Unit testing and integration are considered to be important elements of the software development and testing process. Upon that, unit testing is the first phase of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) process and Integration testing is the second phase. Both have a key role in churning out a high-quality software product or application. Enhanced product quality and customer satisfaction can be expected by the strategic implementation of both these testing methods. However, knowing the differences between unit tests vs Integration tests will only help the team to conduct the software testing process in a more optimal manner. In this article, you will get to know the differences between unit testing and integration testing.
It is a testing method wherein small pieces of code known as “units” are tested. Tests are performed on a unit-by-unit basis. One of the objectives of unit testing is to make sure that the cost of bug fixes is reduced, as in this manner, errors or bugs in the code level are identified early on in the software development life cycle process.
The costs for fixing bugs will be scaled up as it advances into the later stages of the software development life cycle process. It is performed in the development phase of a software product or application and is performed by the developer.
It is a testing method wherein the interface between two software modules or units is verified to make sure that it works as expected or not. The correctness of the interface is ascertained. Faults in the interaction are exposed between integrated units. Integration testing is performed once all the software modules known as “units” are tested.
The behavior between the modules when they are integrated (or) combined is analyzed. Not-so-obvious bugs or issues are spotted that might have been caught when a specific unit’s implementation has been examined. Bugs are figured in the interplay of multiple components, which are often difficult to track or reproduce.
The team must try and understand the strategic differences between unit tests vs Integration tests so that they can implement both these testing methods in a pragmatic and productive manner.

Following are the tactical differences between unit tests vs Integration tests, which will help in knowing both these testing methods in a better manner.
1. Small modules or pieces of code known as “units” are tested
2. Tests can be quickly written and then it can run
3. Software developer is involved to perform this testing method
4. It requires low maintenance costs
5. It is the first testing phase of the Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) process
6. It covers only a piece of code and hence is limited in scope
7. The focus is on one single module/unit as the testing process is carried out on a unit-by-unit basis
8. It is relatively easy to find errors
9. The internal design of the software is known to the test executor
10. It is a white-box testing method.
1. Two or more units/modules of a program are integrated and tested as a group
2. It is relatively slower to run
3. Separate team of testers is responsible to carry out the testing process
4. It is performed after unit testing
5. High maintenance costs are involved
6. It is wider in scope as the broader part of the product’s application is covered
7. The focus is on the integration between two or more modules
8. Finding errors is considered to be a bit difficult
9. The internal design of the software is not known to the test executor
10. It is a Black-box testing technique.
Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing unit testing or integration testing or both for your project (or) projects, then get connected with a professionally acclaimed software testing services company that will provide you with an in detail and strategic testing roadmap that is in line with your project specific requirements. Our skilled and experienced testing team will provide you with comprehensive automation testing solutions that can improve the efficiency of your software development projects.