is it possible to mock/fake an extension method?

Question

I'm using a controller extension, and I tried to mock it using FakeItEasy (v 1.7.4) like this:

A.CallTo(() => controller.RenderView(A<string>.Ignored,A<object>.Ignored,null)).Returns("");

but I get this error:

System.NullReferenceException : Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at System.Object.GetType()
at FakeItEasy.Creation.ProxyGeneratorSelector.MethodCanBeInterceptedOnInstance(MethodInfo method, Object callTarget, ref String failReason)
at FakeItEasy.Configuration.DefaultInterceptionAsserter.AssertThatMethodCanBeInterceptedOnInstance(MethodInfo method, Object callTarget)
at FakeItEasy.Configuration.FakeConfigurationManager.CallTo(Expression`1 callSpecification)

Lorielorien

Answer 1

This is not possible. Proxying/intercepting libraries used by FakeItEasy (and other popular free frameworks, like Moq or RhinoMocks) don't allow interception of static methods (static properties, sealed classes and non-virtual instance methods in fact). And extension method is just a kind of static method.

You can take a look at TypeMock or JustMock, which do have such functionality.

Nemato

Alternatively, if you want a free option, Moles also allows mocking of static methods: research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/pex – Colonnade

This may be coming to FakeItEasy. How soon, I'm not sure - github.com/FakeItEasy/FakeItEasy/issues/90 – Carbazole

Answer 2

If the extension method is declared in a separate assembly, you could link in a replacement assembly with the same namespace.

You'd have to replace any other required types from this assembly too, though.

Fourteen

+1: that's really interesting solution as long as you don't have to replace too much. – Nemato

@jimmy_keen Thanks! It's basically the link seam from Working Effectively with Legacy Code. – Fourteen

Answer 3

In FakeItEasy you can create it as a strict mock and then configure the static method

http://hocke.blogspot.com.ar/2011/03/extension-method-for-creating-strict.html

Fecundity

this has absolutely nothing to do with faking extension methods. Your google-foo has let you down here – Zeiger