Question: My unit tests use the `main` entry point in each of my Java classes. I'm using Eclipse. It's been risky to rely on the test results because sometimes I've forgotten to set `-enableassertions` in the JVM arguments. Is there a universal setting that applies to all current and future `Run Configurations`?

Answer: 
To make assertions enabled by default, first go to the Eclipse menu named `Window` because Eclipse is a GUI application so it seems to be an excellent reason to put it in a menu called "Window".

Window > Preferences > Java > Installed JREs

Select the JRE that you use.

Click `Edit`. Add to the `Default VM Arguments` textbox the option `-enableassertions`. Click `Apply` if necessary.

Now, even without enabling assertions in the launch configuration, which seems to be synonymous with run configuration, programs run in Eclipse will have assertions enabled.
Use [junit's assertion](http://junit.sourceforge.net/javadoc/org/junit/Assert.html) instead

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Also See

* [assert vs. JUnit Assertions](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/2966347/assert-vs-junit-assertions)