# Factories and test data ## Each test makes its own data Create mutable records inside each test or through a private helper that the test calls. The setup then stays visible, and each test can select its factory state. Use `setUp()` only for configuration that applies to every test in the class. Do not create records in it, because its objects remain in memory until the suite ends. ## Record construction - Use `create()` if the test needs the record in the database. - Use `make()` only if the test does not need the database. Examples include rendering a notification and testing a value object's behavior. - Use a named factory state instead of a raw attribute. `User::factory()->unverified()->create()` gives the state meaning. `create(['email_verified_at' => null])` gives only its value. - Use `for()` or the relationship helper of the project to declare the owner of a record. - If several records must share one parent record, use `recycle()`. - If several records need different attributes, use `sequence()`. ```php $organization = Organization::factory()->onPlan(BillingPlan::PRO)->create(); $environment = Environment::factory()->recycle($organization)->create(); $organizations = Organization::factory() ->count(3) ->sequence( ['created_at' => now()->setSeconds(30)], ['created_at' => now()->setSeconds(1)], ) ->create(); ``` Create only the records required to arrange the behavior or support an assertion. ## Data providers Use a data provider when the setup, test body, and assertions remain the same across input values. ```php public static function nonAdminRoles(): array { return collect(Role::cases()) ->reject(fn (Role $role): bool => $role === Role::ADMIN) ->mapWithKeys(fn (Role $role): array => [$role->value => [$role]]) ->all(); } #[DataProvider('nonAdminRoles')] public function test_forbids_roles_other_than_admin(Role $role): void { $this->actingAs(User::factory()->hasOrganization($role)->create()) ->post('/settings') ->assertForbidden(); } ``` Declare each data provider method as `public static`. Use parameterized tests for: - enum cases - roles and plans - boundary values - input values that are invalid in the same way - input and output value pairs If the cases need a different setup, a different behavior, or different assertions, write separate tests. One test function with a branch in the body is two tests in one function. Give each data-provider case a key that states the difference. A failure then identifies the case without requiring you to count positions.