dotnet-verify

name	dotnet-verify
description	This skill should be used when working with Verify snapshot tests in .NET projects. Use when updating verified snapshots after intentional code changes, accepting new snapshots, discovering verify tests, or troubleshooting snapshot mismatches. Trigger phrases include "verify tests", "update snapshots", "accept snapshots", "verified files", ".verified.txt".

.NET Verify Snapshot Testing

Manage Verify snapshot tests using the verify.tool dotnet local tool.

Discovery

To list all test files using Verify snapshots:

rg -l "Verifier\.Verify|UsesVerify|\.verified\." --type cs

To scope to a specific directory:

rg -l "Verifier\.Verify|UsesVerify|\.verified\." --type cs <path/to/test/directory>

Update Snapshots

To update snapshots after intentional code changes:

1. Build the solution:

   dotnet build -p:WarningLevel=0 /clp:ErrorsOnly --verbosity minimal
   

2. Run affected verify tests (they fail, generating .received. files):

   dotnet test <test-project> --no-build --filter "FullyQualifiedName~<TestClass>" -v m
   

3. Accept all new snapshots:

   dotnet verify accept -y
   

   To scope to a specific directory:

   dotnet verify accept -y -w <path/to/test/directory>
   

4. Re-run tests to confirm they pass:

   dotnet test <test-project> --no-build --filter "FullyQualifiedName~<TestClass>" -v m
   

File Conventions

• ClassName.MethodName.verified.txt — accepted snapshot (committed to git)
• ClassName.MethodName.received.txt — latest test output (not committed, gitignored)
• Parameterized tests: ClassName.MethodName_param=value.verified.txt

Quick Reference

Command	Purpose
dotnet verify accept -y	Accept all pending snapshots
dotnet verify accept -y -w <dir>	Accept snapshots in specific directory
rg -l "Verifier\.Verify|UsesVerify|\.verified\." --type cs	List all test files using Verify