mocha
☕️ simple, flexible, fun javascript test framework for node.js & the browser
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Quick Overview
Mocha is a feature-rich JavaScript test framework running on Node.js and in the browser. It makes asynchronous testing simple and fun, providing a flexible and accurate reporting system for JavaScript tests.
Pros
- Supports both synchronous and asynchronous testing
- Offers a wide variety of assertion libraries and reporting styles
- Highly extensible with plugins and custom reporters
- Works in both Node.js and browser environments
Cons
- Requires additional assertion libraries for more advanced testing scenarios
- Can be slower compared to some lightweight alternatives
- Learning curve for beginners due to its extensive feature set
- Configuration can be complex for advanced use cases
Code Examples
- Basic test structure:
describe('Array', function() {
describe('#indexOf()', function() {
it('should return -1 when the value is not present', function() {
assert.equal([1, 2, 3].indexOf(4), -1);
});
});
});
- Asynchronous testing with promises:
it('should complete this test', function() {
return new Promise(function(resolve) {
assert.ok(true);
resolve();
});
});
- Using hooks for setup and teardown:
describe('hooks', function() {
before(function() {
// runs once before the first test in this block
});
after(function() {
// runs once after the last test in this block
});
beforeEach(function() {
// runs before each test in this block
});
afterEach(function() {
// runs after each test in this block
});
// test cases
});
Getting Started
- Install Mocha:
npm install --save-dev mocha
- Create a test file (e.g.,
test.js
):
const assert = require('assert');
describe('Sample Test', function() {
it('should return true', function() {
assert.equal(true, true);
});
});
- Add a test script to your
package.json
:
{
"scripts": {
"test": "mocha"
}
}
- Run the tests:
npm test
Competitor Comparisons
Simple JavaScript testing framework for browsers and node.js
Pros of Jasmine
- Built-in assertion library, reducing the need for additional dependencies
- Simpler setup process, with less configuration required
- Better suited for browser-based testing out of the box
Cons of Jasmine
- Less flexible and customizable compared to Mocha
- Smaller ecosystem and fewer plugins available
- Limited reporting options without additional tools
Code Comparison
Jasmine:
describe('Calculator', () => {
it('should add two numbers', () => {
expect(add(2, 3)).toBe(5);
});
});
Mocha:
const assert = require('assert');
describe('Calculator', () => {
it('should add two numbers', () => {
assert.strictEqual(add(2, 3), 5);
});
});
Both Mocha and Jasmine are popular JavaScript testing frameworks, each with its own strengths. Jasmine provides a more integrated solution with built-in assertions and matchers, making it easier to get started quickly. It's particularly well-suited for browser-based testing.
Mocha, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility and customization options. It allows developers to choose their preferred assertion library and provides a wider range of plugins and integrations. Mocha's ecosystem is larger, offering more tools and resources for advanced testing scenarios.
In terms of syntax, both frameworks use similar structures for describing test suites and individual tests. The main difference lies in the assertion style, with Jasmine using its built-in expect
function and matchers, while Mocha typically relies on external assertion libraries like Chai or Node.js's built-in assert
module.
Delightful JavaScript Testing.
Pros of Jest
- Built-in code coverage and mocking capabilities
- Snapshot testing for UI components
- Parallel test execution for faster performance
Cons of Jest
- Steeper learning curve for complex configurations
- Larger package size and longer installation time
- Less flexibility in test runner customization
Code Comparison
Mocha:
describe('Math operations', () => {
it('should add two numbers', () => {
assert.equal(1 + 2, 3);
});
});
Jest:
describe('Math operations', () => {
test('should add two numbers', () => {
expect(1 + 2).toBe(3);
});
});
Summary
Jest and Mocha are both popular JavaScript testing frameworks. Jest offers a more comprehensive out-of-the-box solution with built-in features like code coverage, mocking, and snapshot testing. It also provides parallel test execution, which can significantly improve performance for large test suites.
However, Jest's all-in-one approach comes with a steeper learning curve for complex configurations and a larger package size. Mocha, on the other hand, offers more flexibility in terms of assertion libraries and test runners, allowing developers to customize their testing environment more easily.
In terms of syntax, both frameworks use similar describe-it/test structures, but Jest uses its own expect assertions, while Mocha typically relies on external assertion libraries like Chai.
Ultimately, the choice between Jest and Mocha depends on project requirements, team preferences, and the specific testing needs of the application.
Spectacular Test Runner for JavaScript
Pros of Karma
- Designed for testing in real browsers, providing a more accurate representation of how code behaves in different environments
- Supports continuous integration and remote testing, allowing for easier automation and broader test coverage
- Offers live reloading, enabling faster development cycles and immediate feedback on code changes
Cons of Karma
- Steeper learning curve and more complex setup compared to Mocha's simplicity
- Heavier resource usage due to running tests in actual browser environments
- Less flexibility in test structure and organization compared to Mocha's versatile approach
Code Comparison
Karma configuration example:
module.exports = function(config) {
config.set({
browsers: ['Chrome'],
frameworks: ['jasmine'],
files: ['src/**/*.js', 'test/**/*.js']
});
};
Mocha test example:
describe('Array', function() {
describe('#indexOf()', function() {
it('should return -1 when the value is not present', function() {
assert.equal([1, 2, 3].indexOf(4), -1);
});
});
});
Both Karma and Mocha are popular testing frameworks for JavaScript, each with its own strengths. Karma excels in browser-based testing and continuous integration scenarios, while Mocha offers simplicity and flexibility for various testing environments. The choice between them depends on specific project requirements and testing needs.
Fast, easy and reliable testing for anything that runs in a browser.
Pros of Cypress
- Built-in automatic waiting and retry-ability, reducing flaky tests
- Rich, interactive test runner with time-travel debugging
- All-in-one testing framework with built-in assertion library and mocking capabilities
Cons of Cypress
- Limited to testing web applications only (no native mobile app testing)
- Runs tests inside the browser, which can limit certain types of testing scenarios
- Steeper learning curve for developers new to end-to-end testing
Code Comparison
Mocha test example:
describe('Login', function() {
it('should log in successfully', function() {
browser.url('/login');
browser.setValue('#username', 'testuser');
browser.setValue('#password', 'password123');
browser.click('#login-button');
expect(browser.getUrl()).to.include('/dashboard');
});
});
Cypress test example:
describe('Login', () => {
it('should log in successfully', () => {
cy.visit('/login');
cy.get('#username').type('testuser');
cy.get('#password').type('password123');
cy.get('#login-button').click();
cy.url().should('include', '/dashboard');
});
});
Both Mocha and Cypress are popular testing frameworks, but they serve different purposes. Mocha is a flexible, general-purpose JavaScript test framework, while Cypress is specifically designed for end-to-end web application testing. Cypress offers a more integrated and user-friendly experience for web testing, but Mocha provides greater flexibility for various types of JavaScript testing scenarios.
Node.js test runner that lets you develop with confidence 🚀
Pros of AVA
- Faster test execution due to concurrent running of tests
- Simpler and more minimalist API, leading to cleaner test code
- Built-in support for ES6 and async functions without additional configuration
Cons of AVA
- Less mature ecosystem and smaller community compared to Mocha
- Fewer plugins and integrations available
- Steeper learning curve for developers familiar with traditional testing frameworks
Code Comparison
Mocha:
describe('Array', function() {
describe('#indexOf()', function() {
it('should return -1 when the value is not present', function() {
assert.equal([1, 2, 3].indexOf(4), -1);
});
});
});
AVA:
import test from 'ava';
test('Array#indexOf()', t => {
t.is([1, 2, 3].indexOf(4), -1);
});
AVA's syntax is more concise and doesn't require nested describe blocks. It also uses imported test functions and assertion methods, whereas Mocha typically relies on global functions and separate assertion libraries.
Both frameworks have their strengths, with Mocha offering a more traditional and flexible approach, while AVA focuses on simplicity and performance. The choice between them often depends on project requirements and team preferences.
tap-producing test harness for node and browsers
Pros of tape
- Lightweight and minimalist, with a smaller footprint than Mocha
- No configuration required, works out of the box
- Follows TAP (Test Anything Protocol) specification, making it easy to integrate with other tools
Cons of tape
- Less feature-rich compared to Mocha, with fewer built-in assertion methods
- Limited support for asynchronous testing, requiring additional libraries or workarounds
- Lacks built-in test coverage reporting, requiring separate tools
Code Comparison
tape:
const test = require('tape');
test('My test', (t) => {
t.equal(1 + 1, 2);
t.end();
});
Mocha:
const assert = require('assert');
describe('My test', () => {
it('should add numbers correctly', () => {
assert.equal(1 + 1, 2);
});
});
Both tape and Mocha are popular JavaScript testing frameworks, but they cater to different needs. tape is ideal for developers who prefer a minimalist approach and want to follow TAP standards, while Mocha offers a more feature-rich environment with extensive customization options and built-in support for various testing styles.
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âï¸ Simple, flexible, fun JavaScript test framework for Node.js & The Browser âï¸
Links
- Documentation
- Release Notes / History / Changes
- Code of Conduct
- Contributing
- Development
- Discord (ask questions here!)
- Issue Tracker
Backers
Become a backer and show your support to our open source project on our site.
Sponsors
Does your company use Mocha? Ask your manager or marketing team if your company would be interested in supporting our project. Support will allow the maintainers to dedicate more time for maintenance and new features for everyone. Also, your company's logo will show on GitHub and on our site - who doesn't want a little extra exposure? Here's the info.
Development
You might want to know that:
- Mocha is one of the most-depended-upon modules on npm (source: libraries.io), and
- Mocha is an independent open-source project, maintained exclusively by volunteers.
You might want to help:
- New to contributing to Mocha? Check out this list of good first issues
- Mocha could use a hand with these issues
- The maintainer's handbook explains how things get done
Finally, come chat with the maintainers on Discord if you want to help with:
- Triaging issues, answering questions
- Review, merging, and closing pull requests
- Other project-maintenance-y things
License
Copyright 2011-2024 OpenJS Foundation and contributors. Licensed MIT.
Top Related Projects
Simple JavaScript testing framework for browsers and node.js
Delightful JavaScript Testing.
Spectacular Test Runner for JavaScript
Fast, easy and reliable testing for anything that runs in a browser.
Node.js test runner that lets you develop with confidence 🚀
tap-producing test harness for node and browsers
Convert designs to code with AI
Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.
Try Visual Copilot