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c#tddbddspecflowgherkin

How to use variable in feature file

How can I use variables in my feature file? Specifically, I need to use dateTime.now. Ideally, something like... 

Given the API returns items for "dateTime.now"
when my function is run 
then I want that data in my database

And in my acceptance test file...

[Given("The API returns line items for (.*)")]

Is this the proper way to go about this? I'm unsure of how to use variables in my feature file. I want my acceptance test to use the current date.

Solution

  • The easiest way is to write a step specific for returning lines items for "right now":

    Given the API returns items for right now

    You can call the other version of the step from the new version:

    [Given(@"the API returns items for right now")]
public void GivenTheAPIReturnsItemsForRightNow()
{
    GivenTheAPIReturnsItemsFor(DateTime.Now);
}

    This avoids code duplication between steps.