How to Configure Relative Paths for SQL Express Connection Strings in Unit Tests?

Relative Path Configuration for SQL Express Connection String

In your unit test project, you encounter the challenge of specifying the location of your MDF database file relative to the application's location. You intend to define the connection string in the app.config file, but you prefer to avoid absolute paths like the one you have provided.

Using |DataDirectory| in Non-Web Applications

Contrary to your assumption, |DataDirectory| is applicable not only to web applications but can also be employed in non-web applications. It represents a placeholder path relative to the application's directory. In your case, you can set the |DataDirectory| value to the path where your database resides.

Implementing the Solution

To implement your desired solution, follow these steps:

1. App.config Configuration:

   • Define your connection string in app.config using |DataDirectory| as a placeholder for the relative path:

     <add name="MyConnectionString"
       connectionString="Server=.\SQLExpress;AttachDbFilename=|DataDirectory|\MyDatabase.mdf;Database=MyDatabaseForTesting;Trusted_Connection=Yes;" />

2. DataDirectory Property Setting:

   • In your unit test class, use the |TestInitialize| method to set the |DataDirectory| property to the desired path:

     [TestInitialize]
     public void TestInitialize()
     {
       AppDomain.CurrentDomain.SetData("DataDirectory", System.IO.Path.Combine(AppDomain.CurrentDomain.BaseDirectory, "Databases"));
     
       // Rest of initialization code...
     }

     Here, the |Databases| folder is assumed to be a subfolder of your application directory.

With this configuration, your unit tests can access the database using a relative path, regardless of the actual location of the application.

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