Cucumber integration with HeadSpin Platform

Introduction

In this article, I will briefly outline how to integrate Cucumber tests using the HeadSpin Platform. I remind you of what Cucumber tests are and provide an overview of the HeadSpin Platform.

What is Cucumber?

Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) stands as an approach to software development that prioritizes the definition of an application’s behavior through concrete examples before actual code implementation. This methodology serves as a valuable tool for developers, providing a clear understanding of how the application should function. Furthermore, it fosters collaboration between developers and stakeholders, resulting in the creation of more accurate and accessible applications.

Cucumber testing is a software testing methodology designed to assess an application’s behavior, employing a behavior-driven development (BDD) style. Tests written in Cucumber utilize a straightforward, natural language, making them accessible to all team members, regardless of technical expertise.

The primary objective of Cucumber testing is to facilitate improved communication within teams regarding an application’s behavior. The use of a shared language ensures that every team member comprehends the tests, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and minimizing the need for protracted discussions about the code.

Cucumber tests exhibit greater adaptability and ease of modification compared to traditional code-based tests, particularly for collaborators. Their reliance on natural language makes them less prone to breakage when code alterations occur, resulting in increased flexibility and simplified maintenance.

What is HeadSpin Platform and how does it integrate with Cucumber?

HeadSpin delivers extensive solutions for test management, with a primary focus on mobile, web, and IoT applications. Catering primarily to developers and QA teams within technology companies, the product aims to elevate product performance and user experience. Among the advantages it provides are enhanced app quality, accelerated time-to-market, and consistent performance across diverse platforms.

HeadSpin effectively tackles critical challenges such as device and network diversity, optimization of user experience, and the provision of real-time performance analytics. Its standout features encompass access to a device cloud, insights powered by artificial intelligence, and seamless integration with development tools.

HeadSpin offers a comprehensive platform designed for the execution of Cucumber tests. This versatile platform enables the running of your Cucumber tests either on genuine devices or in the cloud.

Within the HeadSpin platform, you have access to various features facilitating the seamless execution of your Cucumber tests. Notable functionalities include:

• Scenario Tagging:
  Tag your scenarios strategically, allowing them to be executed collectively or individually based on your testing requirements.
• Detailed Test Reports:

Utilize the platform to generate detailed reports showcasing the outcomes of your Cucumber tests. This feature provides valuable insights into the performance and status of your scenarios.

• Integration Capabilities:
  Seamlessly integrate the HeadSpin platform with other essential tools such as Jira and Slack. This integration streamlines your testing workflow and enhances collaboration within your development and testing environment.
  Moreover, you have the flexibility to schedule your tests for specific times, ensuring optimal test coverage and efficiency. Whether scheduling tests or employing scenario tagging, the HeadSpin platform facilitates the customization of your testing approach. Consequently, comprehensive reports reflecting the results of your Cucumber tests are readily available, contributing to a more informed and efficient testing process.

Enhancing Cucumber tests with features like data tables, screenshots, and more

Enhancing your Cucumber tests becomes more effective when incorporating features such as data tables, screenshots, and more. These additions contribute to bolstering the resilience of your tests and enhancing overall comprehensibility.

1. Data Tables:
   Leverage data tables to furnish input data for your Cucumber tests. Define these tables in your .feature files or refer to external files. With data tables, you can systematically test various input values or execute the same scenario with diverse datasets.
2. Screenshots:
   Automatically capture screenshots in the event of a Cucumber test failure. These images serve as valuable aids for debugging, providing insights into the reasons behind test failures. Easily configure Cucumber to capture screenshots by setting the ‘screenshot’ option in your Cucumber.yml file.
3. Report Formats:

• HTML Reports:
  Generate HTML reports to present the outcomes of your Cucumber tests. These reports are ideal for sharing test results with team members. Employ the ‘html_report’ formatter in your Cucumber.yml file for report generation.
• JSON Reports:
  Create JSON reports to showcase Cucumber test results. These reports serve well for sharing results or integrating with other tools. Utilize the ‘json_report’ formatter in your Cucumber.yml file for generating JSON reports.
• XML Reports:
  Produce XML reports to exhibit Cucumber test results. These reports are handy for sharing outcomes or integrating with various tools. Generate XML reports using the ‘xml_report’ formatter specified in your Cucumber.yml file.

All these features are explained in detail below:

Data Tables

Leveraging data tables presents a valuable approach to fortify your Cucumber tests. These tables empower you to conduct testing of your application by incorporating multiple sets of data.

For instance, consider testing a login feature with diverse combinations of usernames and passwords using a data table. To implement a data table, it is necessary to define both the header row and the subsequent data rows within your .feature file.

The header row serves to articulate the variable names employed in the ensuing data rows. These data rows, in turn, encompass the specific data utilized during the test.

Below is an illustrative example of a data table:

Scenario Outline: Login feature
Given I am on the login page
When I enter my username and password
Then I should be logged in

Examples:
| username | password |
| user1 | pass1 |
| user2 | pass2 |
| user3 | pass3 |

In this example, the Scenario Outline outlines a login feature subjected to testing with three distinct datasets. The initial dataset is specified within the Examples section.

Within this section, a table comprising two columns—username and password—is presented. The initial row of this table serves to articulate the variable names subsequently utilized in the remaining rows.

The second and third rows encapsulate the specific data designated for the test. Upon executing this scenario, the login feature undergoes testing thrice, each time with diverse combinations of usernames and passwords.

Screenshots

An alternative approach to augment your Cucumber tests is to incorporating screenshots. Screenshots prove invaluable for debugging purposes or when generating comprehensive reports.

To capture a screenshot in Cucumber, the ’embed’ method is employed. This method not only captures the screenshot but also integrates it seamlessly into the HTML report.

Below is an illustrative example of how to utilize the ’embed’ method:

Scenario: Login feature
  Given I am on the login page
  When I enter my username and password
  Then I should be logged in
  And I take a screenshot

def take_screenshot
  embed("screenshot.png", "image/png")
end

In the provided example, the take_screenshot method captures a snapshot and seamlessly integrates it into the HTML report. Specifically, this method captures an image of the login page and stores it as a PNG file.

The resulting screenshot can be easily accessed within the HTML report generated by Cucumber. This visual representation provides a valuable insight into the state of the application during the execution of the test scenario.

Generating Reports

Cucumber facilitates the generation of reports in various formats, including HTML, JSON, and XML. To specify the desired report format, utilize the –format option followed by the corresponding format identifier.

For instance, to generate an HTML report, employ the following command:

cucumber --format html

Executing this command would produce an HTML report in the current directory. The report comprehensively outlines details about the executed scenarios, including their pass or fail status.

Alternatively, for a JSON report, utilize the –format json option. This report encapsulates comprehensive information about the executed scenarios and their corresponding outcomes. The generated JSON report is saved in the current directory.

cucumber --format json

Similarly, an XML report can be generated using the –format xml option. This report provides a structured representation of scenario details and results, with the resulting XML report stored in the current directory.

cucumber --format xml

By tailoring the –format option to your preferred report format, Cucumber offers flexibility in generating detailed reports for effective analysis of test outcomes.

Integrating with Other Tools

Jira

Cucumber seamlessly integrates with various tools, including Jira and Slack. To establish integration between Cucumber and Jira, the Cucumber-JVM library proves instrumental.

This library empowers you to generate Cucumber reports in Jira’s native format, enhancing collaboration and communication. To leverage this functionality, include the Cucumber-JVM library in your project’s dependencies.

After successfully adding the dependency, the next step involves configuring Cucumber to utilize the formatter. This configuration can be achieved by incorporating the following line into your Cucumber.properties file:

Cucumber.formatter = io.Cucumber.jvm.formatter.JiraFormatter:output

This line tells Cucumber to use the Jira formatter and output the report to the current directory.

Slack

For seamless integration of Cucumber with Slack, you have two options: either implement the posting of results to Slack through the Slack API or utilize a readily available Slack notification library.

If opting for the Slack API approach, you’ll need to design a mechanism for posting Cucumber results to Slack. Alternatively, you can choose a pre-existing Slack notification library designed for this purpose. Such libraries are equipped to generate Cucumber reports in Slack’s native format.

To incorporate this functionality into your project, begin by adding the chosen library to your project’s dependencies. Following the addition of the dependency, the next crucial step involves configuring Cucumber to leverage the specified formatter.

This configuration can be accomplished by inserting the following line into your Cucumber.properties file:

Cucumber.formatter = io.Cucumber.formatter.SlackFormatter:output

This line tells Cucumber to use the Slack formatter and output the report to the current directory.

Summary

Cucumber testing serves as an effective method to validate your web applications. By adhering to the tips outlined in this guide, you can sidestep common challenges and optimize the efficiency of your Cucumber testing. The HeadSpin platform offers a seamless solution for executing Cucumber tests on real devices.

HeadSpin streamlines the testing process, enabling swift assessments of your web applications across a spectrum of devices and browsers. The platform effortlessly facilitates the execution of Cucumber tests, allowing you to choose between real devices or cloud-based testing.

Reference

1. headspin.io
2. theqalead.com