Mariam Abdullah introduces the new features of dotnet test in .NET 10, highlighting Microsoft.Testing.Platform (MTP) integration for faster performance and improved CLI diagnostics.

Enhance your CLI Testing Workflow with the New dotnet test

Author: Mariam Abdullah

The new .NET 10 update brings significant enhancements to the dotnet test command, targeting developers who need reliable test execution directly from the CLI. With the native integration of Microsoft.Testing.Platform (MTP), developers and DevOps engineers benefit from faster, more robust, and easier-to-diagnose test runs.

Key Improvements in .NET 10

  • Native MTP Integration:
    • MTP is now directly supported in dotnet test, replacing earlier reliance on VSTest.
    • Built-in configuration via a solution- or repository-level dotnet.config file.
  • Performance & Diagnostics:
    • Faster test startup and discovery, especially noticeable in large solutions.
    • Structured logging and detailed diagnostics for troubleshooting.
    • Improved output formatting using ANSI terminal standards.
  • Streamlined Migration:
    • Clear migration path from VSTest to MTP.
    • Legacy MSBuild properties for test configuration are deprecated.

Usage Patterns and Examples

  • Basic Test Execution:

    dotnet test

  • Target Specific Project or Solution:

    dotnet test --project ./Path/To/Project.csproj
dotnet test --solution ./Path/To/Solution.sln
  • Advanced Filtering:
    • Leverage --test-modules for granular assembly selection and globbing patterns.

  • Parallel Execution:

    dotnet test --max-parallel-test-modules 4

  • Output Control:

    dotnet test --no-ansi
dotnet test --no-progress
dotnet test --output Detailed

  • MSBuild Integration Examples:

    dotnet test -p:DefineConstants="DEV"
dotnet test --property:Configuration=Release

Migration & Compatibility Notes

  • All test projects in a solution must migrate to MTP if enabling it via dotnet.config—mixed VSTest and MTP environments are not supported.
  • Remove obsolete properties like TestingPlatformDotnetTestSupport and TestingPlatformShowTestsFailure during migration.

Benefits for Devs and DevOps Teams

  • Unified, future-oriented architecture for .NET testing
  • Portable solution for local, CI pipeline, and editor-based workflows
  • Better performance and enhanced diagnosis in continuous integration scenarios

For complete details, setup guidance, and community discussions, see the official dotnet test documentation and the Microsoft.Testing.Platform overview.

This post appeared first on “Microsoft .NET Blog”. Read the entire article here