Let’s explore more about test automation using karate. An automation tool for even non-programmers and freshers
Yes, you heard it right. We are talking about Karate here, and it’s not about self-defense.
Karate combines the essence of performance testing and API automation into a single software. It is an open-source tool for test scripts written with Gerkin syntax and BDD (Behavior Driven Development).
It explains and defines every step by default. Even if you are a non-programmer or have no experience in coding, Karate offers a user-friendly system and easy-to-understand syntax to write API tests within minutes.
The framework of the Karate automation tool applies the writing style of the Cucumber. Peter Thomas, a renowned software engineer at Intuit, developed this. It has become quite a buzzword in its four years of existence at social media postings, job listings, tech conferences, etc.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Karate Framework
Advantages
- Basic knowledge of coding requires to start Karate script writing
- It has Native JSON support and sturdy JSON authentication
- You can code JSON expressions for feature files
- Karate allows multi-thread parallel implementation and can write a script in JavaScript or Java.
- Detailed reports and activity logs
- Integration with Gatling framework for software testing
Disadvantages
- It is tough to find loopholes in Karate script
- The software has its programming language
- It does not provide IntelliSense support in the Integrated Development Environment system
Requirements for Karate Installation
- Java 8 or above
- Git
- Yarn
- Postman
- Maven
- Visual Studio Code
- Cucumber, Java Extension Pack, and Karate Runner in VS Code Plugins
Structure of Karate Framework
- Pom.xml- This file of Karate manages plugins and dependencies to function mobile and web apps.
- Java folder-Karate projects stays in this folder.
- Karate-config.js- In this file, the test execution happens. This main file help to implement any code and start running software testing.
- Log back-test. xml-configuration of logging and view print of log-in console
Features of Karate Framework
- Know-how of advanced programming languages like Java does not require. You don’t have to be a programmer to write a Karate script.
- Plain text test script and does not need compilation step
- QA and developer teams can work together with standard SCM or Git.
- It minimizes the requirement of ‘helper code’ or ‘Java beans’ for HTTP endpoints and system payloads.
- It simplifies automation testing with minimum lines of code.
- Karate functions with DSL syntax. It supports JSON and XML native expressions like XPath and JsonPath.
- Karate scripts are easy to read and execute in user-friendly XML, JSON, and Cucumber Scenario Outline Tables. It also offers a unique payload builder approach.
- Easy troubleshooting of large payloads with holistic assertion capacity
- It clearly provides information about unexpected or missing data or paths during software testing.
- It offers a feature-packed debugger and re-play option. You can play backward or re-play a step for editing. It saves a lot of time for testers and QA teams.
- Karate provides a sturdy and reliable JSON schema alternative to authenticate format and payload structure. You can also use it for domain authentication logic or cross-field logic.
- .CSV files and YAML reading with native support
- In-built switching configuration support through diverse environments like dev, pre-prod, and QA
- Karate helps to conduct data-driven automation testing, payload re-use, and provide user-specific functions.
- Standalone executable, easy integration with CD/CI pipelines, and works with JUnit 5
- Provide extensibility and utilizes Java libraries
- JDK classes, and re-apply Java code for the requirements
- One framework for cross-browser Web UI automation and Desktop automation testing
- Simplifies grid system with distributed-testing feature
- Mock HTTP Servlet, Async support, API mocks, Consumer Driven Contracts, in-built HTML Templating, etc., are notable features of the Karate framework.
Execution and Reporting of Karate
- Karate offers Domain Specific Language (DSL) that applies Gherkin syntax. It allows writing Karate scripts in feature files and does not require advanced programming language.
- API testing with Karate provides convenient call and read the different feature files mentioned in the background profile. You can avail of the given variable from the called feature.
- A simple Java Runner File is sufficient to implement the Karate Script.
- Karate provides accurate yet simple test reports by default after every step of the automation software test procedure.
QA team can also customize the reporting requirement. You can also attach the screenshot for every failed step. In addition, use Cucumber Reporting for comprehensive reports and perform the parallel implementation.
Integration with CD/CI Pipeline
Conclude your Karate automation script and testing lifecycle with integration CI/CD pipeline. Your team can explore options for the same. However, our tried and tested ‘Jenkins and docker’ is perfect for API testing, and ‘Jenkins and Saucelabs’ are best for web-based application tests.
Karate automation testing software is worth trying for app testing at organizations. It is simple, easy to code, can work with advanced code, and packed with powerful features. It is one of the best tools for BDD automation frameworks.
algoQA for Karate Automation Test Script
- algoQA provides an artificial intelligence-powered platform for end-to-end automation.
- Diverse and multiple reporting formats, supports scripting in advanced programming languages and works across ALMs.
- Single platform for API Test Automation, Load Automation, and UI-Based Functional Test Automation.
- Automation script for web applications, mobile apps, hybrid applications, embedded software, and robotic process.
- To support Karate, algoQA produces gherkin based feature files
To learn more click here and contact us for a free demo of algoQA from AlgoShack.
Integration with Gatling framework for software testing