How to migrate from Catch2 v2 to v3?

Refer to the migration documentation provided by Catch2, which outlines common problems and simple guidelines. Be prepared for changes like moving from header-only to a compiled library and updating your build system.

Does Catch2 support mocking?

Catch2 does not have built-in mocking capabilities. For mocking, you'll need to integrate external libraries like trompeloeil or use other mocking frameworks alongside Catch2 tests.

Catch2 vs Google Test: which should I use?

Catch2 offers a more natural syntax and built-in benchmarking, making it great for simplicity and readability. Google Test has a larger ecosystem and better tool integration, so choose based on feature needs vs ease of use.

How to write benchmarks in Catch2?

Use the BENCHMARK macro included in Catch2, as shown in the example. Remember to tag your benchmarks with [!benchmark] to run them explicitly, since they are disabled by default in test execution.

Is Catch2 still header-only in the latest version?

No, Catch2 v3 is no longer header-only; it requires compilation as a normal library with multiple headers. v2.x versions remain header-only, but v3 introduces this change for improved modularity.

Can I use Catch2 with BDD style testing?

Yes, Catch2 provides BDD macros for Behavior-Driven Development, allowing you to write tests in a Given-When-Then format for better readability and collaboration in team environments.

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Catch2

BSL-1.0C++v3.15.2

A modern, C++-native test framework for unit tests, TDD, and BDD with micro-benchmarking support.

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What is Catch2?

Catch2 is a modern, C++-native test framework designed for unit testing, Test-Driven Development (TDD), and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD). It provides a simple and natural syntax for writing tests, along with micro-benchmarking capabilities to measure performance. The framework supports modern C++ standards and aims to make testing intuitive for developers.

Target Audience

C++ developers who need a lightweight, easy-to-use testing framework for unit tests, TDD, or BDD, especially those working with C++14, C++17, or later.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Catch2 for its natural syntax that feels like writing regular C++ code, eliminating the need for complex test naming conventions. Its built-in micro-benchmarking and BDD support provide additional functionality without requiring external libraries.

Overview

A modern, C++-native, test framework for unit-tests, TDD and BDD - using C++14, C++17 and later (C++11 support is in v2.x branch, and C++03 on the Catch1.x branch)

Use Cases

Best For

Writing unit tests for C++ projects with a natural, readable syntax
Implementing Test-Driven Development (TDD) in C++ applications
Adding micro-benchmarking to measure performance of C++ functions
Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) style testing in C++
Testing C++ codebases using modern standards like C++14 or C++17
Projects needing a lightweight, header-only (v2) or library-based (v3) test framework

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring extensive mocking frameworks or deep integration with specialized test tools
Teams needing advanced, out-of-the-box test reporting or seamless CI/CD pipeline integration without extra configuration
Legacy systems stuck on C++03 or C++11 standards where migration to newer versions is impractical
Environments where minimal compilation time is critical, as v3 is no longer a single-header library

Pros & Cons

Pros

Natural Test Syntax

Test names don't need to be valid identifiers, and assertions look like normal C++ boolean expressions, making test writing intuitive and readable.

Flexible Setup with Sections

Sections provide a local way to share setup and tear-down code within tests, avoiding the need for global fixtures and simplifying test structure.

Built-in Micro-Benchmarking

Includes benchmarking macros like BENCHMARK for performance testing, as shown in the example, though benchmarks require explicit tags to run.

Modern C++ Compatibility

Supports C++14, C++17, and later, with older versions like v2.x for C++11, ensuring compatibility with contemporary codebases.

Cons

Breaking Changes in v3

v3 transitions from a single-header library to a normal library with separate compilation, requiring migration effort and potentially breaking existing setups, as noted in the README.

Incomplete v3 Documentation

The README admits documentation for v3 is slowly being updated, which can hinder adoption and troubleshooting for new users or migrations.

Limited Advanced Features

Lacks built-in mocking support and has basic benchmarking capabilities compared to more comprehensive frameworks, necessitating external tools for complex scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

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