Combine multiple let statements

Question

How can I define a method create_all that allows me instead of writing

describe "some spec" do
  let(:a) { create :a }
  let(:b) { create :b, :a => a }
  ...

to write

describe "some spec" do
  create_all
  ...

More specifically: Where do I have to define it in order to be able to use it in the describe context?

It should work across different spec files.

Answer 1

There is a mechanism in RSpec to do this, and it is shared_context. It is simple, elegant and doesn't require jumping through hoops as some of the other options need you to do.

So, in your example you'd set up a shared context:

# spec/support/create_all.rb

shared_context "create all" do
  let(:a) { create :a }
  let(:b) { create :b, :a => a }
  ...
end

Then in your specs

# some_spec.rb

describe "some spec" do
  include_context "create all"

  it "tests something" do
    ...
  end
end

Some further reading:

• https://www.relishapp.com/rspec/rspec-core/docs/example-groups/shared-context
• http://testdrivenwebsites.com/2011/08/17/different-ways-of-code-reuse-in-rspec/