CodeceptJS vs Cypress: What are the differences?

Introduction:

CodeceptJS and Cypress are both popular automation testing frameworks used for testing web applications. While they serve a similar purpose, there are several key differences between these two frameworks. In this markdown, we will explore these differences in detail.

1. Execution Speed: One major difference between CodeceptJS and Cypress is the execution speed. CodeceptJS executes tests in the backend, using WebDriver protocols, while Cypress runs directly in the browser. This allows Cypress to have faster test execution speed as it has direct access to the DOM.

2. API Architecture: Another key difference lies in the API architecture of CodeceptJS and Cypress. CodeceptJS implements the Fluent API style, where each action is defined as a single method call. On the other hand, Cypress follows the Chaining API style, where actions are chained together using dot notation. This can result in a more concise and readable code in Cypress.

3. Assertions: CodeceptJS uses the inclusive assert library, which allows usage of various assertion styles like Should.js, Chai.js, or Node.js assert. In contrast, Cypress has built-in assertions using Chai.js along with other assertion libraries like jQuery assertions, Sinon assertions, and more. This gives Cypress greater flexibility when it comes to assertions.

4. Debugging Capabilities: When it comes to debugging, CodeceptJS provides extensive debugging capabilities. It offers a debug scenario feature that allows pausing and stepping through the test execution. Cypress, on the other hand, provides a real-time reloading feature that enables developers to see the changes in the application in real-time as the tests are executed.

5. Support for Browsers: CodeceptJS supports multiple browsers as it uses WebDriver and WebDriverIO backend. It can run tests in Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and more. In contrast, Cypress focuses on providing an optimal experience for running tests in Chrome-based browsers. While it supports other browsers through plugins, its main focus remains on Chrome.

6. Community and Ecosystem: CodeceptJS has been in the market for a longer time and has a larger community and ecosystem. It has a vast selection of plugins and supports various test frameworks like Mocha, Chai, and more. Cypress, on the other hand, is relatively newer and has a smaller community. However, it has gained popularity due to its simplicity and ease of use.

In Summary, CodeceptJS and Cypress differ in terms of execution speed, API architecture, assertions, debugging capabilities, browser support, and community size.