Configuring IntelliJ IDEA for unit testing with JUnit

java

intellij-idea

junit

testing

byAnton Shumikhin·Feb 2, 2025

Getting JUnit up and running in IntelliJ IDEA is a breeze, just follow these steps:

Include JUnit to your project: Go to File > Project Structure > Libraries > + > JUnit.
Create a designated spot for your test classes under src/test/java.
Let's write a quick test using @Test and assertEquals:

import org.junit.Test;
import static org.junit.Assert.assertEquals;

public class QuickTest {
    // Because equality matters, right?
    @Test
    public void testEquality() {
        assertEquals("expected", "actual"); // Sorry, actual, we expected more from you.
    }
}

Now give it a whirl - Right-click the test and hit Run to get your results.

Boost Your Productivity with Useful Features and Shortcuts

Avoid the menu maze and reduce unnecessary clicks with IntelliJ IDEA's built-in shortcuts and features.

Shortcuts for Success

Press Alt+Enter on an unrecognised @Test annotation, to automatically add the JUnit library dependency.
Generate a test class straight from your code editor with Ctrl+Shift+T (⌘ Cmd+Shift+T on Mac).

Ride the Intention Action Wave

Plug-in IntelliJ's Create Test intention action to avoid getting your hands dirty with mundane setup tasks. Just hover over a method, press Alt+Enter, and IntelliJ will set up a test sandbox for you.

Master Your Dependencies

The secret to a smooth workflow = <b>well-managed JUnit dependencies</b>. Thanks to IntelliJ IDEA, it's all synced and sorted behind the scenes.

JUnit for All!

Add JUnit to all new projects as a persistent library in IntelliJ's project structure - once set up, it's there forever.

Supercharge Your Testing Experience

Now that we've laid the groundwork, let's explore how to enhance your testing experience further.

Working with Build Tools

Whether you're using Maven or Gradle, IntelliJ makes it easy to integrate JUnit:

With Maven, IntelliJ handles the sync of your pom.xml automatically.
For Gradle projects, just add your JUnit in build.gradle, and click Refresh.

What Tests Look Like

Look out for the green run test icons next to test classes/methods - they're your road signs in this code jungle.

Debugging – It's a Snap!

When debugging, IntelliJ is your best companion. Use CTRL+Shift+D to launch debug mode swiftly, and get that bug outta here!

With Plugin Power Comes Greater Efficiency

IntelliJ offers a JUnit plugin for advanced functionalities like code coverage and detailed test result reporting.

JUnit in Real-world Scenarios

This visual guide JUnit setup gif is your picture book on JUnit setup.
Choose the Create project wizard for automatically including JUnit in new projects.

explain-codes / Java / Configuring IntelliJ IDEA for unit testing with JUnit

Linked

Create Test Class in IntelliJ



Intellij IDEA Java classes not auto compiling on save



Things possible in IntelliJ that aren't possible in Eclipse?



How do I change the IntelliJ IDEA default JDK?



Correct way to add external jars (lib/*.jar) to an IntelliJ IDEA project

