Test pyramid
Also called: Testing pyramid
A model recommending many fast unit tests, fewer integration tests and few end-to-end tests.
Definition
Lower levels are cheaper and faster, so most checks belong there. Manual and end-to-end testing sit at the top, focused on real user journeys and things automation misses. An upside-down 'ice-cream cone' means too much slow, manual testing.
In practice
A team with 2,000 unit tests, 200 API tests and 20 end-to-end tests follows the pyramid.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.