[rspec-users] When to stub_model?

[Matt Wynne]

On 19 May 2009, at 18:11, Matt Wynne wrote:

>
> On 19 May 2009, at 14:53, Lee Longmore wrote:
>
>> I am trying to specify a controller with RSpec for the first time.
>>
>> I have been using mock_model to date but, given that the models are  
>> fully implemented, I am wondering if I should be using stub_model.
>>
>> Based on what I have read, I am struggling to understand the  
>> advantages that stub_model over mock_model might provide.
>>
>> Should I be using stub_model and if so, why?
>
> *Should* is a big word here. It depends.
>
> When you use a stub model, you get a real instance of your AR model  
> object, with the database connection crippled so you can't  
> accidentally do something that will make your specs slow. The  
> benefit of this is that you get all the methods on the model  
> available to the controller. For example, if you have a User class  
> which takes a date_of_birth attribute in it's constructor, you can  
> call the #age method.
>
> This can make your tests easier to read.
>
> The cost of this is that your controller specs will be covering code  
> in the model classes as well as the controller you're explicitly  
> testing. There is a chance you'll make a change to the #age method  
> on your User (maybe you want to specify in days rather than years),  
> make the user specs pass, and check in believing you're done.  
> Unwittingly, you have just broken the controller specs too.
>
> If you read what from the really experienced guys who started this  
> stuff off[1] say, you'll hear that mocks are really a design tool.  
> By creating a mock_model in your controller specs rather than  
> leaning on the stub_model, you're designing your 'ideal model',  
> rather than being constrained by whatever default methods  
> activerecord gives you, or you have already written. I often find  
> that this process drives out much more elegant interfaces onto the  
> models, and sometimes even shows me where I need to introduce an  
> intermediate class.
>
> I think this is something you really have to play around with for  
> yourself to find the right balance for you and your team.
>
> Matt Wynne
> http://blog.mattwynne.net
> http://www.songkick.com

[1]http://www.m3p.co.uk/blog/2009/03/08/mock-roles-not-objects-live-and-in-person/

Matt Wynne
http://blog.mattwynne.net
http://www.songkick.com