Why it often goes wrong – and how to fix it
Intro
In many Mendix projects, testing is structurally undervalued. That’s surprising, especially in a low-code platform like Mendix, where speed and flexibility are key. To deliver sustainable quality at this pace, testing should be a top priority. Yet at Anamata, we often see that testing is introduced late in the development cycle, or not at all.
The result? Delayed go-lives, issues in production, and frustration among both users and development teams. In this blog, we’ll share the five most common causes we encounter at Anamata and offer practical steps to improve testing in Mendix projects.
Problem 1: Out of Sight, Out of Mind – testing is seen as ‘optional’
Many clients simply aren’t aware of how important testing is in a Mendix project. They don’t have a clear view of the risks of not testing properly or of the capabilities that exist within the Mendix ecosystem.
As a result, we often see testing treated as “optional”, when in fact it should be a core part of any professional development process. Without awareness, testing remains an afterthought, both in the budget and the project plan.
Problem 2: Testing is postponed – until it’s too late
Even when awareness exists, many teams still postpone testing. The focus is on building and delivering, with testing only addressed right before release. By that time, budgets are often depleted, scope has expanded, and there’s simply no room for reliable, high-quality testing.
At Anamata, we see this “test-at-the-end” trap all too often, leading to time pressure, technical debt, and quality issues in production.
Problem 3: Apps are not built with testability in mind
One of the core issues we frequently encounter is that Mendix apps are built without considering testability. Business logic is embedded in UI widgets, nanoflows, or tightly coupled microflows. This makes automated testing and reuse nearly impossible.
Without a testable architecture, setting up unit or integration tests becomes much harder than it needs to be. That’s a missed opportunity — with a few smart design choices early on, most of these issues can be avoided.
At Anamata, we see this “test-at-the-end” trap all too often, leading to time pressure, technical debt, and quality issues in production.
Problem 4: Test data – messy, outdated, or unreliable
Testing depends on data. Still, many teams struggle to set up and manage realistic, consistent test data. We often see polluted test environments or testers accidentally interfering with each other’s data.
Without reliable data, you get false positives, inconsistent results, and a lot of wasted time.
Problem 5: Limited knowledge of tools and test principles
In many Mendix projects, testing is done by business users or fellow developers. While that can add value, it becomes risky if there’s no dedicated testing expertise involved. Testing seems simple, but truly effective, structured testing is a discipline of its own. It’s not just “clicking through an app”, but it requires a sound test strategy: what are you testing, how deep do you go, and where do you focus?
Many business developers also have limited experience with external testing tools. As a result, most testing is done manually, without proper integration into CI/CD pipelines or API testing processes.
What Does Work? Five practical steps toward mature testing in Mendix
Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do. Based on our experience at Anamata, here are five steps to help you structurally improve testing in Mendix projects:
1. Start With a Test Strategy
Create a test pyramid tailored to Mendix. Focus on unit tests for logic, API tests for integrations, and UI tests only for core flows.
2. Use the Mendix Unit Testing Module
Start small. Begin with microflows that have clear input/output and are reusable. Automate logic wherever possible. You might also consider exploring testing platforms like Menditect, which are specifically designed to support automated testing in Mendix.
3. Design for Testability
Keep logic out of the UI. Design microflows to be modular and reusable. Always ask yourself: “Can I test this automatically later?”
4. Actively Manage Test Data
Make test data management part of your strategy. Use init scripts, test objects, and data cleaners to ensure reliable and repeatable tests.
5. Invest in Test Knowledge
Train your team in test fundamentals. Low-code doesn’t mean no-code, and definitely not no-test. Make testing an integral part of your development culture.
Final thought – Make testing a first-class citizen in your Mendix project
Testing is not a last-minute task or an afterthought. It’s a critical part of professional software delivery, especially in a low-code environment like Mendix.
At Anamata, we believe the key to successful Mendix projects lies in a holistic approach to quality. That starts with awareness, smart architectural choices, and investing in test knowledge. When done right, testing becomes an enabler, not a bottleneck.
Curious how to make your Mendix app more testable?
Want help setting up a practical test strategy with your team?
Get in touch with Anamata, we’d love to help.
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