Rspec: testing assignment of instance variable

Question

Using Rspec with Factory Girl. Trying to check out what data is being assigned in my controller (and test against it). Every post I've read says I should be able to get something out of assigns() but it keeps returning nill

Controller

def index
 @stickies = Sticky.where(:user_id => current_user.id)
end

Spec

it "should assign stickies" do
  foo = assigns(:stickies)
  puts "foo = #{foo}"
end

Output

foo =

Am I using the wrong syntax? Is there a better way to do this? Thanks!!

David Chelimsky · Accepted Answer · 2011-01-18 03:15:11Z

89

You have to invoke the action first


describe StickiesController do
  describe "GET index" do
    it "should assign stickies" do
      get :index
      assigns(:stickies).should_not be_nil
    end
  end
end

answered Jan 18, 2011 at 3:15

David Chelimsky

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2 Comments

jmccartie Over a year ago

One of my more bone-headed moves. Thanks, David. ;)

Ziggy Over a year ago

There is no such thing as a bone-headed move.

Calin · Accepted Answer · 2014-07-22 13:47:46Z

16

If you are using the rspec > 2.99 you can use:

expect(assigns(:stickies)).not_to be_nil

answered Jul 22, 2014 at 13:47

Calin

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