@ExtendWith(SpringExtension.
class) is a JUnit 5 annotation used to enable Spring's testing
support in a test class, allowing the use of dependency injection, Spring context management,
and Spring-specific features. This annotation effectively integrates Spring’s test framework into
JUnit 5’s testing model.
Key Aspects of @ExtendWith(SpringExtension.class)
1. Spring Context Initialization:
o When @ExtendWith(SpringExtension.class) is applied, it loads the Spring
application context once and makes it available to all the tests within that test
class. This context includes all the beans and configurations as specified by the
application.
o This integration is useful for tests that need to work with Spring beans or
configurations directly.
2. Dependency Injection Support:
o With @ExtendWith(SpringExtension.class), you can inject Spring-managed
beans into test classes and methods using @Autowired. This enables testing
services, repositories, and controllers in isolation without needing to manually
instantiate dependencies.
3. Spring-Specific Annotations Compatibility:
o It enables compatibility with Spring’s test annotations like @MockBean, @SpyBean,
and @Value. These annotations allow for mock injection, spying, and property
injection in tests, making it easier to simulate and verify behavior without relying
on the actual implementations or properties.
4. Transactional Test Management:
o When used in conjunction with @Transactional,
@ExtendWith(SpringExtension.class) allows tests to be rolled back after
execution. This is particularly useful for integration tests that interact with
databases, as it keeps the data state clean across test runs.
5. Context Caching for Performance:
o To optimize performance, the Spring TestContext framework caches the
application context. When you annotate multiple test classes with
@ExtendWith(SpringExtension.class), they can share the same context if
they require the same configuration, significantly reducing load times.
6. Compatibility with JUnit 5:
o As JUnit 5 does not directly support Spring’s test framework,
@ExtendWith(SpringExtension.class) bridges this gap by adapting Spring’s
test context capabilities to JUnit 5’s extension model. It replaces the now-
deprecated @RunWith(SpringRunner.class) used in JUnit 4.
When to Use @ExtendWith(SpringExtension.class)
Use @ExtendWith(SpringExtension.class) in test classes that require:
Access to Spring beans, configurations, or properties.
Dependency injection directly within test methods or test classes.
Test-specific behavior, such as @MockBean for isolating components or overriding
dependencies.
Consistent application context setup across multiple tests.
In summary, @ExtendWith(SpringExtension.class) is essential for leveraging Spring Boot’s
dependency injection, configurations, and test management features in JUnit 5, making tests
more efficient and aligned with the actual application environment.
