Boost.Test
Boost.Test is a free C++ unit-testing library for simple program testing, full unit testing and program execution monitoring.
What Boost.Test is
Boost.Test is a free C++ unit-testing library for simple program testing, full unit testing and program execution monitoring. It supports C++11, C++14 and C++17. Its BOOST_TEST assertion macro handles comparisons involving floating-point values, collections and strings. Developers can organize tests with self-registering cases and suites, fixtures, decorators, labels and dependencies; the documentation also covers data-driven and template test cases. Decorations can add descriptions, groups or dependencies to test cases and suites. Assertion context and configurable logging provide diagnostic support when checks fail. The library can produce XML and JUNIT logs for third-party tools, including continuous integration systems. It can be used as a shared library, a static library or in header-only form, and is distributed under the Boost Software License, Version 1.0. The Boost 1.92.0 release page offers Unix source archives and Windows source and binary downloads. The library page links to documentation, Boost Slack discussion and GitHub issues. It lists dependencies including Algorithm, Assert, Bind, Config, Core, Exception and Type Traits. Boost.Test is listed for Linux and Windows. Its current thread-safety limitation is that it has no synchronization mechanisms to prevent races when multiple threads call assertion macros.
Good
- Free under the Boost Software License.
- Supports C++11, C++14 and C++17.
- Can be used header-only, statically or as a shared library.
- Produces XML and JUNIT logs.
- Supports data-driven and template test cases.
Watch out
- No synchronization prevents assertion races across threads.
- Listed platforms are Linux and Windows.
Who it suits
It suits C++ developers who need program testing, unit tests or execution monitoring. It is also relevant to teams that need XML or JUNIT output for third-party tools.
Verdict
Boost.Test offers test organization, diagnostics and automation-friendly output for C++ projects. Developers using assertion macros from multiple threads should account for the lack of synchronization mechanisms.
Plans and prices
From Boost.Test's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Boost.Test | Free | Boost C++ unit testing library · Boost Software License, Version 1.0 |
The facts
Each one read from Boost.Test's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Assertions
- Its BOOST_TEST assertion macro handles floating-point values, collections, and strings with appropriate comparison methods.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The library is intended for C++ developers who need simple program testing, unit testing, or program execution monitoring.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Data-driven tests
- The library supports extensible dataset tests.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Dependencies
- The library page lists Boost dependencies including Algorithm, Assert, Bind, Config, Core, Exception, and Type Traits.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Diagnostics
- The library supports assertion context for failure diagnostics and configurable logging.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Download
- The Boost 1.92.0 release page offers Unix source archives and Windows source and binary downloads.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The Boost release page lists Unix source archives and Windows source archives and binaries.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Integration options
- The framework offers header-only, static-library, and shared-library usage variants.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Language
- Boost.Test is a C++11/14/17 unit testing library.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License
- Boost.Test is distributed under the Boost Software License, Version 1.0.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Output and automation
- It supports extensible logging and XML and JUnit output formats for use with third-party tools, including continuous integration.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Output formats
- It provides XML and JUNIT log formats for use with third-party tools, including continuous integration tools.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Boost.Test supports simple program testing, full unit testing, and program execution monitoring.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The FAQ directs users to the Boost Users mailing list and the project's GitHub issues for bug reports and feature requests.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Test metadata
- Decorations can add descriptions, groups or labels, and dependencies to test cases and suites.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Test organization
- It supports self-registering test cases, test suites, and fixtures applied to cases, suites, or globally.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Thread safety limitation
- Boost.Test currently has no synchronization mechanisms to prevent races when multiple threads call assertion macros.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Usage variants
- Boost.Test can be used as a shared library, static library, or header-only library.checked 4 Oct 2026
