How to run single test method with phpunit?

Here's the more generic answer:

If you are sure the method name is unique you can only filter by method name (this works for me)

phpunit --filter {TestMethodName}

However it is safer to specify the file path/reference as well

phpunit --filter {TestMethodName} {FilePath}

Example:

phpunit --filter testSaveAndDrop reference/to/escalation/EscalationGroupTest.php

Quick note: I've noticed that if I have a function named testSave and another function named testSaveAndDrop using command phpunit --filter testSave will also run testSaveAndDrop and any other function that starts with testSave*, it's weird!!

I prefer marking the test in annotation as

/**
 * @group failing
 * Tests the api edit form
 */
public function testEditAction()

Then running it with

phpunit --group failing

No need to specify the full path in the command line, but you have to remember removing this before commit, not to clutter the code.

You may also specify several groups for a single test

/**
  * @group failing
  * @group bug2204 
  */
public function testSomethingElse()
{
}

The following command runs the test on a single method:

phpunit --filter testSaveAndDrop EscalationGroupTest escalation/EscalationGroupTest.php

phpunit --filter methodName ClassName path/to/file.php

For newer versions of phpunit, it is just:

phpunit --filter methodName path/to/file.php