Configuring Gradle Test Dependencies Between Projects

Configuring Gradle Test Dependencies Between Projects

21 May 2024 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Tech-Help

Managing dependencies between multiple projects in Gradle can be complex, especially when it comes to sharing test classes. If you have two projects, Project A and Project B, where Project A requires the test classes of Project B, this guide will walk you through the process of configuring Gradle to handle these dependencies.

Solution Overview

The most effective way to share test classes between projects is by exposing the test classes via a custom configuration and then defining a dependency on that configuration. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this.

Step 1: Create a Test Jar in Project B

First, you need to create a JAR file that contains the test classes in Project B. You can do this by adding the following task to your build.gradle file in Project B:


task testJar(type: Jar, dependsOn: testClasses) {
    baseName = "test-${project.archivesBaseName}"
    from sourceSets.test.output
}

configurations {
    tests
}

artifacts {
    tests testJar
}
    

Step 2: Define the TestCompile Dependency in Project A

Next, you need to configure Project A to use the test classes from Project B. Add the following dependency to the build.gradle file in Project A:


dependencies {
    testCompile project(path: ':ProjectB', configuration: 'tests')
}
    

Alternative Solution: Using Java-Test-Fixtures Plugin

If you are using Gradle version 5.6 or later, you can leverage the java-test-fixtures plugin, which simplifies the process further by providing a first-class feature for test fixtures. This approach offers better dependency management and a cleaner separation of test utilities.

Step-by-Step Guide for Java-Test-Fixtures

Step 1: Apply the Plugin in Project B

Add the java-test-fixtures plugin to your build.gradle file in Project B:


plugins {
  id "java-library"
  id "java-test-fixtures"
}

dependencies {
  testFixturesImplementation("your.jar:dependency:0.0.1")
}
    

Step 2: Define the Dependency in Project A

Then, configure Project A to use the test fixtures from Project B:


dependencies {
  testImplementation(testFixtures(project(":ProjectB")))
}
    

For more comprehensive details, refer to the official Gradle documentation.

Enhancing Your Testing Workflow with Repeato

As you streamline your test dependencies in Gradle, consider integrating Repeato into your testing workflow. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android that allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests for your apps. With its intuitive test recorder and computer vision-based approach, Repeato simplifies test creation and maintenance, ensuring your tests are robust and easy to manage.

Repeato also supports advanced scripting for complex test scenarios and allows you to test websites inside an Android emulator or device. This makes it an excellent choice for comprehensive testing across multiple platforms.

For more information, explore our documentation or download Repeato to get started.

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