Introduction

The popular .NET testing library FluentAssertions has made a major change. After years of being free and open source, it’s now becoming paid software for commercial use. This change affects many developers who use the library to write better and clearer tests. Let’s explore what this means for you and your projects.

The Big Change

Starting with version 8.0.0 (PR link), FluentAssertions is no longer free for commercial use. However, here’s the good news: version 7 and earlier versions remain completely free forever. This is because these versions use the Apache2 license, which gives users permanent rights to use the software. You can keep using these older versions without paying anything.

How Developers Are Reacting

The news has created quite a stir in the development community. Most developers were surprised by this change, and their reactions have been mixed:

First, many developers expressed worry about having to pay for something that was previously free. On the other hand, some developers understood why this change was necessary, pointing out that maintaining open-source projects takes a lot of time and effort. Meanwhile, discussions about this change spread quickly across Twitter, Reddit, and other developer forums.

What This Means For Your Projects

If you’re currently using FluentAssertions, here’s what you need to know:

Impact on Current Projects

First of all, if you’re using version 7 or earlier, nothing changes – you can keep using these versions for free. However, if you want to upgrade to version 8 or later, you’ll need to buy a license for commercial use.

Looking at the Cost

The new paid version costs $130 per developer. Before deciding whether to pay, consider what you get:

• Regular updates and improvements
• Official support
• Access to new features

Free Alternatives You Can Try

Thankfully, there are several other good testing libraries you can use instead:

1. NUnit: This is a widely-used option that covers most basic testing needs
2. xUnit: A flexible choice that many developers prefer for its modern features
3. Shouldly: An easy-to-use library with clear, readable syntax

Final Thoughts

The change in FluentAssertions marks an important shift in .NET testing tools. While some developers might need to adjust their plans or budgets, others might find this as an opportunity to explore new testing solutions.

Remember, you can still use older versions for free, or try out other testing libraries. Most importantly, choose the option that works best for your team and project needs.

To stay updated on these changes and make the best decision for your projects, keep an eye on the official FluentAssertions documentation and community discussions. After all, staying flexible and adapting to changes is a key part of being a successful developer.