How to create an executable (preferably a .exe and not command line) out of a Coded UI Test?

Question

I am trying to create an executable out of a Coded UI Test which opens a browser and performs a set of operations. I would prefer a simple .exe file instead of using a batch file or using MS Test Agent, to be able to run it across computers without issues. Any other way of executing the Coded UI Test with a simple click, without the use of Visual Studio is welcome.

Thanks.

Answer 1

You cannot create a .exe file from CodedUi Project but you can use another Project for that.

Step 1

Create your CodedUi Project. Use the CodedUi Test Builder to create your TestMethod(s) that executes the actions you want.

Step 2

Create another Project that has a reference to your CodedUi Test Projectand calls your recorded Test Methods. If you just need to run only one method then create a simple Console Application. If you need something more complicated (e.g. choose the CodedUI Test Method to run) a Windows Form Application would be more appropriate.

Answer 2

I know that is late, anyway this can serve to others more.

You can delegate this work to MSTest, you can do a .bat or make a console application that executes the next:

set MSTestEXE=%PROGRAMFILES%\Microsoft Visual Studio 10.0\Common7\IDE\MSTest.exe
"%MSTestEXE%" /testcontainer:CodedUITest\bin\Debug\CodedUITest.dll

CodedUITest.dll is the dll that generates Visual Studio.

MsTest will execute all tests showing you the results on the CMD and even will generate the TestResult.trx file.