Unit Testing: Testing small pieces of code, such as a single function, on their own — usually with automated tests.

Example

You write a unit test to check that your discount function gives 10% off orders above ₹1,000.

Why Unit Testing matters for IT interns

Many teams expect tests with every change, and writing them is a common first task for interns.

Where you will hear it

You will hear this term in development teams, in code reviews and technical discussions, and in technical interviews. If someone uses it and you are not sure what they mean in your project, it is completely fine to ask; every team uses terms a little differently.

Related terms

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  • Software Development: The whole work of planning, building, testing and maintaining software.
  • Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): The stages software goes through: requirements, design, development, testing, deployment and maintenance.
  • Technical Debt: Extra future work caused by choosing a quick or messy solution now instead of a better one.
  • Testing Environment: A separate setup, similar to production, where testers and the team check changes before release.

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Related guides

Frequently asked questions

What is Unit Testing?

Testing small pieces of code, such as a single function, on their own — usually with automated tests.

What is an example of Unit Testing?

You write a unit test to check that your discount function gives 10% off orders above ₹1,000.

Why does Unit Testing matter for IT interns?

Many teams expect tests with every change, and writing them is a common first task for interns.

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Dhaivat Ajwaliya

About the author

Dhaivat Ajwaliya

Dhaivat has 16+ years of experience in the IT industry, working on AI and cloud technologies, project delivery, and engineering leadership. He has interviewed and mentored many interns, wrote The Lost Intern, and runs the non-commercial Career Impact Initiative, mentoring students for free.