It is a software testing method where individual units or components of an application designed for Apple’s mobile operating system are tested in isolation. This involves writing code to verify that each function, method, or class performs as expected, given specific inputs and conditions. For instance, a developer might create a test case to ensure a particular function correctly calculates a user’s age based on their birthdate.
Its significance lies in early detection of defects, leading to more reliable and maintainable code. By identifying and resolving issues at the component level, it reduces the likelihood of bugs propagating to later stages of development and simplifies debugging efforts. Historically, its adoption has grown as iOS development has matured, recognizing its crucial role in ensuring application stability and quality, particularly in complex projects.