In Laravel tests, the assert method is used to verify that the application is running as expected. Common assert methods include assertTrue(), assertFalse(), assertEquals(), and assertNull(), which are used to verify that the values ??in the logic meet expectations. For HTTP responses, you can use assertStatus(), assertRedirect(), assertSee(), and assertJson() to verify the response status and content. Database verification can be implemented through assertDatabaseHas(), assertDatabaseMissing() and assertCount(). In addition, methods such as assertViewHas() and assertSessionHas() can be used to verify view and session data. To ensure that the data between tests is clean, it is recommended to use RefreshDatabase trait.

In Laravel tests, assert methods are used to verify that the application behaves as expected. These methods allow you to make assertions about responses, database records, and more.

Basic Assertions in Laravel Tests

When writing tests in Laravel, especially feature or unit tests, you'll often use assert methods to check if something is true. For example, after making a request to a route, you might want to assert that the response status is 200 (OK), or that it redirects correctly.

Here are some common assert methods:

• assertTrue() : Checks if a value is true
• assertFalse() : Checks if a value is false
• assertEquals() : Verifies two values ??are equal
• assertNull() : Ensures a variable is null

These are not specific to Laravel but come from PHPUnit, which Laravel uses under the hood. They're useful when testing logic inside your classes or services.

For example:

 $this->assertTrue(true);
$this->assertEquals(5, $count);

HTTP Response Assertions

One of the most common use cases for assert methods in Laravel is checking HTTP responses. Laravel provides a fluent way to chain assertions after making requests.

After calling $response = $this->get('/some-route') , you can do things like:

• $response->assertStatus(200) – Check if the response code is 200
• $response->assertOk() – Shortcut for 200 OK
• $response->assertRedirect('/target') – Make sure it redirects to the correct URL
• $response->assertSee('Some Text') – Ensure content appears on the page
• $response->assertJson(['key' => 'value']) – Confirm JSON response includes this data

These help ensure your routes return the expected output and behave correctly under different conditions.

Database Assertions

Laravel also offers convenient ways to assert that data was saved or updated correctly in the database.

You can use:

• $this->assertDatabaseHas('table_name', ['column' => 'value']) – Check if a record exists with certain values
• $this->assertDatabaseMissing('users', ['email' => 'test@example.com']) – Verify a record does not exist
• $this->assertCount(3, User::all()) – Confirm there are exactly 3 users

To keep your database clean during tests, consider using the RefreshDatabase trait. It resets the database before each test so you're always starting fresh.

Also, when asserting against models, remember to use the refresh() method if you're modifying them mid-test to get the latest values ??from the database.

View and Session Data Assertions

Sometimes you need to check what data was passed to a view or stored in the session. Laravel makes this easy too.

Use these methods:

• $response->assertViewHas('variableName') – Confirm the view received a variable
• $response->assertViewHasAll(['var1', 'var2']) – Check multiple variables are present
• $response->assertSessionHas('key', 'value') – Ensure a session value exists and matches
• $response->assertSessionMissing('key') – Verify a session key doesn't exist

This is especially handy when working with forms or flash messages. For example, after submitting a form with validation errors, you can assert that the session contains an error message or that the input values ??were passed back to the view.

That's how you work with assert methods in Laravel tests — by choosing the right one based on what you're trying to verify: response status, content, database state, or session/view data.

The above is the detailed content of How do I use the assert methods in Laravel tests?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!