title: How to define a simple global variable in an rspec test that can be accesed by helper functions
body: <p>I cant figure out how to use a simple global variable in an rspec test. It seems like such a trivial feature but after much goggleing I havent been able to find a solution. </p>
  
  <p>I want a variable that can be accessed/changed throughout the main spec file and from functions in helper spec files. </p>
  
  <p>Here is what I have so far:</p>
  
  <pre><code>require_relative 'spec_helper.rb'
  require_relative 'helpers.rb'
  let(:concept0) { '' }
  
  describe 'ICE Testing' do
      describe 'step1' do
      it "Populates suggestions correctly" do
           concept0 = "tg"
           selectConcept() #in helper file. Sets concept0 to "First Concept"
           puts concept0  #echos tg?? Should echo "First Concept"
      end
   end
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>.</p>
  
  <pre><code> #helpers.rb
   def selectConcept
        concept0 = "First Concept"
   end
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Can someone point out what I am missing or if using "let" is totally the wrong method? </p>