Which approach can efficiently generate the required data for each unit test?

A developer needs to create a baseline set of data (Accounts, Contacts, Products, Assets) for an entire suite of tests allowing them to test independent requirements for various types of Salesforce Cases.

Which approach can efficiently generate the required data for each unit test?
A . Use @TestSetup with a void method.
B . Create test data before Test.startTest {} in the unit test,
C . Add @TsTest (seeAllData=true) at the start of the unit test class.
D . Create a mock using the Stub API.

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

To efficiently generate a baseline set of data for unit tests that can be shared across multiple test methods, you should:

Option A: Use @TestSetup with a void method.

@TestSetup Annotation:

The @TestSetup method runs once before any test methods in the test class and is used to create common test data.

Data created in @TestSetup is available to all test methods within the test class.

Example:

@IsTest

private class MyTestClass {

@TestSetup

static void setupData() {

// Create Accounts, Contacts, Products, Assets

// This data is available to all test methods

}

@IsTest

static void testCase1() {

// Test logic here

}

@IsTest

static void testCase2() {

// Test logic here

}

}

Reference: "Use test setup methods (methods that are annotated with @TestSetup) to create test records once and then access them in every test method in the test class."

― Apex Developer Guide: Using Test Setup Methods Why Other Options Are Less Efficient:

Option B: Create test data before Test.startTest() in the unit test.

This approach would require creating test data in each test method, leading to code duplication.

Option C: Add @IsTest(seeAllData=true) at the start of the unit test class.

Using seeAllData=true is discouraged as it makes tests dependent on org data, which can lead to unreliable tests.

Option D: Create a mock using the Stub API.

The Stub API is used for mocking interfaces and not for creating test data. Conclusion:

Using @TestSetup methods is the most efficient way to generate required test data for unit tests.