7 Best Node.JS Practices for Automation Testing

Any person in touch with the world of software development knows and understands how important Node.JS framework is in JavaScript. Used by millions of developers all over the world to build thousands of projects, it is one of the most popular frameworks today. 

Powered by JavaScript, Node.JS development services have been used to develop high-performing enterprise applications like Amazon and LinkedIn. When extensively used at such a vast scale, the framework needs to have a smooth and seamless testing environment. 

For automation testing, a systematic approach that can automate test cases and set them up for a hassle-free execution of any application. A set of defined best practices need to be followed to achieve the best results. The following tips and best practices can be followed by developers for automation testing in order to deliver robust web applications:

1. Use Small and Solitary Test Cases

In order to get the best results, the test cases are usually kept small and extremely to the point by a Node.JS development company. This is one of the most important practices which ensure that the test data for each case is distinct from the other without any interference. 

By doing so, the hired Node.JS developers can ensure that the failures from one test do not impact the results from other tests. The results obtained are mutually exclusive and concrete. They help improve the test performance as well as the final application performance to a great extent. 

2. Test Case Nomenclature

Creating a meaningful name has a great impact when writing test cases. It is one of the most crucial steps in effective testing. Choosing the right name conveys the case goal effectively and is easy to comprehend by everyone involved in the project. A test should never be assigned a random name. In fact, the following rules should be followed for appropriate naming of a test:

• Feature the name under test
• Use a name that relates to the scenario being executed
• The name should reflect the expected result of the test

3. Using BDD Style

One of the universally accepted best practices of Node.JS is using a writing style to write tests in a language which is close to product expectations. A declarative writing style goes a long way in enabling users to fully understand the flow of the test and expectations from it in a single glance. The actual coding part is thus hidden from non-technical stakeholders. Behaviour Driven Development, often known as BDD, is one of the finest examples of this approach. It is extremely popular among various organizations owing to the ease with which it is able to integrate with Node.JS.

4. Assertions Implementation

Assertions play a very important role in any test case. They are the declared statements which provide a Boolean output and help identify whether the test case was executed as per expectations. Assertions form an extremely integral part of Node.JS automation testing and are recommended to be used in a manner that is self-explanatory. This, in turn, reduces the effort put in by coders while not compromising on the results achieved. 

Assertions implementation reduces the amount of time that developers spend to check the complete output, and compare results with expectations. The assertions are readable for non-coders as well and are very easy to implement.  

5. Test Runners

A test runner is mostly referred to as a library or a tool and is used to run tests on the source code directory. The test results are shared in the form of log files which are easily readable for any user. One of the best test runners in the market today is called Mocha. 

It is an open source test runner which follows an easy-to-implement approach and offers great results. The test runners provide a fool-proof automation testing routine.  

6. Crisp Test Coverage

For any software code to work well, good test coverage is essential. It gives a measure of the amount of test that is covered by a particular test. Therefore, it is considered one of the most important points while writing a test. In order to follow Node.JS best practices, it is important to keep in mind the following points while writing test cases that assure good coverage:

• The nature of the software application plays an important role in the process
• In order to ensure cost-effectiveness, the test coverage must include only the important points. Extra points can lead to an increase in cost. 
• For a highly-interactive application, the developer should aim for 100% test coverage to get the best results.
• The test coverage should be integrated well with the test runners as well.

7. Provide Logical Inputs

Developers are advised to always use realistic as well as pragmatic inputs when running automatic test cases. These inputs should be as close to real life figures and scenarios as possible. This means that the situations entered should have a good probability of occurring in actual usage of the application. 

Sometimes, testers tend to input random values which are nowhere close the ones possible in actual scenarios which hamper the calculation of exact performance. It is always advisable to have a large set of data should be ready to be input when starting out to test an application. The inputs used should be varied in nature, yet be processed using the same logic and functions to get a better picture. 

While working with Node.JS might seem a bit challenging at first, regular practice can help a developer feel comfortable and adept at using various useful techniques. Once the initial hump is crossed, Node.JS can prove to be a blessing for the project. 

By applying the best Node.JS practices for automation testing, the hired Node.JS developer can become confident in the stream and even enjoy coding. The above list is curated to enable Node.JS development companies to create a stable and effective automation testing environment. This environment will effectively cover all the important aspects and leave no scope for error.