How do I validate JSON responses in a Spring MockMvc test?

How do I validate JSON responses in a Spring MockMvc test?

@Test
public final void testAlertFilterView() {       
    try {           
        MvcResult result = this.mockMvc.perform(get("/getServerAlertFilters/v2v2v2/").session(session)
                .accept("application/json"))
                .andDo(print()).andReturn();
        String content = result.getResponse().getContentAsString();
        LOG.info(content);
    } catch (Exception e) {
        e.printStackTrace();
    }
}

In this guide, you will learn how to effectively validate JSON responses in your Spring MVC tests using MockMvc. This includes solving common issues that may arise, such as receiving a 406 Not Acceptable error.

MvcResult result = this.mockMvc.perform(get("/getServerAlertFilters/v2v2v2/")
        .accept(MediaType.APPLICATION_JSON))
        .andExpect(status().isOk())
        .andExpect(content().contentType(MediaType.APPLICATION_JSON))
        .andExpect(jsonPath("$.data").isArray())
        .andDo(print())
        .andReturn();
String content = result.getResponse().getContentAsString();
LOG.info(content);

Causes

• Incorrect Content-Type in the response from the server.
• Unmatched URL mapping or incorrect HTTP method used in the test.
• Session-related issues affecting the request handling.

Solutions

• Ensure the controller method produces the correct content type for the requested media type.
• Double-check the URL mapping and HTTP method in your test to make sure they match the controller's configuration.
• Use `andExpect(content().contentType(MediaType.APPLICATION_JSON))` to verify the response type.

Mistake: Using an incorrect HTTP method (GET vs POST).

Solution: Make sure to use the appropriate method that matches your controller's configuration.

Mistake: Failing to include the correct `@RequestMapping` produces attribute.

Solution: Verify that the produces attribute in your @RequestMapping annotation matches the media type you request in your test.

Mistake: Not setting up the necessary session or security context if needed.

Solution: Ensure that any required session attributes or security context are properly set up before performing the request.