ThrowTheSwitch/Unity logo

ThrowTheSwitch/Unity

Free

Simple unit testing for C

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Company
ThrowTheSwitch

About ThrowTheSwitch/Unity

Unity Test is a lightweight unit testing framework built specifically for C, with a strong focus on embedded toolchains. It is designed to test code targeting microcontrollers of all sizes. The core framework consists of a single C file and a pair of headers, making it trivial to integrate into existing build setups without complex dependencies. Unity works with any compiler and can be used with build systems such as Make, CMake, and others. It is part of the ThrowTheSwitch ecosystem, which also includes the Ceedling build tool for managing test projects. Unity provides a comprehensive set of assertion macros for basic validity checks, numerical equality (integer and float, in various sizes and formats including hexadecimal), and memory comparisons, all outputting clear error messages upon failure.

Key Features

Single C file and two headers for easy integration
Designed for embedded toolchains and microcontrollers
Comprehensive assertion macros (integers, floats, hex, memory)
Works with any compiler and build system (Make, CMake, etc.)
Part of the ThrowTheSwitch test ecosystem (includes Ceedling build tool)

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Extremely lightweight and portable (single C file)
  • Easy to integrate into existing projects without heavy dependencies
  • Rich set of assertion macros for various data types
  • Actively maintained with extensive documentation
  • Compatible with many compilers and build systems
Cons
  • Limited to C (no native C++ support)
  • No built-in mocking or stubbing capabilities (must use third-party or custom solutions)

Best For

Unit testing C code in embedded systems and microcontrollersTesting firmware and hardware abstraction layersAdding test coverage to legacy C projects with minimal overhead