Magento Functional Testing Framework Guide for Stores
Looking to elevate the quality and reliability of your store? Magento Functional Testing Framework tool automates functional testing for e-commerce websites.
In this article, we will explain the features and benefits of the Magento 2 testing framework.
Key Takeaways
- MFTF streamlines automated testing for Magento e-commerce sites.
- XML test cases convert to PHP scripts for smooth execution.
- The framework integrates Codeception, Selenium, and Allure effectively.
- Modular design allows for easy test customization and reuse.
- Best practices boost MFTF performance and efficiency.
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What is Magento Functional Testing Framework, and how does it work?
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Best Practices Using MFTF Tests to Optimize Performance In Magento 2
What is Magento Functional Testing Framework, and how does it work?
Magento Functional Testing Framework (MFTF) is an open source testing framework. It is developed by the Magento team for its ecosystem. It is designed to perform automated end-to-end functional testing on Magento applications. Here is how it works:
- Installation: MFTF is installed using Composer and CLI commands.
- Test Creation: Test cases are created in XML and stored in specific directories within the project.
- Test Execution: Tests are executed using the vendor/bin/mftf command. It converts XML test cases into PHP scripts and runs them using Codeception and Selenium.
- Reporting: Test results are generated in various formats. It includes Allure reports, screenshots, and HTML failure reports.
Key Features of the Magento Functional Testing Framework
1. Codeception, Selenium, and Allure Integration
- MFTF leverages three essential tools to ensure efficient testing:
- Codeception
- Selenium
- Allure.
- Codeception is a PHP testing framework that provides a simple and intuitive API for writing tests. MFTF uses Codeception to execute tests. Its flexibility and modularity make it an ideal choice. It allows developers to write tests that cover a wide range of scenarios.
- Selenium is a browser automation tool that enables MFTF to interact with web browsers. It helps simulate user interactions and test web applications. Selenium's integration allows for cross-browser testing. It is needed for platforms where compatibility and user experience are paramount.
- Allure is a reporting framework that provides detailed and visual representations of test results. MFTF uses it to generate reports that include test execution details, failures, and screenshots. These reports are essential for debugging and troubleshooting.
2. XML Test Cases
- In the Magento Functional Testing Framework, test cases are written in XML. It is a markup language that provides a structured and readable format for defining tests.
- XML is chosen for writing test cases due to its simplicity and flexibility. These files are human-readable. It makes it easier for developers to create and modify test cases. XML's structured format ensures that test cases are well-organized and easy to manage.
- Once these test cases are created, it auto-converts them into PHP scripts for execution. It allows developers to focus on writing test cases without worrying about the execution mechanics. The auto-conversion process ensures that tests are executed accurately and consistently.
3. Modularity and Customizability
- The modular design allows developers to create test cases that are independent and self-contained. Each test case is a separate module that can be executed individually. It makes it easier to identify and fix issues. This modularity also enables developers to reuse test cases across different testing scenarios.
- The framework provides a high degree of customizability. It allows developers to modify existing test cases to suit their specific needs. Developers can customize test cases by changing the XML files that define the test cases. Or by creating new test cases from scratch.
4. Automated Testing
- The Magento 2 framework is designed to automate functional testing. It reduces the need for manual testing efforts and improves overall efficiency.
- It enables developers to test and deploy new features faster. It reduces the time-to-market for new applications.
- Automated testing enables early detection of issues. It reduces the risk of bugs and errors in production. It also improves efficiency by allowing developers to test more scenarios in less time.
Difference between MFTF and Unit Testing in Magento
| Feature | MFTF | Unit Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Ensures that the Magento application functions as expected from a user's perspective | Tests individual units of code to ensure they work correctly |
| Scope | Covers end-to-end testing of Magento applications. | Focuses on testing individual units like methods and functions |
| Test Cases | Written in XML and auto-converted into PHP scripts for execution | Written in PHP using the PHPUnit framework |
| Execution | Uses Selenium, Codeception, and Allure for test execution and reporting. | Executed using PHPUnit framework, either through CLI or IDEs like PhpStorm |
| Complexity | Handles complex testing scenarios. It includes user interactions and browser testing. | Suitable for testing individual units of code but may not cover complex interactions. |
| Reusability | Supports modularity and reusability of test cases. | Each test case is independent and not designed for reusability. |
| Customization | Allows for customization of existing tests and creation of new test cases | Requires writing new test cases for each unit of code |
| Environment | Requires specific environment setup. It includes Selenium servers and browser drivers. | It can be executed in a standard PHP environment. |
Common Issues with the Magento Functional Testing Framework
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| AcceptanceTester Class Issues | Incorrect mftf build:project command execution or missing quotation marks in functional.suite.yml file. |
Run mftf build:project command again. Do it after adding quotation marks around %SELENIUM\_HOST%, %SELENIUM\_PORT%, %SELENIUM\_PROTOCOL%, and %SELENIUM\_PATH% in functional.suite.yml file. |
| WebDriver Issues | Use of PhantomJS, which MFTF does not support | Use Headless Chrome instead of PhantomJS for better compatibility with MFTF |
| AWS S3 Module Issues | Missing AWS S3 credentials in dev/tests/acceptance/.env file or incorrect region configuration |
Add necessary AWS S3 credentials to dev/tests/acceptance/.env file or disable the AWS S3 module if not needed |
| Test Generation Issues | Missing or incorrect test configuration | Check mftf.log for details and correct test configuration |
| Performance Issues | Complexity of MFTF setup and performance limitations of Selenium | Consider alternative testing tools like Playwright or Cypress for better performance |
Best Practices Using MFTF Tests to Optimize Performance In Magento 2
1. Use Test Suites
- Test suites are a powerful feature that allows developers to group similar tests. It makes it easier to manage and execute.
- Developers can create a test suite by defining a set of tests that share common characteristics. It could be testing a specific feature or functionality. For example, a test suite might include tests for login functionality. It could consist of tests for successful login, failed login, and password recovery. By grouping these tests, developers can run them as a single unit and optimize performance.
- Another benefit is minimizing the setup of preconditions for multiple tests. Preconditions are the setup steps required before a test can be executed. It includes creating test data or setting up the test environment.
- Developers can minimize the number of times preconditions need to be set up. For example, it might include tests for different payment gateways. Each requires a similar setup of test data and environment. Developers can now set up the preconditions once and execute all the tests in the suite.
2. Run Tests Automatically using Github
- An automation test is setting up a system to run tests once the master branch updates. It is done by integrating tests with version control systems like Git. It can trigger test execution whenever code changes are pushed to the master branch.
- Using CI/CD pipelines is another way to automate test execution and reporting. These pipelines are workflows that integrate code changes, testing, and deployment into a single process.
- The pipeline can then generate reports and notify developers of any issues or failures. It enables early detection and resolution of problems.
3. Optimize Test Environment
- A well-optimized test environment can improve the speed and reliability of test execution. Two ways to do this are using:
- Cloud-based testing platforms
- Distributing tests across environments.
- Cloud-based testing platforms can avoid the limitations of local systems. It can also handle frequent software updates. These platforms provide a scalable and flexible infrastructure for testing. It enables developers to run tests in parallel and reduce test execution time. LambdaTest provides a cloud-based testing platform. It supports automated testing of web applications, including Magento.
- Distributing tests across multiple environments is another effective way. Developers can speed up test execution and improve overall testing efficiency. It also enables developers to test applications on different browsers, operating systems, and devices. It improves the reliability and accuracy of test results.
4. Understand the MFTF Structure
It’s essential to understand the MFTF structure. The tests are organized into several folders within the Magento project directory:
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Test: Contains the test cases.
2. Section: Defines UI elements on a page used in a test.
3. Data: Entities required for user inputs for your HTML fields.
4. Metadata: Used for creating data entities at runtime and deleting them after the test is complete
FAQs
1. What is the Magento Functional Testing Framework used for?
It is used to perform automated end-to-end functional testing for Magento e-commerce websites. It helps ensure the quality and reliability of stores.
2. How do I configure MFTF for Magento open source projects?
To configure MFTF, install it using Composer and CLI commands in your Magento root directory. Ensure you have the necessary software installed. It includes a web server, PHP, and Composer. You'll also need to run the Selenium server for browser automation.
3. Can I use MFTF to test custom modules in my Magento installation?
Yes, MFTF allows you to create test cases for custom modules and existing features. You can write XML test cases and store them in specific folders. It should be within your Magento project structure.
4. How do I run functional tests using MFTF?
To run functional tests, use the vendor/bin/mftf command in your development environment. It converts XML test cases into PHP scripts. It then executes them using Codeception and Selenium. Ensure you have ChromeDriver installed for browser interactions.
5. What is an ActionGroup in MFTF?
An ActionGroup in MFTF is a reusable set of actions that can be included in multiple test cases. It helps in creating modular and maintainable tests. It allows you to group common actions, such as customer login or product creation, into a single unit.
Summary
The Magento Functional Testing Framework tool helps enhance the performance and capabilities of an ecommerce store. In this article, we explain the features and best practices for the framework.
- MFTF automates functional testing for Magento e-commerce websites.
- It integrates Codeception, Selenium, and Allure for efficient testing.
- Test cases are written in XML and converted to PHP scripts.
- MFTF offers modularity and customizability for flexible test development.
- Best practices include using test suites and optimizing test environments.
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