Difference between describe() and test() in Jest

Question

I have found that expect() works within describe(). So the function test() is not necessary, if I see it right. Do I see it right?

In other words, is it enough to write that:

const sum = require('./sum');

describe('adds 1 + 2 to equal 3', () => {
  expect(sum(1, 2)).toBe(3);
});

Or does that bring advantages:


const sum = require('./sum');

describe('test sum', () => {
  test('adds 1 + 2 to equal 3', () => {
    expect(sum(1, 2)).toBe(3);
  });
});

Try a _failing_ test and see where it gets you. A single test isn't a good example because you can just use `test` (or `it`) _without_ `describe`. — jonrsharpe, Oct 16 '21 at 21:38
Does this answer your question? [What is the difference between describe and it in Jest?](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/32055287/what-is-the-difference-between-describe-and-it-in-jest) — jonrsharpe, Oct 16 '21 at 21:41

score 2 · Answer 1 · edited Oct 16 '21 at 21:40

2

describe(name, fn) creates a block that groups together several related tests.

edited Oct 16 '21 at 21:40

jonrsharpe

answered Oct 16 '21 at 17:26

Tony Yip

Thanks for your answer. But I want to know, if it is fine, to use my fist example without the test()-methode, because it works - it also show failing tests. – astridx Oct 16 '21 at 18:06
@astridx I never try this before and I wouldn't do this. If you only want one layer, use `test` instead of `describe`. I think the test report might get wrong if you use your first example – Tony Yip Oct 16 '21 at 18:10

1 Answers1