Hspec

Spec sheet

Purpose

Hspec is a testing framework for Haskell.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Integrations

Hspec integrates with QuickCheck, SmallCheck, and HUnit.Read 8 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

License

The GitHub repository identifies the project license as MIT.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Configuration

Hspec can read options from `~/.hspec`, a project `.hspec` file, environment variables, or command-line arguments, with command-line options taking highest precedence.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Discovery

The `hspec-discover` tool can generate a test driver for automatically discovered spec files.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Discovery convention

Hspec's automatic discovery expects spec files to end in `Spec.hs` and export a top-level `spec` binding.Read 8 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Distribution

The Hspec package is available as a Cabal source package from Hackage.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hackage.haskell.org

Expectations

Hspec includes combinators for equality, predicates, and expected exceptions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

HUnit compatibility

Hspec can run existing HUnit test suites, and HUnit assertions can be used in Hspec specs.Read 8 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Legacy tests

Hspec can run existing HUnit tests alongside ordinary spec items through `fromHUnitTest` from `hspec-contrib`.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Maker and headquarters

The opened Hspec pages identify Hspec as a project but do not state a maker organization or headquarters.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Parallel execution

Specs can be marked for parallel execution to use multiple CPUs; the documented example links with `-threaded` and runs with `+RTS -N -RTS`.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Property testing

Hspec can run QuickCheck properties as test examples.Read 8 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Supported build tools

The manual documents passing Hspec options through Cabal, Stack, and GHCi.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Test controls

Runner options include matching or skipping examples, randomizing execution order, failing fast, rerunning failures, and choosing a formatter.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Test descriptions

Hspec provides a domain-specific language for organizing tests with nested `describe` and `it` blocks.Read 8 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Test discovery

The `hspec-discover` preprocessor scans for spec files and generates test driver boilerplate.Read 8 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Test DSL

Hspec provides a friendly DSL for defining and organizing tests with `describe` and `it`.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Test integrations

Hspec integrates with QuickCheck, SmallCheck, and HUnit.Read 9 Oct 2026 · hspec.github.io

Plans and prices

Every Hspec plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Unit Testing#9 of 328.0
• Unit Testing Frameworks#10 of 328.1