The development of Front End has changed greatly over time and even more in last years, evolving into a more complex environment.
Nowadays it is quite difficult not to frequently find a discussion about a new JavaScript framework or a new technique of how to view or use the different elements that make up this area. If you do not believe me, just think of a name and add the suffix “js” and you can realize the great diversity of frameworks, libraries, tools and plugins that exist.
As developers we have to try to accept these changes and adapt to them as best as we can. On the other hand, we must also ensure an acceptable consistency and stability. Therefore, different types of tests have been designed to expose possible errors or inconsistencies that may arise during the development process.
¿What is Front-End testing?
Front-End Testing is a general term that covers a set of strategies for performing automated testing. Some of these, such as unit testing, have been taken as part of community development best practices for years. However, others have arisen to adapt to the new needs given by the constant changes.
Although your particular application does not adapt or take advantage of a particular type of test it is relevant to know the different types that exist in this area. Take note of the different types of tests that can be performed at the Front End level.
Unit tests
Unit tests represent the lowest level of all types of tests since each one is responsible for checking the correct functioning of a single unit of code. A unit of code could be for example a function or a method. By doing this we ensure that each of these functions correctly and efficiently separately. Ideally, try to develop the most decoupled test cases possible so that they are independent of each other.
Acceptance Tests
That all units of code work properly independently does not mean that they do it together. This is why acceptance tests, unlike unit tests, are responsible for proving that all the unit elements that make up the application work together correctly in groups or as a whole.
Acceptance tests run through the running application and ensure that the designated actions, inputs, and user flows are complete and functional. So, they’re a great way to make sure that key experience streams always work properly.
Visual regression tests
This type of test is unique to the Front End scope. It focuses instead of testing the source code graphical interface by comparing deployments with different versions. It can be seen how captures are taken of the different parts of the application for being compared and detect any changes later. In many cases it is difficult to take advantage of them due to the changing nature of the user interfaces. Also, it is important to note that from this process manual parts such as catches may have to be made.
Accessibility and performance tests
Both performance and accessibility play an important role in the quality of the application. Therefore, taking control over these two characteristics in most cases would be relevant. For this, you can integrate test streams with work managers that are responsible for verifying that certain predefined standards of accessibility and performance are met.
This is all for now, if you have any doubts, contact us.
Our SlashBoy Andrés Alvarez , Cross Developer, is the author of this post.
