Cannot mock Props.navgation.navigate in React Native Navigation

Cannot mock Props.navigation.navigate in React Native Navigation

If you are working with React Native Navigation and trying to write unit tests, you may have come across the issue of not being able to mock the Props.navigation.navigate function. This can be frustrating as it hinders your ability to properly test your components. In this blog post, we will explore a couple of solutions to overcome this problem.

Solution 1: Using a Mock Navigation Object

One way to mock the Props.navigation.navigate function is by creating a mock navigation object that mimics the behavior of the original navigation object. This can be achieved by creating a simple JavaScript object with a navigate function that does nothing.

const mockNavigation = {
  navigate: jest.fn()
};

// In your test case
const wrapper = shallow();

By passing this mock navigation object as a prop to your component during testing, you can now assert that the navigate function is being called when expected.

Solution 2: Using a Navigation Mocking Library

Another solution is to utilize a navigation mocking library such as react-navigation-test-utils. This library provides a set of utilities that allow you to easily mock and test navigation-related functionality.

First, install the library by running the following command:

npm install react-navigation-test-utils --save-dev

Next, import the necessary functions from the library and use them in your test case:

import { createMockNavigation, createMockNavigator } from 'react-navigation-test-utils';

// In your test case
const mockNavigation = createMockNavigation();
const wrapper = shallow();

Using this library, you can create a mock navigation object that closely resembles the behavior of the original navigation object. This allows you to test your components with ease.

Conclusion

When working with React Native Navigation, mocking the Props.navigation.navigate function can be a challenge. However, by using either a mock navigation object or a navigation mocking library, you can overcome this issue and properly test your components.

Remember to choose the solution that best fits your needs and project requirements. Happy testing!