When Should You Run Integration Testing?

Integration testing should be performed at key stages in the software development lifecycle to ensure that different modules or components work together properly. Here are the best times to run it:

• After Unit Testing: Once individual modules are tested separately, you should run integration tests to check if they function correctly when combined.
• During Continuous Integration (CI): Running integration tests regularly in your CI pipeline helps catch issues early, making the build process more stable.
• Before System Testing: It’s important to verify that integrated components work well together before running system-level tests.
• When Adding New Features: If you introduce new features or modules, run integration tests to confirm they don’t break existing functionality.
• After Major Code Changes: Significant code refactoring can affect how modules interact. Running integration tests ensures everything still works smoothly.

Best Practices:

• Test Early and Often: Running integration tests throughout the development process helps catch bugs early.
• Automate When Possible: Use automated testing tools to save time and improve accuracy.
• Use Realistic Test Environments: Run tests in environments similar to production for reliable results.

By running integration tests at these stages, you can prevent issues, improve software quality, and ensure a smooth deployment.

For a deeper understanding of Integration Testing, explore this detailed guide on Integration Testing.