The simplest way to automate UI and API tests using Cucumber-style steps.
npm install artes
Artes is a test runner for Playwright that executes predefined Cucumber tests and can generate Allure reports for test results. It simplifies setting up Playwright with Cucumber in your automation workflow. With Artes, you can easily run tests without writing step definitions, generate reports, and customize your testing environment.
---
- Install in minutes and create a test project effortlessly
- Well-structured, easy-to-follow documentation for a smooth learning curve
- Designed for long-term maintainability and scalability
- Intuitive API for writing custom step definitions
- Rich set of ready-to-use step definitions to speed up test creation
- Fully extensible β add your own step definitions anytime
- Schema validation to ensure API response correctness
- Rich assertion library for precise validations
- Support for all HTTP methods
- Environment-based API configuration for flexible testing
- Page Object Model (POM) support for structured data management
- Save, reuse, and share variables across steps
- Built-in data randomization for dynamic and realistic test data
- Environment-specific variables for clean environment separation
- Wide locator strategy support (CSS, XPath, text-based, and more)
- Built-in browser actions
- Cookie management
- Local & session storage handling
- Environment-based configuration system
- Powerful and customizable configuration files
- Full hook support:
- Before / After
- Step-level and scenario-level hooks
- Powerful CLI for full control from the command line
- Official Artes Docker image for seamless containerized execution
- CI/CD-ready β integrate easily with any pipeline
- Easy installation with docker compose (For detailed info: Artes Reporting System)
- Multiple reporting formats supported
- Native Allure reporting integration
- Customizable Artes Reporting System
---
You can install Artes via npm. To install it globally (RECOMMENDED), run the following command:
``bash`
npm install -g artes
To install it locally in your project, run:
`bash`
npm install artes
Once installed, you can run Artes using:
`bash`
npx artes [options]
---
Artes has following CLI options:
`bash`
npx artes [options]
| Option | Description | Usage Example |
| ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| π -h, --help | Show the usage options | artes -h or artes --help |-v, --version
| π·οΈ | Show the current version of Artes | artes -v or artes --version |-c, --create
| ποΈ | Create an example project with Artes | artes -c or artes --create |-y, --yes
| β
| Skip the confirmation prompt when creating an example project | artes -c -y or artes --create --yes |artes -c --noDeps
| π« --noDeps | Skip installing dependencies when creating example project | |-r, --report
| π | Run tests and generate Allure report | artes -r or artes --report |--reportSuccess
| | Add screenshots and video records for also Success test cases | artes --reportSuccess |--trace
| | Enable tracing | artes --trace |-rwt, --reportWithTrace
| | Add trace to the report | artes -rwt or artes --reportWithTrace |--singleFileReport
| | Generate single file allure report | artes -r --singleFileReport |--zip
| | Zip the report folder after generation | artes -r --zip |--features
| π | Specify one or more feature files' relative paths to run (comma-separated) | artes --features "tests/features/Alma,tests/features/Banan.feature" |--stepDef
| π | Specify one or more step definition files' relative paths to use (comma-separated) | artes --stepDef "tests/steps/login.js,tests/steps/home.js" |--tags
| π | Run tests with specified Cucumber tags | artes --tags "@smoke or @wip" |--env
| π | Set the environment for the test run | artes --env "dev" |--headless
| πΆοΈ | Run browser in headless mode | artes --headless |--parallel
| β‘ | Run tests in parallel mode | artes --parallel 2 |--retry
| π | Retry failed tests | artes --retry 3 |--rerun
| π | Rerun only the failed tests from previous run | artes --rerun @rerun.txt |--dryRun
| π | Perform a dry run without executing tests | artes --dryRun |--percentage
| π | Set minimum success percentage to pass test run (default is 0) | artes --percentage 85 |--browser
| π | Specify browser to use (chromium, firefox, or webkit) | artes --browser chromium |--offline
| | Run browser in offline mode | artes --offline |--device
| π± | Emulate specific device (e.g., "iPhone 13") | artes --device "iPhone 13" |--baseURL
| π | Set base URL for the tests | artes --baseURL "https://example.com" |--maxScreen
| π₯οΈ | Maximize browser window on launch | artes --maxScreen |--width
| π | Set browser width (default is 1280) | artes --width 1920 |--height
| π | Set browser height (default is 720) | artes --height 1080 |--timeout
| β±οΈ | Set timeout for each test step in seconds (default is 30 seconds) | artes --timeout 10 |--slowMo
| π’ | Slow down text execution for clear view (default: 0 seconds) | artes --slowMo 1 |
\\ To just run the tests:
Globally: artes
Locally: npx artes
---
- Global Installation:
For ease of use, it's recommended that Artes be installed globally. You can do this by running the following command:
`bash`
npm install -g artes
- Project Creation (Recommended):
To create a new project with Artes, use the -c flag. This will automatically set up the folder structure and configuration for you. Run the command:
`bash`
artes -c
ποΈ Example Project Structure:
After running the -c flag to create a new project, the structure will look like this:
``
/artes (Project Name)
/tests
/features
(Your feature files here)
/POMs // Optional
(POM JSON file here)
/steps // For custom steps
(Your step definition JS files here)
artes.config.js
/report
(Generated Allure report HTML here)
If you choose not to use the -c flag, you can still download Artes to your testing project and use the prepared steps by running:
`bash`
npx artes
You must customize the paths of features, steps, and other configurations by editing the artes.config.js file located inside your project folder (or create it).
For example:
`javascript`
module.exports = {
paths: ["tests/features/"], // Custom path for feature files
require: ["tests/steps/*.js"], // Custom path for step definitions files
pomPath: "tests/POMS/*.js", // Custom path for POM files
};
---
Artes simplifies your test writing with structured feature files and organized Page Object Models (POM). Hereβs how you can create them:
`gherkin`
Feature: Searching on Google π
Scenario Outline: Search for a term on Google
Given User is on "https://www.google.com/" page
When User types "alma" in "google_search_input"
And User clicks "google_search_button"
And User waits 10 seconds
Then "google_text" should have "Alma" text
- Feature: Describes the main feature being tested (e.g., Google search).
- Scenario Outline: Defines a test case with steps.
- Steps: Use Given, When, And, Then keywords to describe actions and expectations.google_search_input
- Selectors: The element names (e.g., , google_search_button) map to the POM file or can be defined directly.
`json`
{
"google_search_input": { "selector": "#APjFqb" },
"google_search_button": {
"selector": "input.gNO89b"
},
"google_text": {
"selector": "#rso div h3",
"waitTime": 5 //seconds
}
}
- π Using POM File is optional but it is RECOMMENDED
- π Using Selector in Feature File is possible
`gherkin`
When User types "alma" in "#APjFqb"
- π It is good to use snake_case for element names
- β³ "waitTime" is to define custom wait for elements, but the feature currently under development.
"selector" must be used if "waitTime" is used, but when using only selector is not needed mention in "selector"
---
Artes provides powerful variable management capabilities that allow you to save, reuse, and share variables across test steps.
You can save variables directly from API responses, even using dot notation to extract nested values:
`gherkin`
When User sends GET request to "https://www.test.com" and saves "id" variables
And User sends GET request to "https://www.test.com/items/{{id}}"
Then User expects that response should have 200 status code
Save variables manually using the dedicated step:
`gherkin`
And User saves "15" variable as "id"
Artes includes built-in randomization for generating dynamic test data:
`gherkin`
And User sets random email as "email"
And User sets random 5 words as "description"
And User sets random fullname as "fullName"
Reference saved variables anywhere in your tests using double curly braces:
`gherkin`
When User types "{{email}}" in "email_input"
π For detailed information and complete step definitions, visit the Variable Management Documentation.
---
Artes allows you to extend its functionality by writing custom step definitions. Here's how you can do it:
`javascript`
const {
expect,
Given,
When,
Then,
element,
context,
keyboard,
mouse,
frame,
assert,
elementInteractions,
} = require("artes"); // Common JS
import { expect, Given, When, Then, element, context } from "artes"; // ES Modules (Do not RECOMMENDED)
- Given, When, Then: These define your steps in Cucumber syntax. Example:
`javascript`
Given("User is on the login page", async () => {
await context.page.navigateTo("https://example.com/login");
});
- page: Provides higher-level page actions such as navigation and waiting(Same as PlayWright). Examples:
- Navigate to a URL:
`javascript`
await context.page.navigate("https://example.com");
`
- Wait for a selector:
javascript`
await context.page.waitForSelector("#loadingSpinner");
request
- : Use for sending HTTP requests. _(Note: This feature is currently under development.)_
- element: Use for interacting with elements on the web page. Examples:
- Clicking a button:
`javascript`
await element("#submitButton").click();
`
- Filling an input:
javascript`
await element("#username").fill("testUser");
expect
- : Use for assertions in your steps. For example:`
javascript`
expect(actualValue).toBe(expectedValue);
expect(element("Page_Title")).toHaveText(expectedValue);
If you don't want to deal with Playwright methods directly, you can simply use the following predefined actions methods by import them:
`javascript`
const { mouse, keyboard, frame, elementInteractions, page } = require("artes");
- Mouse Actions:
mouse.click(element)
- Keyboard Actions:
keyboard.press(key)
- Element Interactions:
elementInteractions.isChecked()
- Assertions:
assert.shouldBeTruthy(element)
- Frame Actions:
frame.first()
- API Actions:
api.post(url, payload, requestDataType)
---
For a detailed explanation of each function, please refer to the function definitions.
---
`javascript
const { Given, When, Then, expect, element, page } = require("artes");
Given("User is on the home page", async () => {
await page.navigate("https://example.com");
});
When("User clicks the login button", async () => {
await element("#loginButton").click();
});
Then("User should see the login form", async () => {
expect(element("#loginForm")).toBeVisible(true);
});
`
Artes supports hooks that allow you to execute custom logic before and after tests, scenarios, and steps.
Hooks are user-defined.
---
Create the following file inside your project (optional):
``
tests/steps/hooks.js
---
You can define only the hooks you need in hooks.js under the steps folder.
Undefined hooks are automatically skipped.
`js
// tests/steps/hooks.js
export function BeforeStep() {
// hook for before each step
}
export function Before() {
// hook for before each test
}
export function BeforeAll() {
// hook for before all tests
}
export function AfterStep() {
// hook for after each step
}
export function After() {
// hook for after each test
}
export function AfterAll() {
// hook for after all tests
}
`
---
| Hook Name | Execution Time |
| ------------ | ----------------------------- |
| BeforeAll | Once before all scenarios |Before
| | Before each scenario |BeforeStep
| | Before each step |AfterStep
| | After each step |After
| | After each scenario |AfterAll
| | Once after all scenarios |
---
For a scenario with steps:
``
BeforeAll
Before
BeforeStep
(step executes)
AfterStep
After
AfterAll
---
You can configure Artes by editing the artes.config.js file. Below are the default configuration options with explanations:
| Option | Default Value | Description |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| timeout | 30 | Default timeout in seconds. |slowMo
| | 0 | Default slow motion in seconds |paths
| | [moduleConfig.featuresPath] | Paths to feature files. |require
| | [moduleConfig.stepsPath, "src/stepDefinitions/*.js", "src/hooks/hooks.js"] | Support code paths (CommonJS). |pomPath
| | moduleConfig.pomPath | Path to Page Object Models. |import
| | [] | Support code paths. |testPercentage
| | 0 | Define test coverage percentage |report
| | false | Generate report |reportSuccess
| | false | Add screenshots and video records for also success test cases |trace
| | false | Enable trace |reportWithTrace
| | false | Add trace to the report |format
| | ["rerun:@rerun.txt", "allure-cucumberjs/reporter"] | Formatter names/paths. |formatOptions
| | { "resultsDir": "allure-result" } | Formatter options. |parallel
| | 1 | Number of parallel workers. |dryRun
| | false | Prepare test run without execution. |failFast
| | false | Stop on first test failure. |forceExit
| | false | Force process.exit() after tests. |strict
| | true | Fail on pending steps. |backtrace
| | false | Show full backtrace for errors. |tags
| | "" | Tag expression to filter scenarios. |name
| | [] | Run scenarios matching regex. |order
| | "defined" | Run order (defined/random). |language
| | "en" | Default feature file language. |loader
| | [] | Module loader specifications. |requireModule
| | [] | Transpilation module names. |retry
| | 0 | Retry attempts for failing tests. |retryTagFilter
| | "" | Tag expression for retries. |publish
| | false | Publish to cucumber.io. |worldParameters
| | {} | Custom world parameters. |
---
| Option | Default Value | Description |
| ---------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| env | "" | Environment configuration. Should match the name with the baseURL object, like "dev" |baseURL
| | "" | Base URL for API requests. Can be object {"dev":"dev-api.com", "pre":"pre-api.com"}, or string "dev-api.com" |
Artes supports environment-specific configurations through environment variables. This feature allows to manage different settings for environments.
1. Configure Environment in artes.config.js:
`javascript`
module.exports = {
baseURL: {
dev: "https://dev.alma.az",
pre: "https://pre.alma.az",
prod: "https://api.alma.az",
},
env: "dev", // Specify which environment to use
};
Alternative single URL configuration:
`javascript`
module.exports = {
baseURL: "https://api.alma.az", // Direct string URL
};
2. Create Environment Variable Files:
Create JSON files under src/tests/environment_variables/ folder with names matching your environment:
dev.env.json:
`json`
{
"api_key": "dev-api-key-12345",
"auth_token": "dev-auth-token",
"database_url": "dev-db.example.com",
"timeout": 5000,
"headers": {
"Authorization": "Bearer dev-token",
"Content-Type": "application/json"
}
}
1. Environment Detection: When Artes runs, it reads the env value from artes.config.jsbaseURL
2. Base URL Resolution: If is an object, it uses the environment key to find the corresponding URL. If baseURL is a string, it uses it directlysrc/tests/environment_variables/
3. Variable Loading: Artes looks for a JSON file matching the environment name in
4. Runtime Access: All variables from the environment file become available during test execution
- β οΈ Base URLs must be defined in artes.config.js - they cannot be set in the environment variable JSON files
- π Environment variable files should be placed in src/tests/environment_variables/{env}.env.json
- π·οΈ File names must follow the format (e.g., dev.env.json for env: "dev")
- π Variables are loaded into variable storage and can be accessed during test runs
- π Use environment variables for headers, API keys, timeouts, and other environment-specific configurations
---
| Option | Default Value | Description |
| ------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| browserType | "chrome" | Browser type ("chrome", "firefox", or "webkit"). |viewport
| | { width: 1280, height: 720 } | Browser viewport size. |headless
| | true | Run browser in headless mode (true or false). |offline
| | false | Run browser in offline mode (true or false). |
| Option | Default Value | Description |
| ------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| device | "" | Device List |
Artes can generate Allure reports. After running tests with the -r flag, the reports will be stored in the report folder in HTML format. You can view them in your browser after the tests complete.
---
A Docker image vahidaghayev/artes is available for running Artes in CI/CD pipelines. This image includes:
- Playwright Browsers: Pre-installed to support UI testing.
- Xvfb: Enables running UI tests with video recording in a virtual display.
To achieve the best video recording quality, use the following command:
`bash`
xvfb-run -a --server-args="-screen 0 3840x1180x24" --auto-servernum npx artes --width 1600 --height 900
---
If you don't use the -c or --create option that the package offers, save the file below under the .vscode folder:
- Those configurations will help autocomplete both predefined and custom step definitions in your features file
extensions.json
`json`
{
"recommendations": ["CucumberOpen.cucumber-official"]
}
settings.json
`json``
{
"cucumber.glue": [
"tests/steps/*.{ts,js}",
"node_modules/artes/src/tests/stepDefinitions/*.{ts,js}"
],
"cucumber.features": ["tests/features/*.features"],
"cucumberautocomplete.syncfeatures": true,
"cucumberautocomplete.strictGherkinCompletion": true
}
---