Added support for string-based matchers for step definitions.

[tdekoning]

Format example:

• 'I increment the variable by %d'
• 'I enter %s into firstname and %s into lastname'

Regexp support in step-definitions are still working as they should.

[tdekoning]

I'm not an expert on regular expressions, but i do agree with you about keeping the syntax the same as the ruby version of cucumber.

I think that matching for numbers/strings etc can be usefull in some situations where you build your logic for a certain datatype and when specs change, you know immediatly that your steps are being skipped because the parameter does not map to a single step.
However, on the other hand without typechecks you can see if your code works properly with other datatypes without having to add steps.

How does the ruby version of cucumber handle string-based matchers? Perhaps it is the best to keep the feature the same.

[jbpros]

I think $-variables are simply matching any string of non-whitespace characters. Basically, it maps to ([^\s]*) or something, passing the captured string to the step definition and ignoring the actual variable name.

When one needs smarter step arguments, transforms are generally a nice way to go. It allows for both matching group reuse and typecasting.

NUMBER = Transform /^(\d+)$/ do |number|
  return number.to_i
end

Given /^I have #{NUMBER} cucumbers$/ do |cucumber_count|
  # cucumber_count is an integer, not a string
end

But of course, this is all based on regexps.

[tdekoning]

I agree, the name in the $ should not mean anything (unless someone really wants it, like in your example).

Do you want me to rewrite the code so it can use $ANYTHING and replace that with ([^\s]*) or something?

[jbpros]

Sure, that'd be a nice addition.

[tdekoning]

I have added the simpler matcher that matches on parameters with a $.

Step usage:
Given('a variable set to $nummer2', function(number, callback) {
console.log('number: ', number);
callback();
});

Feature:
Scenario: easy maths
Given a variable set to 1
When I increment the variable by 1
Then the variable should contain 2

[jbpros]

Great, thank you Ted.

I'm thinking it would be a good idea to introduce a "step definition pattern" that would encapsulate the string/regexp of the step definition.

Also we need some tests for this ;) Are you up to it?

[tdekoning]

While a "step definition pattern" isn't a bad idea, perhaps that would overengineer it.

What kind of tests do you have in mind?

[jbpros]

As soon as we're dealing with a "multi-type" variable, I smell a need for encapsulation. Additionally, I try to keep constructors a simple as possible. They're then easier to test and much less responsible for business logic.

Regarding the tests, there are both features and specs. Cucumber.js is passing the cucumber-tck feature suite entirely when run from both Cucumber-ruby and Cucumber.js in addition to a few features specific to it.

But again, I can help on this if you want.

[tdekoning]

Okay. I would really appreciate the help, im not familiar with ruby and i dont know how to properly run those .tck spec tests.

[tdekoning]

I have added a testfeature that now passes in the cucumber-tck suite (running npm test).

Rewriting the code should be safe now :).
I do not know how your vision is on the encapsulation but i will let you to decide how to implement that.

[tdekoning]

Will you implement this feature in cucumber-js?

[jbpros]

@tdekoning Don't worry, I will. I'm quite busy preparing my talks at CukeUp!, among other things.

I should be able to take care of it in ~two weeks or so. I'm sorry for this rather long delay.

Stay tuned!

[jbpros]

There is no such feature in cucumber-tck. Do you have it on your local repo?

[lock]

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