utest.h
A single-header unit testing framework for C and C++ with a simple API and Google Test-like output.
What is utest.h?
utest.h is a single-header unit testing framework for C and C++ that provides a minimal, dependency-free way to write and run tests. It solves the problem of adding testing to projects without complex build systems or external libraries, offering a familiar API similar to Google Test.
C and C++ developers working on embedded systems, cross-platform applications, or any project where simplicity and portability are prioritized over feature-rich testing frameworks.
Developers choose utest.h for its zero-configuration setup, single-file inclusion, and lightweight footprint, making it ideal for projects that need reliable testing without the overhead of larger frameworks.
Overview
🧪 single header unit testing framework for C and C++
Use Cases
Best For
- Adding unit tests to embedded C/C++ projects with limited resources
- Quickly testing small C/C++ libraries or header-only projects
- Cross-platform development requiring consistent testing across Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Educational purposes where simplicity in testing setup is crucial
- CI/CD pipelines needing XML output for test result reporting
- Projects avoiding dependencies on large external testing frameworks
Not Ideal For
- Projects requiring built-in mocking frameworks or BDD-style test syntax
- Large codebases needing deep integration with IDEs or extensive plugin ecosystems
- Teams prioritizing advanced features like test coverage analysis or graphical reporting tools
- Applications exclusively using modern C++ features that rely on richer type-checking or template metaprogramming in tests
Pros & Cons
Pros
Just #include "utest.h" with no external dependencies or complex build steps, making integration trivial as emphasized in the README's 'Usage' section.
Macros like ASSERT_* and EXPECT_* mirror Google's googletest syntax, easing adoption for developers familiar with that framework, as noted in the 'Design' section.
Works on Linux, macOS, and Windows with compilers like gcc, clang, and MSVC, ensuring consistent testing across diverse environments, per the 'Usage' section.
Includes options for test filtering, random execution order, and XML output for CI systems, enhancing workflow integration as detailed in the 'Command Line Options'.
Cons
Unlike larger frameworks, utest.h lacks built-in mocking capabilities, forcing developers to manually create stubs or mocks for complex test scenarios.
The README admits caveats with tcc, requiring patches for full functionality, which can hinder portability in niche or older compiler setups.
While the README covers basics, there are no advanced tutorials or community extensions, limiting resources for troubleshooting or scaling tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
Google MockGoogleTest - Google Testing and Mocking Framework
googletestGoogleTest - Google Testing and Mocking Framework
Catch2A 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)
benchmarkA microbenchmark support library
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