Testing Mastery: JUnit, Mockito & Integration Tests · Lesson

Creating Mocks with Mockito

Use Mockito to create mock objects for dependencies, isolating the unit under test from its collaborators.

Creating Mocks with Mockito is a free Testing Mastery: JUnit, Mockito & Integration Tests lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 2 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Testing Mastery: JUnit, Mockito & Integration Tests learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.

Intro to Mockito Mocks

In the previous lesson, we learned about the concept of a mock object. Mocks are special test doubles that let us control the behavior of dependencies.

Now, we'll dive into Mockito, a popular Java mocking framework, to see how easy it is to create these powerful tools for your tests.

Why Create Mocks?

Creating mocks is crucial for effective unit testing:

Isolation: Mocks allow you to test a single unit of code in isolation, without worrying about its real dependencies.
Control: You can program mocks to behave exactly as needed for your test scenario, simulating various outcomes.
Speed: Mocks avoid slow operations like database calls or network requests, making your tests run much faster.

The `Mockito.mock()` Method

The simplest way to create a mock object in Mockito is by using the Mockito.mock() static method. You pass it the Class or Interface you want to mock.

It returns a new mock instance that looks and acts like the real object, but without its actual implementation logic.

Basic Mock Creation Example

Let's create a mock for a simple EmailService interface. Run the code to see how a mock object is created.

import org.mockito.Mockito;

interface EmailService {
  void sendEmail(String to, String subject, String body);
  String getServiceStatus();
}

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    EmailService mockEmailService = Mockito.mock(EmailService.class);
    System.out.println("Mock created: " + mockEmailService.getClass().getName());
  }
}

Understanding Default Mock Behavior

What happens if you call a method on a mock without telling it what to do?

Objects: Methods returning objects will return null.
Primitives: Methods returning primitive types (like int, boolean) will return their default values (0, false).
Collections: Methods returning collections will return empty collections.
Void: Methods returning void do nothing.

Default Behavior in Action

Let's call a method on our mockEmailService without any configuration. Observe the default return value.

import org.mockito.Mockito;

interface EmailService {
  void sendEmail(String to, String subject, String body);
  String getServiceStatus();
}

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    EmailService mockEmailService = Mockito.mock(EmailService.class);
    
    // Calling a method that returns an object
    String status = mockEmailService.getServiceStatus();
    System.out.println("Default status: " + status);
    
    // Calling a void method (does nothing by default)
    mockEmailService.sendEmail("test@example.com", "Hi", "Hello");
    System.out.println("Void method called (no output)");
  }
}

Creating Mocks with `@Mock`

While Mockito.mock() works, for tests, Mockito offers a more convenient way using the @Mock annotation.

You simply declare a field with @Mock, and Mockito takes care of initializing it into a mock object.

Initializing `@Mock` Annotations

For @Mock annotations to work, you need to tell Mockito to process them. In JUnit 5, this is typically done using the @ExtendWith(MockitoExtension.class) annotation on your test class.

Alternatively, you can manually initialize them using MockitoAnnotations.openMocks(this).

Example: Using `@Mock` Annotation

This example simulates a test class where @Mock is used. Run it to see the mock initialized via MockitoAnnotations.openMocks().

import org.mockito.Mock;
import org.mockito.MockitoAnnotations;

interface DataRepository {
  String fetchData();
}

// Simulate a test class structure
class MyServiceTest {
  @Mock
  DataRepository mockRepository;

  public MyServiceTest() {
    // Manually open mocks for demonstration in main
    MockitoAnnotations.openMocks(this);
  }
}

public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    MyServiceTest testInstance = new MyServiceTest();
    System.out.println("Mocked repository: " + testInstance.mockRepository.getClass().getName());
    System.out.println("Default fetch data: " + testInstance.mockRepository.fetchData());
  }
}

Quick Check on Mocks

You want to create a mock object for an interface called PaymentGateway. Which of the following is a correct and common way to do this in Mockito?

Recap: Creating Mocks

You've learned the fundamental ways to create mock objects with Mockito:

Use Mockito.mock(ClassToMock.class) for direct creation.
Use the @Mock annotation on a field, typically initialized by @ExtendWith(MockitoExtension.class) in JUnit 5.
Mocks return default values (null, 0, false) for method calls if not configured otherwise.

Next, we'll learn how to verify that your mocks were called as expected!

Frequently asked questions

Is the “Creating Mocks with Mockito” lesson free?

Yes — the full text of “Creating Mocks with Mockito” is free to read here on the web, and the Testing Mastery: JUnit, Mockito & Integration Tests course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Testing Mastery: JUnit, Mockito & Integration Tests course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.

What will I learn in “Creating Mocks with Mockito”?

Use Mockito to create mock objects for dependencies, isolating the unit under test from its collaborators. You practise Testing Mastery: JUnit, Mockito & Integration Tests with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.

Do I need any experience to start Testing Mastery: JUnit, Mockito & Integration Tests?

No prior experience is required. Testing Mastery: JUnit, Mockito & Integration Tests on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 2 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.

How long does the “Creating Mocks with Mockito” lesson take?

Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.

Can I write and run code in this Testing Mastery: JUnit, Mockito & Integration Tests lesson?

Yes. Every Testing Mastery: JUnit, Mockito & Integration Tests lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.

All lessons in this course

Mocks, Stubs, and Fakes
Creating Mocks with Mockito
Verifying Mock Interactions
Injecting Mocks with @Mock and @InjectMocks

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