One of the main reasons behind this process is that the testers have to dedicate a fixed period to learning all the features of this new system. However, there are certain Automation frameworks like Playwright that come with a very limited learning curve.
So, in this article, we are going to understand all the important and minute details about Playwright testing.
We will also try to elaborate on some of the best practices that can help the testers to write an efficient and perfect Playwright test case. Playwright has been one of the most Revolutionary additions to the Software Development Industry. It has helped all the testers to begin with the basics of automation testing. Using this Framework, the testers can finally get rid of the multiple hours invested in reading documentation and tutorials. Let us begin our discussion with the basics of Playwright.
The Basics of Playwright
While defining in a simple manner, we can say that Playwright is an open-source Automation Testing tool developed and maintained by Microsoft. Since it is Open-source, all individual creators and small companies can easily access it without paying any charges. Playwright helps testers to initiate end-to-end test cases on almost all devices.
One of the major benefits of implementing Playwright is that it completely supports most of the well-known programming languages that are currently available. For instance, the testers can use Playwright with languages such as JavaScript, Java, C++, Python, TypeScript and even .NET languages.
Using Playwright, the testers can run the test cases on almost all the modern rendering engines that are currently available. Some of the common platforms that Playwright support are macOS, Windows, Linux, Firefox and even Chromium.
The testers will have limitless customization options while using Playwright testing. For instance, they have the option to perform the test cases on a cloud platform, local system or even in a headless man.
Playwright is often considered to be one of the best platforms for performing both headed and headless test cases. One of the major advantages of this tool is that it helps the testers to emulate a native version of mobile Google Chrome on their desktop platform. This means the testers can perform all the mobile test cases on the system itself. The rendering engines can also be used for performing cloud interface, mobile and desktop test cases.
Getting Started with Playwright Testing
The most common and simplest way of installing Playwright is to execute a script command in the desired project. The testers can imitate this method to install Playwright on not only the existing projects but also the upcoming ones. The testers also have the option of installing this tool with the help of the VS extension.
The first step with this method is to create a new project while using this extension. Then, the testers need to navigate to VS Code and launch it. After this, you have to search for Playwright from the menu. During this process, the testers must ensure that they are choosing the Playwright tool that is verified by official Microsoft. After you have finished the installation process for the extension, it is time to finally install Playwright using the command bar.
The following step will ask the testers to choose the desired rendering engine for the testing process. During this step, you will also have the liberty of choosing whether you want to implement any GitHub extensions to your project. Another advantage of using Playwright testing is that none of the additions is unchangeable. This statement means the testers always possess the liberty of adding or removing extensions from the main file according to their will. Let us now focus on some of the files and features that testers will receive after the successful installation process:
- The first thing that will appear is the package.json file. However, you must remember that this file will not be installed in case you are incorporating Playwright into an existing project. In this case, the system will merge the Playwright folders with the existing package.
- By default, the system will also define the main file for the Playwright project. The system will name it ‘playwright.config.ts’. Using this file testers can configure all the parameters that are crucial for conducting the testing process. For instance, it can help the testers to add or remove the rendering engine for the browser and also the user preferences.
- The test folder is the final addition to your project. By default, this folder will come with a basic test that will assist you to begin with Playwright testing. This test will explain all the important features that you will get with this tool. This process is yet another measure with the goal of making Playwright more and more user-friendly.
Having a basic knowledge of these features will help the testers to utilize and gain the most out of their new automation testing tool.
The process to Generate the Tests
For this part, we will use the instance of Codegen to easily understand the test generation process. Codegen is a tool that testers can use to generate test cases by simply analyzing their moves. The simplicity of the testing process helps the new testers to quickly get along with it. All that the testers have to do is to access the web application on the window and begin using it similar to a customer.
While the developer is accessing the application, the system will continue to create the code base according to the requirements of the testing process. Since all the actions are conducted in real-time, the testers can witness them with their eyes. The easiest way to access Codegen in the terminal window is to implement the code ‘npm playwright codegen’.
The developer must understand that during the execution phase the computer will automatically open two separate terminal Windows. The initial window will act as a normal desktop display that you can use to open the web. On the other hand, the second display will automatically create the scripts by understanding your moves. Simultaneously conducting both of these actions help the testers to save a lot of time in the application development life cycle. After the successful generation of the test, the testers have to copy it into the editor file. You must ensure to place the final test code into a test file available in VS code. In case the testers decide to change the programming language, it will not be a headache while utilizing Playwright.
For this process, all the testers have to do is select the desired language that will be available in the simple drop-style menu. After this, the computer will adjust all the instances of the code according to the new programming language. The final process is to utilize the copy instruction to select the entire code on your clipboard.
You have to select and paste this data into a new test file that will be available in the test folder of the Playwright directory. Now, if we try to create a summary of this process, we understand that all the testers had to perform was use the application like any other normal user. This process is enough to justify the simplicity of Playwright testing.
Running the Playwright Tests
VS extension also makes it very easy for the testers to run the Playwright test cases. All the testers have to do is just select the green triangle that will be present beside the line. The command ‘npx playwright test’ can also help the testers to start the testing process. All the testers have to enter this command in the terminal window. With headed testing, the system will automatically open the browser during the execution process. For this process, the testers have to use the command ‘–headed’.
Role of Tools and Platforms in Playwright Testing
The simplicity of Playwright cannot overshadow the fact that it can still be challenging for new automation testers. The easiest way to fix this issue is to introduce an effective tool or platform into your test environment.
In the modern Software Development Industry, there are thousands of tools and platforms that are readily available. The testers should not be taken aback by this huge number of choices and must make wise decisions. This is because it is worth remembering that the effectiveness of the tool will have a huge impact on the outcome of the development project.
There are certain requirements like the support of multiple programming languages, affordability and trustworthiness that the developer must remember to consider. It will be a good idea to consider the example of LambdaTest to further improve our understanding of this concept:
To give a brief introduction, LambdaTest is an automation testing platform that testers use to ensure that their applications are perfectly cross-browser compatible. In this case, the system ensures that the application retains its highest functionality, usability and simplicity irrespective of the operating system, Browser or device. Using LambdaTest, the testers can conduct the Playwright test cases on more than 50 different types of browsers.
LambdaTest plays an important role in the efficiency of the test cases. This is because it helps the testers to initiate parallel testing while performing Playwright testing. In the parallel system, testers can initiate multiple test instances at the same time. Experts believe that parallel testing can help application development companies to conduct all the test cases within two days. LambdaTest also improves the accuracy of the test cases by using real devices on the cloud platforms.
The Final Verdict
So, we can safely justify that Playwright is one of the most efficient automation tools that are suited for new testers. Moreover, using tools such as Codegen, the testers can further improve the efficiency of their playwright test cases. We highly recommend the testers get accustomed to all the features of Playwright to utilize its full potential. It is true that Automation Testing cannot be perfect at all times. But one thing that we all can agree on is that Automation Testing is definitely the tomorrow of the App Development Industry.
Source: https://gadgetstripe.com/how-to-write-the-perfect-playwright-test/