# Code Smell 320 - Vanity Coverage

DevFeed: [Code Smell 320 - Vanity Coverage](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/code-smell-320-vanity-coverage-18227.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://maximilianocontieri.com/code-smell-320-vanity-coverage>)

Author: Maxi Contieri

Published: 2026-06-23T23:32:02Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Maximiliano Contieri - Software Design](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/maximiliano-contieri-software-design.md>)

Topics: [Testing](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/testing.md>), [mutation-testing](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/mutation-testing.md>), [Test coverage](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/coverage.md>)

Tags: [coverage](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/coverage.md>), [mutation-testing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/mutation-testing.md>), [tests](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/tests.md>)

## AI overview

The article describes vanity coverage: tests that execute code without verifying meaningful behavior, which can create false confidence and allow defects to reach production. It recommends behavior-focused assertions and mutation testing to identify ineffective tests.

## Source excerpt

TL;DR: You write tests that touch every line but verify nothing, creating false confidence in a broken system. Problems 😔 False confidence Hidden production defects Misleading metrics Wasted tes