Using specflow to run an algorithm instead of test?

Marlon Regenhardt

• April 26, 2022 19:25

So we're currently building an application supposed to let us define variables and constraints, and then solve that constraint net. Part of an AI class basically. So we built a simple use case given two variables with possible values being {1, 2} each, and a constraint where one variable has to be bigger than the other one. This was quite simple using specflow. Except it still is in form of a test, so we have to execute the test to execute the algorithm. Can we somehow tell specflow to run a specific feature file just using code, not as a test? Can we also feed specflow a new feature file at runtime? Would allow us to build a Web app where were can just type in certain problems (like the Einstein-puzzle) and let specflow parse variables and constraints.

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  Marlon Regenhardt

  • April 27, 2022 07:00

  This is our small example:

  	Given the first number is element of {1, 2}
  	And the second number is element of {1, 2}
  	And milk is element of {2,3}
  	When the first number shall be bigger than the second number
  	And milk shall be bigger than the second number
  	Then solve it
  

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  Marlon Regenhardt

  • April 27, 2022 07:01

  "Then solve it" solves it and prints the result to the console. In this case of course, the test console.

   

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  Andreas Willich

  • April 27, 2022 12:46

  An interesting use-case for SpecFlow that you have here.

  Sadly SpecFlow can't execute Scenarios at runtime, as we generate a code-behind file when you build the project. So your web app would need to compile a project before it can run anything.

  If this ok, you can create a new unit test provider, that generates the code in a different way which can be executed without any test framework.

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