xref: /vim-8.2.3635/src/testdir/README.txt (revision 94688b8a)
1This directory contains tests for various Vim features.
2For testing an indent script see runtime/indent/testdir/README.txt.
3
4If it makes sense, add a new test method to an already existing file.  You may
5want to separate it from other tests with comment lines.
6
7The numbered tests are older, we have switched to named tests.  Don't add any
8more numbered tests.
9
10And then you can choose between a new style test, which is a Vim script, or an
11old style test, which uses Normal mode commands.  Use a new style test if you
12can.  Use an old style test when it needs to run without the +eval feature.
13
14
15TO ADD A NEW STYLE TEST:
16
171) Create a test_<subject>.vim file.
182) Add test_<subject>.res to NEW_TESTS_RES in Make_all.mak in alphabetical
19   order.
203) Also add an entry "test_<subject>" to NEW_TESTS in Make_all.mak.
214) Use make test_<subject> to run a single test.
22
23At 2), instead of running the test separately, it can be included in
24"test_alot".  Do this for quick tests without side effects.  The test runs a
25bit faster, because Vim doesn't have to be started, one Vim instance runs many
26tests.
27
28
29What you can use (see test_assert.vim for an example):
30
31- Call assert_equal(), assert_true(), assert_false(), etc.
32
33- Use assert_fails() to check for expected errors.
34
35- Use try/catch to avoid an exception aborts the test.
36
37- Use alloc_fail() to have memory allocation fail. This makes it possible to
38  check memory allocation failures are handled gracefully.  You need to change
39
40- the source code to add an ID to the allocation.  Update LAST_ID_USED above
41  alloc_id() to the highest ID used.
42
43- Use test_override() to make Vim behave differently, e.g.  if char_avail()
44  must return FALSE for a while.  E.g. to trigger the CursorMovedI autocommand
45  event.
46
47- See test_cursor_func.vim for an example.
48
49- If the bug that is being tested isn't fixed yet, you can throw an exception
50  with "Skipped" so that it's clear this still needs work.  E.g.: throw
51  "Skipped: Bug with <c-e> and popupmenu not fixed yet"
52
53- See the start of runtest.vim for more help.
54
55
56TO ADD A SCREEN DUMP TEST:
57
58Mostly the same as writing a new style test.  Additionally, see help on
59"terminal-dumptest".  Put the reference dump in "dumps/Test_func_name.dump".
60
61
62TO ADD AN OLD STYLE TEST:
63
641) Create test_<subject>.in and test_<subject>.ok files.
652) Add test_<subject>.out to SCRIPTS_ALL in Make_all.mak in alphabetical order.
663) Use make test_<subject>.out to run a single test in src/testdir/.
67   Use make test_<subject>  to run a single test in src/.
684) Also add an entry in src/Makefile.
69
70Keep in mind that the files are used as if everything was typed:
71- To add comments use:   :"  (that's an Ex command comment)
72- A line break is like pressing Enter.  If that happens on the last line
73  you'll hear a beep!
74