August 3, 2022
Karate: A Multi-Purpose Testing Framework
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APIs are an often-overlooked component of web applications. APIs power many web applications that make our lives easier and more enjoyable. Online banking, shopping, and streaming service apps use APIs to communicate and bring content to their users. Web developers need to test the functionality of the APIs within their web applications for proper operation. Cucumber, SoapUI, Postman, JMeter, and Karate Framework are popular tools used to test APIs. This article will discuss Karate Framework.
What is Karate Framework?
Karate Framework is an open-source Behavior Driven Development (BDD) testing framework for API test automation, performance testing, and UI testing. It is based on Cucumber and uses the Gherkin Syntax. With the Karate framework, testers without a programming background can perform tests more easily.
Differences Between Karate Framework and Cucumber
Although Karate Framework and Cucumber are open-source and support BBD, there are key differences.
| Karate | Cucumber |
|---|---|
| Automation Testing Framework | Testing Tool |
| Written in Java | Written in Ruby |
| API automation, mocks, performance testing, and UI testing | Acceptance testing |
| Built-in step definitions | Need to write step definitions |
| Native support for CSV files | Third-party app for CSV files |
| Can read JSON files in a feature file | Must create a JSON reader class |
| Feature files reusable | Feature files are not reusable |
Pros and Cons of Karate Framework
Skills Needed Before Learning Karate Framework
Karate Framework requires no prior programming experience. Critical thinking skills, basic knowledge of APIs, and a willingness to learn are the prerequisites.
Prerequisites for Using Karate Framework:
Computer with Linux, macOS, or Windows operating system.
Java 8 or later.
JDK, OpenJDK, or JRE.
IDE, Eclipse, Visual Studio Code, or IntelliJ. You use Karate without an IDE by downloading the standalone JAR file.
Maven or Gradle.
Uses of Karate Framework
API Testing
APIs are the middle layer of web applications that provide business logic. APIs have communication and data-exchange capabilities web applications need to interact with other applications and systems. API testing checks functionality, reliability, logic validation, security, and performance. Karate can test for runtime errors, security flaws, invalid data, authentication errors, and performance issues under heavy traffic or loads. Below is a feature file to post and get information from a test booking site.
UI Testing
Successful web applications provide users with a positive experience. UI testing helps ensure that web applications function and return the correct results. Karate can test the functionality of links, navigation, search functions, and more. Below is a feature file for locating a graduate certificate program.
Performance Testing
Slow websites and web applications result in low customer satisfaction. Businesses should do performance testing to test the speed, scalability, and stability of their web applications under high traffic conditions. Karate Framework does performance testing via integration with Gatling. Gatling is an open-source framework used for load and performance testing. In addition to the Gherkin-style syntax, test scripts use either Java or Scala.
Tips for Using Karate Framework
Read the Karate Framework documentation - https://github.com/karatelabs/karate.
Learn Gherkin Language.
Learn Karate DSL.
Get an understanding of APIs and UI design.
Understand the structure of a Java project file.
Understand JSON and XML file structure.
Keep feature files simple.
Conclusion
Karate Framework is a free, open-source tool used for automation testing. Unlike its competitors, Karate has multiple functions. The ability to do API, UI, and performance tests and create a mock serve makes Karate a forerunner in the field. Companies looking to automate test scripts, save money, and use existing talent should try Karate!