How to do TDD and unit testing in powershell?

Asked 2009-06-02T16:28:02.050

With MS ramming powershell into all new server products, I'm starting to (reluctantly) think I need to take it seriously. Part of "taking it seriously" is TDD. Have you found good methods to unit test power shell scripts?

I've found samples of mocking from Mr Geek Noise - but I'd really like something like RhinoMocks. Brian Hartsock has a sample of running tests on powershell strings from MS Test. A little hacky, but it seems to work.

What I want is a Powershell TDD experience that is as clean as it is in "real" languages.

Update to clarify:

The first two answers attempt to steer me away from testing Powershell. The opinions are interesting. I don't want to know if it's a good idea to test in powershell. That's a subjective question that should be asked in a different forum. I want a solution to unit testing powershell. If you think it's a bad idea (it might be), treat it as a fun academic question.

Yes, scripting languages glue together disparate systems. However, as already pointed out, it's also easy to mock and break seams in a dynamic language.
I'm not asking about "debugging". Debugging is an extremely useful topic. I'll let someone else ask it.
Maybe PS scripts should be simple. The language supports modularity and it is inevitable that complex processes will be implemented in PS (even if a bad idea).
The answer to this question is not "You can't". I can see (from linked blogs - which are a little old) that some people have made headway on the problem.

To re-state: How do you implement an automated testing of Powershell logic in the

unit-testing powershell tdd pester

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2 Answers

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I think you're asking about "testing strategies" instead of TDD specifically, so I'll answer both questions.

The bulk of your work in PowerShell will be integrating a bunch of disparate systems via cmdlets and object pipes. If you want to be confident your PowerShell scripts work, put as much effort as possible into building a perfect staging environment, so as to test all these systems as accurately as possible.

Running your scripts in a perfect staging environment will be infinitely more valuable than "fleshing out your design" via TDD or "testing your code's intent" with after-the-fact unit tests.

Small notes that may help:

The -whatif switch exists on built-in cmdlets. Also I just found out you can do this as well: -whatif:$someBool - you'll know when you need it.

The ISE coming in V2 has a debugger. Sweet.

You can always code up a custom cmdlet in C# and do whatever you want there.

answered 2009-06-02T20:54:56.010

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Dead discussion but the concerns are very much alive.

The one thing I see missing from the discussion of the usefulness of unit testing PS given its intended use involves modules in an enterprise system. Imagine an enterprise setting with a central repository for common network-/file-level tasks implemented in PS. In this setting, you have a small number of developers and network specialists all of which have slightly overlapping duties. A developer creates a module encapsulating business logic and its usefulness is immediately acknowledged such that in no time, others jump in and incorporate the module in their own efforts. The module is included in anything from one-off interactive scripts to medium-sized client applications; While some might not agree on the use cases for a shell-scripting language, evolution is a constant in this field.

In this scenario, I believe there's value in defining a set of "contracts" for these common modules to follow. If knowledge-sharing is integral to the organization then it's possible more than one person would be modifying these modules. Having unit tests validate the integrity of the modules would go a long way towards maintaining order and minimizing chaos thus sustaining (perhaps increasing) the value of the modules themselves.

As to a preferred approach, I've yet to adopt one. PS brings to mind a fluid/dynamic/agile substance. Containing it within a rigid structure such as what I've seen with TDD feels unnatural. However, given the scenario above, this goal can't be ignored. Nevermind, I'm torn, sorry to waste your time. Thank you for reading.

answered 2012-05-25T14:02:58.187

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