;

`autoDetectChanges` Set this to `true` when you want the fixture to detect changes automatically. When autodetect is `true`, the test fixture calls `detectChanges` immediately after creating the component. Then it listens for pertinent zone events and calls `detectChanges` accordingly. When your test code modifies component property values directly, you probably still have to call `fixture.detectChanges` to trigger data binding updates. The default is `false`. Testers who prefer fine control over test behavior tend to keep it `false`.

`checkNoChanges` Do a change detection run to make sure there are no pending changes. Throws an exceptions if there are.

`isStable` If the fixture is currently _stable_, returns `true`. If there are async tasks that have not completed, returns `false`.

`whenStable` Returns a promise that resolves when the fixture is stable. To resume testing after completion of asynchronous activity or asynchronous change detection, hook that promise. See [above](#when-stable).

`destroy` Trigger component destruction.

{@a debug-element-details} #### _DebugElement_ The `DebugElement` provides crucial insights into the component's DOM representation. From the test root component's `DebugElement` returned by `fixture.debugElement`, you can walk (and query) the fixture's entire element and component subtrees. Here are the most useful `DebugElement` members for testers, in approximate order of utility:

Member Description

`nativeElement` The corresponding DOM element in the browser (null for WebWorkers).

`query` Calling `query(predicate: Predicate)` returns the first `DebugElement` that matches the [predicate](#query-predicate) at any depth in the subtree.

`queryAll` Calling `queryAll(predicate: Predicate)` returns all `DebugElements` that matches the [predicate](#query-predicate) at any depth in subtree.

`injector` The host dependency injector. For example, the root element's component instance injector.

`componentInstance` The element's own component instance, if it has one.

`context` An object that provides parent context for this element. Often an ancestor component instance that governs this element. When an element is repeated within `ngFor`, the context is an `NgForRow` whose `$implicit` property is the value of the row instance value. For example, the `hero` in `ngFor="let hero of heroes"`.

`children` The immediate `DebugElement` children. Walk the tree by descending through `children`.
`DebugElement` also has `childNodes`, a list of `DebugNode` objects. `DebugElement` derives from `DebugNode` objects and there are often more nodes than elements. Testers can usually ignore plain nodes.

`parent` The `DebugElement` parent. Null if this is the root element.

`name` The element tag name, if it is an element.

`triggerEventHandler` Triggers the event by its name if there is a corresponding listener in the element's `listeners` collection. The second parameter is the _event object_ expected by the handler. See [above](#trigger-event-handler). If the event lacks a listener or there's some other problem, consider calling `nativeElement.dispatchEvent(eventObject)`.

`listeners` The callbacks attached to the component's `@Output` properties and/or the element's event properties.

`providerTokens` This component's injector lookup tokens. Includes the component itself plus the tokens that the component lists in its `providers` metadata.

`source` Where to find this element in the source component template.

`references` Dictionary of objects associated with template local variables (e.g. `#foo`), keyed by the local variable name.

{@a query-predicate} The `DebugElement.query(predicate)` and `DebugElement.queryAll(predicate)` methods take a predicate that filters the source element's subtree for matching `DebugElement`. The predicate is any method that takes a `DebugElement` and returns a _truthy_ value. The following example finds all `DebugElements` with a reference to a template local variable named "content": The Angular `By` class has three static methods for common predicates: - `By.all` - return all elements. - `By.css(selector)` - return elements with matching CSS selectors. - `By.directive(directive)` - return elements that Angular matched to an instance of the directive class.
{@a useful-tips} ## Useful tips {@a q-spec-file-location} #### Place your spec file next to the file it tests It's a good idea to put unit test spec files in the same folder as the application source code files that they test: - Such tests are easy to find. - You see at a glance if a part of your application lacks tests. - Nearby tests can reveal how a part works in context. - When you move the source (inevitable), you remember to move the test. - When you rename the source file (inevitable), you remember to rename the test file. {@a q-specs-in-test-folder} #### Place your spec files in a test folder Application integration specs can test the interactions of multiple parts spread across folders and modules. They don't really belong to any part in particular, so they don't have a natural home next to any one file. It's often better to create an appropriate folder for them in the `tests` directory. Of course specs that test the test helpers belong in the `test` folder, next to their corresponding helper files. {@a q-kiss} #### Keep it simple [Component class testing](#component-class-testing) should be kept very clean and simple. It should test only a single unit. On a first glance, you should be able to understand what the test is testing. If it's doing more, then it doesn't belong here. {@a q-end-to-end} #### Use E2E (end-to-end) to test more than a single unit E2E tests are great for high-level validation of the entire system. But they can't give you the comprehensive test coverage that you'd expect from unit tests. E2E tests are difficult to write and perform poorly compared to unit tests. They break easily, often due to changes or misbehavior far removed from the site of breakage. E2E tests can't easily reveal how your components behave when things go wrong, such as missing or bad data, lost connectivity, and remote service failures. E2E tests for apps that update a database, send an invoice, or charge a credit card require special tricks and back-doors to prevent accidental corruption of remote resources. It can even be hard to navigate to the component you want to test. Because of these many obstacles, you should test DOM interaction with unit testing techniques as much as possible.

Function	Description
`async`	Runs the body of a test (`it`) or setup (`beforeEach`) function within a special _async test zone_. See [discussion above](#async).
`fakeAsync`	Runs the body of a test (`it`) within a special _fakeAsync test zone_, enabling a linear control flow coding style. See [discussion above](#fake-async).
`tick`	Simulates the passage of time and the completion of pending asynchronous activities by flushing both _timer_ and _micro-task_ queues within the _fakeAsync test zone_. The curious, dedicated reader might enjoy this lengthy blog post, ["_Tasks, microtasks, queues and schedules_"](https://jakearchibald.com/2015/tasks-microtasks-queues-and-schedules/). Accepts an optional argument that moves the virtual clock forward by the specified number of milliseconds, clearing asynchronous activities scheduled within that timeframe. See [discussion above](#tick).
`inject`	Injects one or more services from the current `TestBed` injector into a test function. It cannot inject a service provided by the component itself. See discussion of the [debugElement.injector](#get-injected-services).
`discardPeriodicTasks`	When a `fakeAsync()` test ends with pending timer event _tasks_ (queued `setTimeOut` and `setInterval` callbacks), the test fails with a clear error message. In general, a test should end with no queued tasks. When pending timer tasks are expected, call `discardPeriodicTasks` to flush the _task_ queue and avoid the error.
`flushMicrotasks`	When a `fakeAsync()` test ends with pending _micro-tasks_ such as unresolved promises, the test fails with a clear error message. In general, a test should wait for micro-tasks to finish. When pending microtasks are expected, call `flushMicrotasks` to flush the _micro-task_ queue and avoid the error.
`ComponentFixtureAutoDetect`	A provider token for a service that turns on [automatic change detection](#automatic-change-detection).
`getTestBed`	Gets the current instance of the `TestBed`. Usually unnecessary because the static class methods of the `TestBed` class are typically sufficient. The `TestBed` instance exposes a few rarely used members that are not available as static methods.

Methods	Description
`configureTestingModule`	The testing shims (`karma-test-shim`, `browser-test-shim`) establish the [initial test environment](guide/testing) and a default testing module. The default testing module is configured with basic declaratives and some Angular service substitutes that every tester needs. Call `configureTestingModule` to refine the testing module configuration for a particular set of tests by adding and removing imports, declarations (of components, directives, and pipes), and providers.
`compileComponents`	Compile the testing module asynchronously after you've finished configuring it. You must call this method if _any_ of the testing module components have a `templateUrl` or `styleUrls` because fetching component template and style files is necessarily asynchronous. See [above](#compile-components). After calling `compileComponents`, the `TestBed` configuration is frozen for the duration of the current spec.
`createComponent`	Create an instance of a component of type `T` based on the current `TestBed` configuration. After calling `compileComponent`, the `TestBed` configuration is frozen for the duration of the current spec.
`overrideModule`	Replace metadata for the given `NgModule`. Recall that modules can import other modules. The `overrideModule` method can reach deeply into the current testing module to modify one of these inner modules.
`overrideComponent`	Replace metadata for the given component class, which could be nested deeply within an inner module.
`overrideDirective`	Replace metadata for the given directive class, which could be nested deeply within an inner module.
`overridePipe`	Replace metadata for the given pipe class, which could be nested deeply within an inner module.
{@a testbed-inject} `inject`	Retrieve a service from the current `TestBed` injector. The `inject` function is often adequate for this purpose. But `inject` throws an error if it can't provide the service. What if the service is optional? The `TestBed.inject()` method takes an optional second parameter, the object to return if Angular can't find the provider (`null` in this example): After calling `TestBed.inject`, the `TestBed` configuration is frozen for the duration of the current spec.
{@a testbed-initTestEnvironment} `initTestEnvironment`	Initialize the testing environment for the entire test run. The testing shims (`karma-test-shim`, `browser-test-shim`) call it for you so there is rarely a reason for you to call it yourself. You may call this method _exactly once_. If you must change this default in the middle of your test run, call `resetTestEnvironment` first. Specify the Angular compiler factory, a `PlatformRef`, and a default Angular testing module. Alternatives for non-browser platforms are available in the general form `@angular/platform-/testing/`.
`resetTestEnvironment`	Reset the initial test environment, including the default testing module.

Properties	Description
`componentInstance`	The instance of the component class created by `TestBed.createComponent`.
`debugElement`	The `DebugElement` associated with the root element of the component. The `debugElement` provides insight into the component and its DOM element during test and debugging. It's a critical property for testers. The most interesting members are covered [below](#debug-element-details).
`nativeElement`	The native DOM element at the root of the component.
`changeDetectorRef`	The `ChangeDetectorRef` for the component. The `ChangeDetectorRef` is most valuable when testing a component that has the `ChangeDetectionStrategy.OnPush` method or the component's change detection is under your programmatic control.

Methods	Description
`detectChanges`	Trigger a change detection cycle for the component. Call it to initialize the component (it calls `ngOnInit`) and after your test code, change the component's data bound property values. Angular can't see that you've changed `personComponent.name` and won't update the `name` binding until you call `detectChanges`. Runs `checkNoChanges` afterwards to confirm that there are no circular updates unless called as `detectChanges(false)`;
`autoDetectChanges`	Set this to `true` when you want the fixture to detect changes automatically. When autodetect is `true`, the test fixture calls `detectChanges` immediately after creating the component. Then it listens for pertinent zone events and calls `detectChanges` accordingly. When your test code modifies component property values directly, you probably still have to call `fixture.detectChanges` to trigger data binding updates. The default is `false`. Testers who prefer fine control over test behavior tend to keep it `false`.
`checkNoChanges`	Do a change detection run to make sure there are no pending changes. Throws an exceptions if there are.
`isStable`	If the fixture is currently _stable_, returns `true`. If there are async tasks that have not completed, returns `false`.
`whenStable`	Returns a promise that resolves when the fixture is stable. To resume testing after completion of asynchronous activity or asynchronous change detection, hook that promise. See [above](#when-stable).
`destroy`	Trigger component destruction.

Member	Description
`nativeElement`	The corresponding DOM element in the browser (null for WebWorkers).
`query`	Calling `query(predicate: Predicate)` returns the first `DebugElement` that matches the [predicate](#query-predicate) at any depth in the subtree.
`queryAll`	Calling `queryAll(predicate: Predicate)` returns all `DebugElements` that matches the [predicate](#query-predicate) at any depth in subtree.
`injector`	The host dependency injector. For example, the root element's component instance injector.
`componentInstance`	The element's own component instance, if it has one.
`context`	An object that provides parent context for this element. Often an ancestor component instance that governs this element. When an element is repeated within `ngFor`, the context is an `NgForRow` whose `$implicit` property is the value of the row instance value. For example, the `hero` in `ngFor="let hero of heroes"`.
`children`	The immediate `DebugElement` children. Walk the tree by descending through `children`. `DebugElement` also has `childNodes`, a list of `DebugNode` objects. `DebugElement` derives from `DebugNode` objects and there are often more nodes than elements. Testers can usually ignore plain nodes.
`parent`	The `DebugElement` parent. Null if this is the root element.
`name`	The element tag name, if it is an element.
`triggerEventHandler`	Triggers the event by its name if there is a corresponding listener in the element's `listeners` collection. The second parameter is the _event object_ expected by the handler. See [above](#trigger-event-handler). If the event lacks a listener or there's some other problem, consider calling `nativeElement.dispatchEvent(eventObject)`.
`listeners`	The callbacks attached to the component's `@Output` properties and/or the element's event properties.
`providerTokens`	This component's injector lookup tokens. Includes the component itself plus the tokens that the component lists in its `providers` metadata.
`source`	Where to find this element in the source component template.
`references`	Dictionary of objects associated with template local variables (e.g. `#foo`), keyed by the local variable name.