A Java library for specifying and testing architecture rules in plain Java unit tests.
ArchUnit is a Java library for specifying and asserting architectural rules in plain Java. It allows developers to define constraints on dependencies, layers, and slices within their codebase and automatically test them using standard unit testing frameworks. The library analyzes Java bytecode to ensure the code adheres to the intended design, preventing architectural drift and maintaining code quality.
Java developers and teams who need to enforce architectural consistency, prevent technical debt, and maintain clean code boundaries in medium to large-scale applications.
Developers choose ArchUnit because it provides a simple, extensible, and framework-agnostic way to test architecture directly in Java, without relying on external tools or complex configurations. Its fluent API and seamless integration with existing test suites make it easy to adopt and maintain.
A Java architecture test library, to specify and assert architecture rules in plain Java
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Uses a plain Java fluent API to define rules, making them easy to write and understand without learning a new DSL, as demonstrated in the README's example code and GIF.
Integrates directly with JUnit and other testing frameworks, allowing architecture tests to run as part of the standard test suite, ensuring continuous validation during development.
Analyzes Java bytecode to inspect the actual compiled structure, ensuring rules are enforced on the real code, not just source annotations or configurations.
The library is designed to be extensible, enabling developers to create custom architectural checks beyond built-in features, as highlighted in its philosophy of plain Java definitions.
Importing and analyzing bytecode for large codebases can significantly increase test execution time, especially in CI/CD pipelines, which may slow down feedback cycles.
Primarily focused on Java; support for other JVM languages is limited and may not handle all language features correctly, potentially missing architectural issues in polyglot projects.
Complex architectural rules can lead to lengthy and hard-to-maintain test code, requiring careful organization to avoid clutter and ensure readability over time.