Database testing involves ensuring that a new database functions correctly by utilizing consistent and reliable data through seeding and fixtures. Seeding involves inserting predefined static data into a database for initialization and testing, providing a stable foundation for applications and ensuring predictable test outcomes. Static seeding is beneficial for setting up the necessary data for application functionality and testing scenarios, while dynamic seeding generates varied data for stress testing and uncovering edge cases. Fixtures, in contrast, offer a fixed dataset for consistent test execution, allowing for isolated and repeatable tests, typically integrated into testing frameworks. Additionally, database branching, as exemplified by Neon, enhances these practices by allowing instantaneous data cloning, creating isolated test environments, enabling parallel development, and offering effortless rollbacks, thus providing a robust and flexible testing process. Understanding the distinctions between seeding and fixtures helps choose the appropriate approach for different development and testing scenarios, aiding in robust database design and testing.