Does Microsoft.NET.Test.Sdk need for Unit Test Project (.NET Framework)

[AaqibAhamed]

Description

I have created created Unit Test Project (.NET Framework) to my project.Does Microsoft.NET.Test.Sdk need for Unit Test Project (.NET Framework) in any ways?

Steps to reproduce

Can I delete it from my project? Is this fine always ?.

Expected behavior

Test should run perfectly without any issues or warnings.

Actual behavior

Diagnostic logs

Environment

Entity Framework v4.5

[plioi]

Although this package is technically not necessary, the things it does to your project are necessary for Test Explorer and dotnet test to work. If you don't use Test Explorer or dotnet test, you can leave it out.

Most test frameworks' nuget packages don't list it as an automatic dependency, so in practice you do have to remember to include it, otherwise you'll get confusing error messages when you try to run tests. Also, you have to hope that the version you choose is truly compatible with your selected test framework. The package moves quickly, so version-to-version compatibility is a challenge.

Beware. The package actively interferes with the system under test (#2279, #2316), an unfortunate side effect of VSTest's own implementation details being copied over your own build output folder every time you build.

[AaqibAhamed]

But It supports only for Visual Studio Enterprise edition right?.

[plioi]

It's for everyone. I use it in Community edition all the time.

[binhtq1987]

hi plioi,

I have a concern would like to ask you. I did not install the package Microsoft.Net.Test.Sdk, but Test Explorer also works fine for me. not sure how it work, can you help me to understand this?

[plioi]

Looks like your project is targeting .NET 4.5.2, the "regular old" framework. The rules are simply different for that. I believe Microsoft.Net.Test.Sdk started to show up as something end users had to deal with after .NET Core arrived. VsTest has different code for .NET Framework and was probably able to make more assumptions on its own about how things worked.

[binhtq1987]

Thanks Patrick!

[nohwnd]

As Patrick says, testhost (the component that runs your tests) is a dependency of Test.SDK, and on netcore projects is delivered by nuget. On .NET Framework it uses the same component that is shipped with SDK (and Visual Studio) together with vstest.console.