# Testing: Getting Started - [Introduction](#introduction) - [Environment](#environment) - [Creating & Running Tests](#creating-and-running-tests) <a name="introduction"></a> ## Introduction Laravel is built with testing in mind. In fact, support for testing with PHPUnit is included out of the box and a `phpunit.xml` file is already set up for your application. The framework also ships with convenient helper methods that allow you to expressively test your applications. By default, your application's `tests` directory contains two directories: `Feature` and `Unit`. Unit tests are tests that focus on a very small, isolated portion of your code. In fact, most unit tests probably focus on a single method. Feature tests may test a larger portion of your code, including how several objects interact with each other or even a full HTTP request to a JSON endpoint. An `ExampleTest.php` file is provided in both the `Feature` and `Unit` test directories. After installing a new Laravel application, run `phpunit` on the command line to run your tests. <a name="environment"></a> ## Environment When running tests via `phpunit`, Laravel will automatically set the configuration environment to `testing` because of the environment variables defined in the `phpunit.xml` file. Laravel also automatically configures the session and cache to the `array` driver while testing, meaning no session or cache data will be persisted while testing. You are free to define other testing environment configuration values as necessary. The `testing` environment variables may be configured in the `phpunit.xml` file, but make sure to clear your configuration cache using the `config:clear` Artisan command before running your tests! In addition, you may create a `.env.testing` file in the root of your project. This file will override the `.env` file when running PHPUnit tests or executing Artisan commands with the `--env=testing` option. <a name="creating-and-running-tests"></a> ## Creating & Running Tests To create a new test case, use the `make:test` Artisan command: // Create a test in the Feature directory... php artisan make:test UserTest // Create a test in the Unit directory... php artisan make:test UserTest --unit Once the test has been generated, you may define test methods as you normally would using PHPUnit. To run your tests, execute the `phpunit` command from your terminal: <?php namespace Tests\Unit; use Illuminate\Foundation\Testing\RefreshDatabase; use Tests\TestCase; class ExampleTest extends TestCase { /** * A basic test example. * * @return void */ public function testBasicTest() { $this->assertTrue(true); } } > {note} If you define your own `setUp` / `tearDown` methods within a test class, be sure to call the respective `parent::setUp()` / `parent::tearDown()` methods on the parent class.