End-to-End Testing with Protractor

Key Concepts

• Protractor Overview
• Setting Up Protractor
• Writing End-to-End Tests
• Page Objects
• Running Tests
• Debugging Tests
• Handling Asynchronous Operations
• Test Reporting
• Continuous Integration
• Best Practices

1. Protractor Overview

Protractor is an end-to-end testing framework for AngularJS applications. It simulates user interactions to ensure that the application behaves as expected in a real browser environment.

Example:

        describe('Protractor Demo App', function() {
            it('should have a title', function() {
                browser.get('http://juliemr.github.io/protractor-demo/');
                expect(browser.getTitle()).toEqual('Super Calculator');
            });
        });
    

Imagine Protractor as a robot that navigates through a website, performing actions like a real user, to ensure everything works correctly.

2. Setting Up Protractor

Setting up Protractor involves installing Node.js, Protractor, and WebDriver. You also need to configure the protractor.conf.js file to specify the test environment and browser.

Example:

        npm install -g protractor
        webdriver-manager update
        protractor protractor.conf.js
    

Think of setting up Protractor as assembling a remote-controlled car. You need to install the necessary components (Node.js, Protractor) and configure the settings (protractor.conf.js) before you can start driving (running tests).

3. Writing End-to-End Tests

End-to-End tests in Protractor are written using Jasmine syntax. These tests simulate user interactions with the application, such as clicking buttons, filling forms, and navigating pages.

Example:

        describe('Protractor Demo App', function() {
            it('should add one and two', function() {
                browser.get('http://juliemr.github.io/protractor-demo/');
                element(by.model('first')).sendKeys(1);
                element(by.model('second')).sendKeys(2);
                element(by.id('gobutton')).click();
                expect(element(by.binding('latest')).getText()).toEqual('3');
            });
        });
    

Consider writing tests as scripting a play. Each line (test step) describes an action (interaction) that a character (user) performs on a stage (application).

4. Page Objects

Page Objects are a design pattern that creates an object repository for web elements. They help in organizing tests and making them more maintainable and reusable.

Example:

        var CalculatorPage = function() {
            this.firstInput = element(by.model('first'));
            this.secondInput = element(by.model('second'));
            this.goButton = element(by.id('gobutton'));
            this.latestResult = element(by.binding('latest'));
        };
    

Think of Page Objects as a blueprint for a house. Each room (page) has specific furniture (elements), making it easier to navigate and understand the layout (test structure).

5. Running Tests

Running Protractor tests involves starting the WebDriver server and executing the test suite using the protractor command.

Example:

        webdriver-manager start
        protractor protractor.conf.js
    

Consider running tests as conducting a rehearsal. You start the stage (WebDriver server) and perform the play (execute tests) to ensure everything runs smoothly.

6. Debugging Tests

Debugging Protractor tests involves using tools like the Protractor Debugger, browser developer tools, and logging to identify and fix issues.

Example:

        browser.pause();
        browser.debugger();
    

Think of debugging as troubleshooting a machine. You use various tools (debugger, logs) to identify the problem (issue) and make the necessary repairs (fixes).

7. Handling Asynchronous Operations

Protractor handles asynchronous operations using promises. This ensures that actions are performed in the correct order and that the test waits for the application to be ready.

Example:

        element(by.model('first')).sendKeys(1);
        element(by.model('second')).sendKeys(2);
        element(by.id('gobutton')).click();
        expect(element(by.binding('latest')).getText()).toEqual('3');
    

Consider asynchronous operations as a relay race. Each runner (action) waits for the previous one to finish (promise resolved) before starting their leg (next action).

8. Test Reporting

Test reporting in Protractor involves generating reports that summarize the test results. Tools like Jasmine HTML Reporter and Allure can be used to create detailed reports.

Example:

        jasmine.getEnv().addReporter(new HtmlReporter({
            baseDirectory: 'tmp/screenshots'
        }).getJasmine2Reporter());
    

Think of test reporting as creating a summary of a project. The report (summary) provides an overview of the work done (tests executed) and the results (success or failure).

9. Continuous Integration

Continuous Integration (CI) involves integrating Protractor tests into a CI pipeline. This ensures that tests are run automatically with each code change, providing immediate feedback.

Example:

        stage('Test') {
            steps {
                sh 'protractor protractor.conf.js'
            }
        }
    

Consider CI as a factory assembly line. Each product (code change) is automatically tested (run through Protractor) to ensure it meets quality standards before moving to the next stage.

10. Best Practices

Best practices for Protractor include writing maintainable tests, using Page Objects, handling asynchronous operations properly, and integrating tests into the CI pipeline.

Example:

        // Maintainable test
        it('should add one and two', function() {
            var calculator = new CalculatorPage();
            calculator.firstInput.sendKeys(1);
            calculator.secondInput.sendKeys(2);
            calculator.goButton.click();
            expect(calculator.latestResult.getText()).toEqual('3');
        });
    

Think of best practices as guidelines for building a sturdy house. Each guideline (practice) ensures the house (tests) is well-constructed and durable.