In this blog, we compared two of the most commonly used JavaScript testing frameworks — to help you pick the right test automation framework for you.
Join the DZone community and get the full member experience. Do you know the test automation market is all set to hit $35 billion by 2026? And when it comes to cross browser testing, JavaScript leads from the front? Javascript is probably the best alternative for Selenium automation, considering its protocol transformation to the W3C standard. In order to make the most of it, the first step is to choose the best test automation frameworks. Among all the JavaScript testing frameworks, two frameworks are most popular- Nightwatch and Protractor. This article will be comparing Nightwatch vs Protractor and help you choose the perfect JavaScript testing frameworks. Let us start by diving deeper into each framework. Nightwatch.js is a free automation test framework for websites and web apps. It is written in Node.js and also utilizes the W3C WebDriver API. Nightwatch is an end-to-end testing (E2E) solution that aims to simplify writing automation tests with Javascript for browser apps, web-based apps, and websites. It is one of the most popular test automation frameworks that functions by communicating over a restful HTTP API amid a WebDriver server (like Selenium Server or ChromeDriver). Nightwatch relies on Selenium and offers various assertions and commands within the framework to carry out operations on the Document Object Model (DOM) elements. The protocol is clearly defined by the W3C WebDriver specification (mainly originated from JSON Wire protocol). The newest version accessible in the market is 1.0. Before we dive into Nightwatch.js features, pros, and cons, it is significant to understand the reasons behind this testing framework’s fame. Nightwatch.js facilitates end-to-end functional browser tests in a pure Node.js environment, which allows testing of web apps independent from third party software. The key reason for robust and lightweight test automation frameworks like Nightwatch is facilitating a single integrated solution for app tests. As this automated testing framework is built on Node.js, it has several benefits over any other Selenium test automation tool. The browser tests powered by Nightwatch.js remove the dependency upon third party software, which improves data integrity amongst varied system components. To compare Nightwatch vs Protractor, we must understand the features of both of these JavaScript testing frameworks. First, let us dive deep into the core features offered by Nightwatch.js: Apart from all the attributes mentioned above, it is also famous for having an easy and straightforward syntax, making it simpler to write the tests rapidly and effectively using XPath locator and Node.js CSS selectors in Selenium. Nightwatch is one of the most popular test automation frameworks for websites and web apps. The core benefits of using Nightwatch as the preferred JavaScript testing framework are as follows: Built-in command-line test runner. The syntax is easy to understand. Flexible assertions and commands that are easy, quite easy to extend. Can control individual Selenium servers in a separate child procedure. This automated framework automatically also handles WebDriver services (GeckoDriver, Safari, Edge). Nightwatch is advantageous for end-to-end test automation as it allows us to write all-inclusive tests in Node.js effortlessly and rapidly. It makes the entire process of test automation and continuous integration much more seamless. Nightwatch lets us configure the Selenium test suite and enables parallel testing that additionally controls the build time. Selenium is the most in-demand automated testing framework as it offers support for cross browser testing, numerous programming languages and is also used in both the mobile app and web app tests. However, Nightwatch completely utilizes JavaScript as the programming language for comprehensive tests, which has the listed benefits: Improvise test structuring Robust configuration Enables configuration with Cucumber for building a robust Behaviour Driven Development (BDD) setup Lightweight framework Incorporates with cloud servers Excellent performance of the automation implementation Minimum practice and minimum maintenance of code This test automation framework mainly connects over a restful API protocol (defined by the W3C WebDriver AP). It requires a restful HTTP API with a JavaScript WebDriver server (such as Selenium JavaScript WebDriver server.) To execute any operation, i.e., either an assertion or command, Nightwatch typically requires sending fewer than two requests. It functions as follows: The first and foremost request locates the necessary elements with the given CSS selector or XPath expression. However, the second request takes the constituent and carries out the definite operation of assertion or command. Prerequisites For Nightwatch.js Node.js– You need to have Node.js installed on your computer before installing this test automation framework. To check if you have Node.js pre-installed on your system, simply type: node -v You will notice the Node.js version. This must also install the node package manager (npm). To confirm it, type the following: npm -v The npm version will be prompted. WebDriver- This test automation framework supports major browsers, i.e, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer. For your Nightwatch.js testing to implement on your chosen browser, you need to find the web driver for that precise browser.
