MSTest ThrowsException with conditions on the exception object?

Question

I'm using MSTest Assert.ThrowsException, but sometimes I want to add test conditions on the thrown exception object, e.g. checking that the message mentions a specific phrase, identifier, data value or whatever.

The best solution I've found is a construct that doesn't use Assert.ThrowsException, but resorts to try...catch:

bool success = false;
try
{
    // Code to be tested goes here...
    success = true;
}
catch (Exception e)
{
    Assert.IsInstanceOfType(e, typeof(DesiredExceptionClass));
    // Tests on e go here...
}
if (success)
    Assert.Fail($"Should have thrown {nameof(DesiredExceptionClass)}.");

Is there a better way?

With "better" i mean more readable, compacter code, with less "boilerplate".

Answer 1

I'm using this way:

    Exception exception = null;
        try
        {
            // Code to be tested goes here...
        }
        catch (Exception e)
        {
            exception = e;
        }
        Assert.IsInstanceOfType(exception, typeof(DesiredExceptionClass));