Before we can write tests for our API, we need to set up a proper testing environment. In this lesson, we'll configure Vitest as our testing framework and establish the infrastructure needed for reliable API testing.

Why Vitest?

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Modern Testing Framework

Vitest is a next-generation test runner built for the modern JavaScript ecosystem. It's fast, has excellent TypeScript support, and provides Jest compatibility while being optimized for Vite-based projects.

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Vitest vs Other Testing Frameworks

Feature Vitest Jest Mocha
Speed 🟢 Very Fast 🟡 Medium 🟡 Medium
TypeScript 🟢 Native 🟡 Requires Setup 🟡 Requires Setup
ESM Support 🟢 Excellent 🟡 Limited 🟡 Requires Config
Watch Mode 🟢 Fast HMR-like 🟡 File Watching 🟡 Basic
Configuration 🟢 Minimal 🟡 Complex 🔴 Very Manual

Key Vitest Benefits

  1. Native TypeScript Support: No build step required
  2. ESM First: Works seamlessly with modern JavaScript modules
  3. Vite Integration: Shares configuration and plugins with Vite
  4. Jest Compatibility: Familiar API for Jest users
  5. Fast Watch Mode: Near-instant test reruns
  6. Built-in Coverage: No additional setup needed

Setting Up a Test Database

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Critical: Separate Test Database

NEVER run tests against your development database. Tests will create and delete data, potentially corrupting your development work.

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Why a Separate Test Database?

  1. Data Isolation: Tests shouldn't affect development data
  2. Parallel Execution: Multiple test suites can run simultaneously
  3. Clean State: Each test run starts with a known state
  4. Performance: Test database can be optimized for speed
  5. Safety: No risk of accidentally deleting real data