How to load db:seed data into test database automatically?

Question

I'm attempting to use the new standard way of loading seed data in Rails 2.3.4+, the `db:seed` rake task. I'm loading constant data, which is required for my application to really function correctly. What's the best way to get the `db:seed` task to run before the tests, so the data is pre-populated?

Accepted Answer

The `db:seed` rake task primarily just loads the `db/seeds.rb` script. Therefore just execute that file to load the data.

```
load "#{Rails.root}/db/seeds.rb"

# or

Rails.application.load_seed
```

Where to place that depends on what testing framework you are using and whether you want it to be loaded before every test or just once at the beginning. You could put it in a `setup` call or in a `test_helper.rb` file.

How to load db:seed data into test database automatically?

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