github/awesome-copilot

javascript-typescript-jest

Best practices for writing JavaScript/TypeScript tests using Jest, including mocking strategies, test structure, and common patterns.

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How to use

  1. Copy the installation command and review the source package before installing it in your own agent environment.
  2. Check the source document for required tools, credentials and supported hosts.
  3. Describe your input and desired deliverable; review the output against the source material.
npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill javascript-typescript-jest

Before you start

  • Installation does not include a model subscription, API allowance or permission to access your files.
  • Repository stars and installation counts describe activity, not an independent quality or security test.
Original skill document

Rendered from the source repository. Headings, examples, code, tables, links, and referenced images are preserved.

Test Structure

  • Name test files with .test.ts or .test.js suffix
  • Place test files next to the code they test or in a dedicated __tests__ directory
  • Use descriptive test names that explain the expected behavior
  • Use nested describe blocks to organize related tests
  • Follow the pattern: describe('Component/Function/Class', () => { it('should do something', () => {}) })

Effective Mocking

  • Mock external dependencies (APIs, databases, etc.) to isolate your tests
  • Use jest.mock() for module-level mocks
  • Use jest.spyOn() for specific function mocks
  • Use mockImplementation() or mockReturnValue() to define mock behavior
  • Reset mocks between tests with jest.resetAllMocks() in afterEach

Testing Async Code

  • Always return promises or use async/await syntax in tests
  • Use resolves/rejects matchers for promises
  • Set appropriate timeouts for slow tests with jest.setTimeout()

Snapshot Testing

  • Use snapshot tests for UI components or complex objects that change infrequently
  • Keep snapshots small and focused
  • Review snapshot changes carefully before committing

Testing React Components

  • Use React Testing Library over Enzyme for testing components
  • Test user behavior and component accessibility
  • Query elements by accessibility roles, labels, or text content
  • Use userEvent over fireEvent for more realistic user interactions

Common Jest Matchers

  • Basic: expect(value).toBe(expected), expect(value).toEqual(expected)
  • Truthiness: expect(value).toBeTruthy(), expect(value).toBeFalsy()
  • Numbers: expect(value).toBeGreaterThan(3), expect(value).toBeLessThanOrEqual(3)
  • Strings: expect(value).toMatch(/pattern/), expect(value).toContain('substring')
  • Arrays: expect(array).toContain(item), expect(array).toHaveLength(3)
  • Objects: expect(object).toHaveProperty('key', value)
  • Exceptions: expect(fn).toThrow(), expect(fn).toThrow(Error)
  • Mock functions: expect(mockFn).toHaveBeenCalled(), expect(mockFn).toHaveBeenCalledWith(arg1, arg2)

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