Automated Database Query Testing in Golang using TDD

In software engineering using the Test Driven Development (TDD) approach, developers write test cases before implementing the production code. When it comes to testing database-driven code in Golang, several options are available.

Connecting to Alternative Databases

• Test-centric Database Connection: Create a custom test function that connects to a separate test database rather than the default one. This allows for isolated database testing without affecting live data.
• Go Libraries for Database Isolation: Libraries like [DBtest](https://github.com/Masterminds/dbtest) offer flexible database initialization and cleanup during tests, providing a convenient alternative to managing separate databases.

Testing without Database Connection

• Mock Libraries: Use libraries like [database/sqlmock](https://github.com/DATA-DOG/go-sqlmock) to mock database behavior during tests. This allows for thorough query testing without actually accessing a database.

Standard Database Testing Approach

1. Create a Test Database: Set up a separate database for testing purposes to avoid modifying or corrupting production data.
2. Connect to the Test Database: Use a custom test function or a Go library to connect to the test database and perform tests.
3. Create Setup and Teardown Functions: Define functions to initialize and clean up the test database before and after each test case.
4. Write Test Cases: Write test cases that execute database queries and verify their expected behavior.

By following these approaches, developers can effectively test database queries in Golang using TDD, ensuring accuracy and resilience in their database-driven applications.