Test Automation - Improve Code Readability Using Java 13 Text Blocks | TestShift

Introduction

In this article, I will review a Java 13 preview language feature called “Text Blocks” that will help us improve our code readability.

Programing languages: Java

Testing Framework: TestNG, REST Assured

What are text blocks?

From OpenJDK:

A text block is a multi-line string literal that avoids the need for most escape sequences, automatically formats the string in a predictable way, and gives the developer control over format when desired.

How can I use it?

To use this feature, we need to perform the following actions:

upgrade our JDK to version 13 (I am using OpenJDK).
Enable the usage of preview features.

Implementing the solution

First will take a look at a simple API test that sends a POST request and verifies the response status code.

@Test(description = "POST - Create New Hotel")
public void postCreateNewHotel() {
    given()
        .body("{\r\n" +
            "\"city\": \"Tel Aviv\",\r\n" +
            "\"description\": \"Automation Hotel\",\r\n" +
            "\"name\":\"Rose Hill Hotel\",\r\n" +
            "\"rating\":5\r\n" +
            "}")
    .when()
        .post("http://52.134.35.17:9090/hotels")
    .then()
        .assertThat()
        .statusCode(201);
}

Now, let’s implement our solution:

@Test(description = "POST - Create New Hotel")
public void postCreateNewHotel() {
    given()
        .body("""
            {
                "city": "Tel Aviv",
                "description": "Automation Hotel",
                "name": "Rose Hill Hotel",
                "rating": 5
            }
            """)
    .when()
        .post("http://52.134.35.17:9090/hotels")
    .then()
        .assertThat()
        .statusCode(201);
}

Our test code now looks cleaner and readable using this feature.

In conclusion

In this article, we reviewed a java 13 preview language feature called text blocks that helps us to improve our code readability.

Further reading on JDK 13 features can be found in this link.

Happy testing!