Project Introduction: vscode-extension-tester
The vscode-extension-tester is a comprehensive UI testing framework designed specifically for Visual Studio Code extensions. This tool is crafted to simplify the process of testing user interfaces by seamlessly integrating with Selenium WebDriver, providing developers with a robust and reliable method to enhance the quality of their extensions. ExTester, as it is also known, focuses on making the testing phase of extension development straightforward and efficient.
Features
- Download a Test Instance of Visual Studio Code: The tool facilitates the downloading of a specific version of Visual Studio Code for testing purposes.
- Download ChromeDriver: According to the needs of the testing environment,
ExTesterwill download the right version of ChromeDriver. - Pack and Install Your Extension: It helps in packaging and installing your VS Code extension into the downloaded instance for testing.
- Launch Visual Studio Code: Using Selenium WebDriver, it can start the VS Code instance to begin testing.
- Run Your Tests: Developers can run their UI tests with ease, ensuring their extensions perform as expected.
Requirements
To make the most of the vscode-extension-tester, developers must meet certain requirements in terms of software compatibility:
- NodeJS: Version 20.x.x is fully supported, while other versions are supported on a best-effort basis.
- Visual Studio Code: At a minimum, version 1.92.x is required, with support confirmed up to version 1.94.x.
- Operating Systems: Primarily supports Linux and Windows, with partial support and known issues on macOS.
NodeJS Support Policy
The support policy for NodeJS aligns with those of Visual Studio Code and Selenium WebDriver. This ensures developers use compatible and stable versions to optimize testing performance.
Usage
Getting started with vscode-extension-tester is straightforward. One can simply add it to their extension's devDependencies using npm:
npm install --save-dev vscode-extension-tester@latest
Comprehensive documentation is available to guide you in setting up tests, configuring Mocha for testing, writing simple test cases, and using the Page Objects API.
Example
An excellent starting point for using ExTester is the vscode-extension-tester-example repository. It offers detailed instructions for setup and usage, helping new users get acclimated to the framework.
Documentation
For a more in-depth understanding, users can visit the full documentation on the project's GitHub Wiki. This includes usage guides, examples, and detailed explanations of the tools and APIs available for testing.
Issues and Contributions
If developers encounter any issues, they have the option to report bugs or request features through the designated issues page. Contributions to improve ExTester are welcomed and appreciated. Those interested in contributing can find guidelines in the project's Contribution Guide.
Known Issues
The vscode-extension-tester team has compiled answers to common problems reported by the community. Developers are encouraged to review the Known Issues section for potential solutions.
Overall, vscode-extension-tester stands as a crucial tool for developers aiming to enhance their Visual Studio Code extensions through rigorous and automated UI testing.