Stop Using FluentAssertions Now

YouTube Video

Key points from the YouTube video transcript:

• Fluent Assertions v8 is now commercial: The popular free and open-source testing library, Fluent Assertions, has released version 8 under a new, restrictive license. This version requires a $130 per developer fee for commercial use.

• License Change and Acquisition: The creator, Dennis Doen, sold the copyright to Exed Software, a company specializing in .NET tools. The original Apache 2.0 license has been replaced with a custom license that permits free use only for non-commercial projects (even non-profits are affected).

• Community Backlash: The change has generated significant negative feedback from the community. Users are criticizing the per-developer pricing model as exorbitant and unfair, especially considering the library’s mature and feature-complete state. Many feel it’s a “bait and switch” tactic.

• Recommendation to Stay on v7: The YouTuber strongly advises users to remain on version 7 of Fluent Assertions to avoid the licensing fee. Instructions are provided on how to pin the version in Visual Studio to prevent automatic updates. The Apache 2.0 license of v7 grants perpetual use rights.

• Alternatives Exist: The video suggests shouldly as a free and functionally equivalent alternative to Fluent Assertions.

• Pricing Model Criticism: The video heavily criticizes the per-developer pricing, suggesting tiered pricing (e.g., based on organization size) would be more reasonable and market-appropriate for a library of this type. The lack of market research before implementing this pricing is also highlighted.

• Unlikely Forking Success: While a community fork of v7 is possible, the YouTuber expresses doubt about its long-term viability.