Difference between soft assert and verify

In TestNG, assertions are used to verify whether the actual output matches the expected output, which helps in validating test conditions. TestNG provides two types of assertions: HardAssert and SoftAssert. Each has its own use case and behavior, depending on the level of strictness required for a test.

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1. HardAssert in TestNG

HardAssert (often simply referred to as Assert) is the default assertion type in TestNG. When a HardAssert fails, it immediately halts the execution of the test method. This is useful when you want a test to stop at the point of failure without executing the remaining steps.

Example Usage of HardAssert

import org.testng.Assert;
import org.testng.annotations.Test;

public class HardAssertExample {

    @Test
    public void testHardAssert() {
        System.out.println("Step 1: Start Test");

        // Hard assertion, if this fails, the test stops here
        Assert.assertEquals("Hello", "Hello", "Step 2: Checking if Hello equals Hello");

        System.out.println("Step 3: This will execute if assertion passes");

        // This will fail and stop the test
        Assert.assertEquals(5, 10, "Step 4: This assertion will fail and stop further steps");

        System.out.println("Step 5: This will not execute if assertion fails");
    }
}

In this example:

• If an assertion fails, the test method will stop execution at that point.
• The Assert.assertEquals(5, 10) line will fail, causing TestNG to stop the test and skip any following steps (i.e., “Step 5”).

Use Cases for HardAssert

• Critical Checks: When a failure in an assertion means the rest of the test cannot proceed.
• Short Test Cases: For tests with fewer validation points where failing any one condition invalidates the test.
• Immediate Failure Logging: When you want to immediately know where the test fails without running remaining steps.

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2. SoftAssert in TestNG

SoftAssert is more flexible than HardAssert. It allows the test to continue executing even if one or more assertions fail. All assertions are evaluated, and the results of each are logged. At the end of the test, TestNG will then mark the test as failed if any of the assertions failed.

To use SoftAssert, you must explicitly call the assertAll() method at the end of the test method. This method checks all assertions executed in that method and determines the overall test result.

Example Usage of SoftAssert

import org.testng.annotations.Test;
import org.testng.asserts.SoftAssert;

public class SoftAssertExample {

    @Test
    public void testSoftAssert() {
        SoftAssert softAssert = new SoftAssert();

        System.out.println("Step 1: Start Test");

        // Soft assertion, will not stop test execution if fails
        softAssert.assertEquals("Hello", "Hello", "Step 2: Checking if Hello equals Hello");

        System.out.println("Step 3: This will execute even if previous assertion fails");

        // This will fail, but the test will continue
        softAssert.assertEquals(5, 10, "Step 4: This assertion fails, but test continues");

        System.out.println("Step 5: This will still execute");

        // Must call assertAll() at the end to evaluate all soft assertions
        softAssert.assertAll();
    }
}

In this example:

• If softAssert.assertEquals(5, 10) fails, the test continues to execute the following steps.
• The assertAll() method at the end will collect all assertion results. If any soft assertions failed, it will mark the test as failed.

Use Cases for SoftAssert

• Comprehensive Validation: When multiple validation points are independent, and you want to check all conditions in a single test.
• Detailed Error Logging: Soft assertions allow capturing all assertion failures within a test method, providing a detailed report at the end.
• Non-Critical Checks: For conditions that don’t necessarily prevent further execution if they fail (e.g., UI tests where multiple elements need verification).

3. Key Differences Between HardAssert and SoftAssert

Feature	HardAssert	SoftAssert
Execution Flow	Stops test execution immediately on failure	Continues executing test steps after failure
Assertion Results	Marks test as failed immediately on failure	Collects all results, marks test at end if any assertion fails
Error Logging	Limited, as it halts execution	Detailed report with all failed assertions
Common Use Cases	Critical tests, initial checks	UI checks, multiple independent validations

4. Important Points About Using SoftAssert

• Always Call assertAll(): The assertAll() method must be called at the end of a test method. If omitted, the test will pass even if there were failed assertions.
• SoftAssert Instance: Each test method requires a new instance of SoftAssert. Do not share the same instance across multiple test methods.
• Selective Use: Avoid overusing SoftAssert in scenarios where failures should immediately halt the test for accurate test outcomes.

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