Inspec use returned results from one testcase in another test case

Chef InSpec
1

Hi,

as the subject line say I’d like to use returned results from one testcase in another test case
here is a simple use case: assume you have a test case that look like:
> describe command(“dig +short 8.8.8.8”) do
> its(“stdout”) { should cmp ‘*.’}
> end

The dig command returns a IP address. I would like to take the returned IP addres and use it in the succeeding test(s) for a simple example
> describe command("ping ") do
> its(“stdout”) { should cmp ‘’}
> end

Yes that code will not work, I know that. Its only to explain a use case. What I really what to know is something like this possible? If so can you provide a commented example? If not, could I do something like this using custom resources? if so can you provide an example?

Thanks.

2

Hi @AnotherNerdHere
Thanks for bringing up that question. In your case, you do not really want to run a test, you want to use a result from a resource in a test. So in your case you could do

ip = command("dig +short 8.8.8.8").stdout
# some stuff to extract the ip properly, use ruby to manipulate

# you can easiliy use variables in parameters
describe command("ping #{ip}") do
   its("stdout") { should cmp ''}
end

I hope that answers your question?

3

Thanks Chris. That helps greatly. I really appreciate the example.