java - Creating test data: domain builder -

i want create test data tests underlying in-memory database. common approach create test_data.sql file , create test objects inserts. , reference these objects in java test.

i read in growing object-oriented software, guided tests, tests don't need go deep in details. example, if test wants existing user new status, don't need create user , fill it's fields. should tell, wants user new status , other fields should filled default values.

so want helper methods, one:

user user = user(userstatus.new); // inserts user in database // ... use persistent user instance in test 

but database schema has tables , came following code:

domain domain = new domainbuilder().user(userstatus.new).agreement().account().account().build(); 

doman class:

public class domain {     private user user;     private agreement agreement;     private account account;     // getters/setters } 

this code creates user, agreement(with fk user), 2 accounts(with fk agreement) , returns domain object, contains these entities.

so code can setup test data particular test in 1 line.

this test data generation approach has following advantages on sql:

• i don't stick table columns, if column/constraint added/removed , don't need change test data generation in test.

• it's more concise way, sql: can setup test data in 1 line whereas sql approach requires writing insert each object.

• it's less time consuming. yes, first start using approach have spend time implementing such domain builder, once done, save time.

• centralized objects creation. if database schema changed, have change object creation logic in 1 place.

• you don't need stick java constants user_with_new_status_id.

my question is:

does come approach , libraries/tools/conventions use ?

update: use such approach in few test types:

• repositories tests (e.g. repository filters objects correctly, or returns objects list in correct order).

• business logic + database integration test(unit tests good, need 100% sure business logic , repository logic consistent

have checked dbunit?

http://www.dbunit.org/

it extension of junit targeted database-driven projects that, among other things, puts database known state between test runs.

the data set simple xml file.