To verify the accuracy of a function tasked with handling file processing and database updates, which practice should a developer employ to simulate interactions with the storage and database services during automated tests?
Implement a strategy for stepping through the function code with a debugger to inspect the file processing and updates.
Create various branches and aliases for the function to segregate operational environments during the testing phase.
Incorporate a mocking framework to replicate the behavior of file storage and managed database services within the test suite.
Generate live instances of file storage and managed database services and execute test cases against them.