Context and Describe

We tend to use describe() for things and context() for context

RSpec book

Describe

• wrap a set of tests 'against one functionality'
• "use describe for things"
• start describe with '#' for instance method
• start describe with '.' for class method

Context

• wrap a set of tests against one functionality 'under the same state'
• "use context for state"
• start context with when/with

Example

describe '#dead' do
  subject(:cat) { Cat.new(lives: starting_lives) }
  
  context "with nine lives" do
    let(:starting_lives) { 9 }
    
    it { is_expected.not_to be_dead }
  end
  
  context "with no lives" do
    let(:starting_lives) { 0 }
    
    it { is_expected.to be_dead }
  end
  
  # Alternatively, sometimes you can't use is_expected syntax
  context 'when cat has no more lives' do
    let(:starting_lives) { 0 }

    it 'is dead :(' do
      expect(cat).to be_dead
    end
  end
end

Bonus

• don't use should in test names
  • instead say what will happen
• prefer active verbs
• Use it to say what you're expecting to happen

http://lmws.net/describe-vs-context-in-rspec

http://jakegoulding.com/presentations/rspec-structure