What is Cypress

Cypress is a modern, open-source end-to-end testing framework designed specifically for web applications. It allows developers to write and execute tests in a browser environment, making it easier to test how a web app behaves under real-world conditions.

Key Features of Cypress

Fast, Reliable Tests

Cypress runs directly in the browser, making tests faster and more reliable compared to other testing tools.

Real Browser Environment

Tests are executed in the same browser as the app, ensuring accurate results and fewer inconsistencies.

Time Travel

Cypress captures snapshots of the application during the test, allowing you to "time travel" and inspect what happened step by step.

Automatic Waiting

No need for explicit waits or sleeps—Cypress automatically waits for elements to load or actions to complete.

Interactive Debugging

Tests can be paused and debugged in the browser, using developer tools for real-time inspection.

Built-in Assertions

Comes with powerful, out-of-the-box assertions to validate app behavior.

Test Runner GUI

Provides a visual test runner where you can see tests run in real-time, alongside logs and screenshots.

Cypress vs Selenium

Feature	Cypress	Selenium
Architecture	Runs inside the browser, no WebDriver needed.	Uses WebDriver to control browsers remotely.
Ease of Use	Easier setup and syntax.	Requires more configuration and setup.
Speed	Faster due to its browser-native approach.	Slower because of WebDriver communication.
API Support	Limited compared to Selenium.	Broader support for testing APIs.
Cross-Browser Support	Limited but growing (supports Chrome, Firefox).	Broad support for multiple browsers/devices.

Examples

describe('My First Test', () => {
  it('Visits the app and checks the title', () => {
    // Visit the website
    cy.visit('https://example.com');

    // Assert the title contains "Example"
    cy.contains('Example Domain').should('be.visible');
  });
});

Why Use Cypress?

• Developer-Friendly: Designed for modern JavaScript apps, making it easy to write and maintain tests.
• Real-Time Feedback: Live reloading and real-time test results improve developer productivity.
• Rich Ecosystem: Includes features like screenshots, video recording, and support for mocking/stubbing APIs.
• Cross-Browser Testing: Supports testing on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and other major browsers.
• Great Documentation: Cypress offers detailed, beginner-friendly documentation and a strong community.