# On the Relation Between Unit Testing and Code Quality

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1904.04748 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1904.04748/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 5 Apr 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Harnessing the Power of LLMs: Automating Unit Test Generation for High-Performance Computing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.05202/) (2024)
- [DiffuTester: Accelerating Unit Test Generation for Diffusion LLMs via Mining Structural Pattern](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.24975/) (2025)
- [Smart Face Shield: A Sensor-Based Wearable Face Shield Utilizing Computer Vision Algorithms](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2212.08996/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Unit testing has been considered as having a key role in building high quality software, and therefore it has been widely used in practice. However, data on the relationship between unit testing and aspects of software quality remain scarce. A survey study with 235 survey responses from seven organizations was conducted in order to understand the correlation between practitioners' perception of code quality and unit testing practices. In addition, we conducted a case study in one of these organizations to investigate the correlation between unit test coverage and post-unit test defects. In both cases none or weak correlations were found. We recommend further research on the effectiveness of different testing practices in order to help practitioners to understand how to best allocate their resources to the testing chain.