Limitations of using C++/CLI with NUnit

Question

This answer to a question about C++ unit test frameworks suggests a possibility that had not occurred to me before: using C++/CLI and NUnit to create unit tests for native C++ c

Answer 1

The biggest concern is the learning curve of the C++/CLI language (formerly Managed C++) itself, if the tests need to be understood or maintained by non-C++ developers.

It takes a minimum of 1-2 years of C++ OOP experience in order to be able to make contributions into a C++CLI/NUnit test project and to solve the various issues that arise between the managed-native code interfaces. (By contribution, I mean being able to work standalone and able to make mock objects, implement and consume native interfaces in C++/CLI, etc. to meet all testing needs.)

Some people may just never grasp C++/CLI good enough to be able to contribute.

For certain types of native software libraries with very demanding test needs, C++/CLI/NUnit is the only combination that will meet all of the unit testing needs while keeping the test code agile and able to respond to changes. I recommend the book xUnit Test Patterns: Refactoring Test Code to go along this direction.