Java is one of the most used programming languages in enterprise software – especially for AI, IoT, big data, gaming and blockchain solutions. According to Stack Overflow, over 30% of developers use Java regularly.
But ensuring that Java code works seamlessly in real-world environments requires more than just writing clean code. It demands robust Java integration testing.
In this 2025 guide, we cover integration testing in Java, including top tools, best practices, and how to hire nearshore Java developers through TECLA developers.
What Is Java Integration Testing?
Java integration testing involves verifying all components, services, databases and external systems as a unified group. During these tests, it’s typical for Java developers to find errors in how separate areas of the software work together.
Why Is Integration Testing in Java Important?
Building software has become more complex, as users demand more from businesses and data collection has expanded in scope. At the same time, agile development cycles are quicker than ever.
Under these conditions, testing has taken on increasing importance. With Java integration testing, businesses ensure that components are interacting properly. This is especially important as the usage of APIs and third-party tools become popular to save costs.
For these reasons, Java integration testing is now considered a core discipline.
What Are Common Use Cases of Java Integration Testing?
Java integration testing is used in a variety of scenarios. When you hire Java developers for testing integration, you usually require:
- Web apps to verify interactions with interfaces, services, databases, etc.
- Microservices to check communication between related components.
- APIs to evaluate data exchange between services.
- Modular architectures to ensure components are properly combined.
- Data exchange in general.
In addition to these Java integration examples, these tests can be applied for any Java code that relies on inter-system interactions.
How Does Java Integration Testing Differ From Unit Testing and System Testing?
Java integration testing is focused on how the software performs once all components are combined. This type of QA checks interactions between components and differs from other tests such as:
- Unit testing isolates separate components of the software to verify that they function as intended.
- Systems testing ensures that the software works optimally for the end user by verifying both functional and non-functional needs, such as UX, performance, security, etc.
As a rule, most businesses will undertake all these tests (and more) during the software development life cycle.
What Are the Benefits of Integration Testing in Java?
Integration testing in Java has become a must-have for businesses undertaking rapid agile delivery. Here are the main reasons why every Java team should set up reliable integration testing as part of their ongoing software life cycle:
- Catch integration bugs early
- Ensure real-time component communication
- Improve user experience
- Cut costs from late-stage error fixes
- Verify real-world scenarios
Plus, with an established Java testing framework, it’s easy to incorporate this type of testing into your agile cycles. Overall, you can hire Java developers to cover your bases and ensure the strongest final product possible.
Best Practices for Java Integration Testing
It’s important to set up a Java integration testing framework within your development life cycle. To accomplish this, make note of these best practices for Java integration testing.
1. Start Early and Keep Up Continuous Testing
The earlier, the better. Incorporate continuous integration testing in Java as part of your agile product life cycle. Get started by discussing the scope of testing and the expected behaviors for your systems. From here, you can design test cases and establish a test environment that works for your scenarios.
2. Mimic Real-World Scenario
Whenever possible, your testing should reflect real-world configurations. With a realistic set-up, your Java developers can test more accurately and identify red flags early. Sometimes this isn’t 100% possible, in which case you can use mocks and stubs as well.
3. Automate Tests For Maximum Efficiency
Automated testing for Java is ideal for ensuring ongoing testing, while also creating efficiencies. Make sure that your Java automated testing pipeline is built by experts who understand the full scope of your systems. Some level of automation can empower your Java developers to run more tests and reduce errors more quickly.
How to Automate Java Integration Testing?
You’ll need to choose top tools or frameworks to set up automated integration testing in Java – such as the Java testing tools we’ve listed below. Additionally, the schedule cycle of testing should be incorporated at the process level within your continuous software development life cycle.
4. Use Realistic Test Data
Java integration testing can sometimes go awry when test data isn’t relevant enough. Use today’s best tools to populate your database with realistic data that helps you understand how key data will act in production.
5. Document and Monitor Test Coverage
Documenting integration testing in Java is crucial to ensuring a well-backed testing framework. Ideally, your Java developers can record your tests through logging. In addition, you can use Java testing tools that make it easy to create and document your tests over time.
Our Curated List of Top Java Testing Tools
Fortunately, you can streamline Java integration testing by leaning on available tools. Different Java testing tools have unique scopes and purposes. Here are the main ones to add to your testing toolkit.
1. TestNG
While JUnit is a popular tool for unit testing, TestNG is a more advanced option to carry out integration testing in Java. TestNG offers advanced features to handle end-to-end testing in Java, as it allows for flexible test configurations. Some areas it handles well include parallel test execution, data-driven testing and more.
2. Mockito
Mockito is an MIT license Java testing tool for mocking external interactions. It has a strong reputation in supporting developers in creating clean APIs to set up mock instances for testing. It’s great for creating automated testing and running integration testing with mocks instead of real-world dependencies.
3. Spring Test
Spring is an in-demand Java framework that provides built-in integration and unit testing. Overall, Spring uses a test-driven development (TDD) approach, allowing developers to continually test and code during the product life cycle. It’s especially useful for Java projects already relying on Spring.
4. REST Assured
REST Assured is a tool that’s handy for creating and validating APIs within Java. REST Assured simplified this process with a Java-based library that can be used to test requests with minimal code.
Specifically, you can customize and combine a range of HTTP requests to verify your logic. It also has integrations with tools such as Serenity. The main goal of this tool is to make Java testing as easy as dynamic languages (such as JavaScript and Ruby).
5. Cucumber
Cucumber is a transparent Java integration tool that’s written in plain English (called Gherkin). This makes it easy to read and understand by all stakeholders, enabling stronger team-wide collaboration. This testing tool is most popular with Java, though it supports other language testing as well.
What Are the Best Java Testing Frameworks?
In addition to the tools we discussed above, you might try these other Java testing frameworks. Overall, the right tools will depend on your tech stack, business goals and team preferences:
- Selenium
- Serenity
- Postman
- Citrus
- Jasmine
- HyperTest
- Spock
- Gauge
- SoapUI
How TECLA Helps You Hire the Best Java Developers for Integration Testing
Undertaking high-quality, end-to-end testing in Java requires the best experts available. At TECLA, we seamlessly help you hire Java developers. We’re specialists in connecting U.S. businesses to elite nearshore tech talent in Latin America.
1. Pre-Vetted Java Experts
Our bank of 50,000+ developers is fully pre-vetted for technical and teaming excellence. Our Java professionals in Latin America are ready to implement a strong integration testing strategy that ensures high quality and acceptance.
2. Streamlined Hiring Process
Our recruitment cycles are some of the fastest in the industry. Within 7 days, we’ll be in touch with a curated list of Java integration experts who meet your needs. In this way, you’ll save on your recruitment resources and get access to top developers ASAP.
3. Flexible Engagement Models
We provide tailored hiring models that work for your specific business scenario. Whether full-time, contract, project-based or something else, TECLA customizes Java talent solutions to achieve your goals and keep your teams scalable.
Unlock TECLA Developer Hiring for Java Experts
Java integration testing is a key phase in your software development cycle. Implement our recommendations for best practices and tools to create a robust testing strategy. Doing so will boost quality and reduce costs associated with errors.
Hire the right Java developers to make testing as effective as possible. At TECLA, we have outstanding Java integration testing experts ready to collaborate. Reach out to discuss your Java testing needs today.