VSTest.Console.exe is a command-line utility that is part of the Microsoft Test Platform. It is used primarily for running automated tests in the Windows environment, specifically for applications developed using the .NET framework. This tool is essential for developers and testers who want to execute tests outside of Visual Studio, allowing for integration into continuous integration and deployment pipelines.

What is VSTest.Console.exe?

VSTest.Console.exe is a command-line tool that allows you to run tests from the command prompt or through scripts. It supports running tests from the following test frameworks:

• MSTest
• NUnit
• xUnit

Why Use VSTest.Console.exe?

• Automation: Integrate test execution into build and release pipelines.
• Flexibility: Run tests without opening Visual Studio.
• Performance: Execute tests in parallel to save time.

How to Use VSTest.Console.exe

Prerequisites

• Ensure that you have Visual Studio installed, as VSTest.Console.exe is included with it.
• Alternatively, you can install the .NET SDK, which includes the necessary tools.

Basic Command Structure

The basic syntax for using VSTest.Console.exe is:

VSTest.Console.exe [TestFile.dll] [Options]

• TestFile.dll: The compiled test file that contains your tests.
• Options: Various options to customize the test run.

Examples

1. Run All Tests in a DLL

   To run all tests in a specific DLL, navigate to the directory containing the DLL and execute:

   VSTest.Console.exe MyTests.dll

2. Run Tests with a Specific Category

   If your tests are categorized, you can run a specific category using the /TestCaseFilter option:

   VSTest.Console.exe MyTests.dll /TestCaseFilter:"TestCategory=SmokeTests"

3. Run Tests and Generate a Log File

   To generate a log file for the test results, use the /Logger option:

   VSTest.Console.exe MyTests.dll /Logger:trx

   This command generates a .trx file that can be opened in Visual Studio for detailed results.

4. Run Tests in Parallel

   To speed up test execution, you can run tests in parallel using the /Parallel option:

   VSTest.Console.exe MyTests.dll /Parallel

5. Specify a Settings File

   If you have a .runsettings file to configure your test run, specify it using the /Settings option:

   VSTest.Console.exe MyTests.dll /Settings:TestRunSettings.runsettings

Conclusion

VSTest.Console.exe is a powerful tool for running automated tests in the Windows environment. Its flexibility and integration capabilities make it an essential tool for developers and testers aiming to streamline their testing processes.