Create unit tests using Inline Chat

Table of Contents

Introduction

Inline Chat provides a context-aware way to create unit tests directly in your code editor. It allows you to have a conversation with Copilot about the code you're working on and generate tests through natural language prompts.

Key Point: Inline Chat is context-aware and appears inline in your code, making it perfect for generating tests for specific functions or classes you're viewing.

What is Inline Chat

Inline Chat is a feature of GitHub Copilot Chat that appears directly in your code editor:

Key Characteristics

  • Context-Aware: Understands the code you're viewing
  • Inline Display: Appears directly in the editor
  • Focused: Based on your current selection or cursor position
  • Conversational: Supports multi-turn conversations
  • Non-Intrusive: Less disruptive than full chat panel

Use Cases

  • Generate tests for selected code
  • Ask questions about specific functions
  • Request code modifications
  • Get explanations of code
  • Create test cases iteratively

Accessing Inline Chat

There are several ways to access Inline Chat:

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut

  • Select code or place cursor
  • Press Ctrl+I (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+I (Mac)
  • Inline Chat opens at cursor position

Method 2: Right-Click Menu

  • Select code
  • Right-click
  • Select "Ask Copilot" or "Copilot Chat"
  • Choose "Inline Chat" option

Method 3: Command Palette

  • Press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac)
  • Type "Copilot: Inline Chat"
  • Select the command

Creating Tests with Inline Chat

Inline Chat is ideal for creating tests because it understands the context of your code:

Context Awareness

  • Automatically understands selected function or class
  • Knows the function signature and parameters
  • Understands return types
  • Considers related code
  • Uses project context

Interactive Process

  • Ask for tests in natural language
  • Refine requests through conversation
  • Request specific test cases
  • Ask for modifications
  • Iterate on generated tests

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Select Code

  1. Open the file with the function or class to test
  2. Select the code you want to test
  3. Ensure the code is complete and valid
  4. Verify the testing framework is configured

Step 2: Open Inline Chat

  1. Press Ctrl+I or Cmd+I
  2. Or right-click and select "Ask Copilot"
  3. Inline Chat appears at cursor position
  4. Chat is context-aware based on selection

Step 3: Request Tests

  1. Type your request in natural language
  2. Example: "Write unit tests for this function"
  3. Specify testing framework if needed
  4. Request specific test cases
  5. Press Enter to submit

Step 4: Review and Refine

  1. Review generated tests
  2. Ask for modifications if needed
  3. Request additional test cases
  4. Refine test assertions
  5. Continue conversation until satisfied

Step 5: Apply Tests

  1. Review the generated test code
  2. Click "Accept" or "Insert" to apply
  3. Tests are inserted into your code
  4. Save the test file
  5. Run tests to verify

Prompt Examples

Effective prompts for generating tests:

Basic Test Generation

"Write unit tests for this function"

"Create test cases for this class"

Framework-Specific

"Write Jest tests for this function"

"Create pytest unit tests for this class"

Specific Test Cases

"Write tests covering edge cases and error handling"

"Create tests for null inputs and boundary conditions"

Iterative Refinement

"Add tests for negative numbers"

"Include tests for empty arrays"

"Add integration tests"

Advantages of Inline Chat

Inline Chat offers several advantages for test creation:

1. Context Awareness

  • Automatically understands selected code
  • No need to explain function signatures
  • Knows parameter types and return values
  • Considers related code
  • Uses project context

2. Conversational

  • Multi-turn conversations
  • Iterative refinement
  • Ask follow-up questions
  • Request modifications
  • Natural language interaction

3. Non-Intrusive

  • Appears inline in editor
  • Doesn't block code view
  • Less disruptive than full chat panel
  • Focused on specific code
  • Easy to dismiss

4. Flexible

  • Can request specific test cases
  • Ask for modifications
  • Request explanations
  • Generate tests iteratively
  • Customize as needed

Best Practices

1. Be Specific

  • Specify testing framework if needed
  • Request specific test cases
  • Mention edge cases to cover
  • Specify test structure preferences
  • Request particular assertions

2. Use Iterative Approach

  • Start with basic test request
  • Review generated tests
  • Ask for modifications
  • Add specific test cases
  • Refine until satisfied

3. Provide Context

  • Select relevant code
  • Ensure code is complete
  • Include related functions if needed
  • Mention project conventions
  • Specify testing patterns

4. Review and Test

  • Always review generated tests
  • Verify test logic
  • Check assertions
  • Run tests immediately
  • Fix any issues

Exam Key Points

  • Inline Chat is context-aware and appears inline in the editor
  • Access via Ctrl+I / Cmd+I, right-click menu, or command palette
  • Process: Select code → Open Inline Chat → Request tests → Review → Refine → Apply
  • Automatically understands selected function/class and context
  • Supports multi-turn conversations for iterative refinement
  • Use natural language prompts: "Write unit tests for this function"
  • Can specify testing framework: "Write Jest tests for this function"
  • Request specific test cases: "Add tests for edge cases"
  • Advantages: context-aware, conversational, non-intrusive, flexible
  • Best practices: be specific, use iterative approach, provide context, review and test
  • Always review generated tests before applying
  • Run tests immediately to verify they pass
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