End-to-End Testing in React Apps: Best Practices

The creation of user interfaces is a process that must be given great importance during the development of an application or web page, since it is the first thing that the user will get when entering and where all their interactions will live. React is one of the most used frameworks for this.

Its popularity is undeniable, this is exposed in a study carried out by Statista, where they revealed that, in 2023, React was the second most used framework by developers, being surpassed only by Node.js.

“Node.js overtook React.js to become the most used web framework among software developers worldwide, as of 2023. According to the survey, around 42.7 percent of respondents reported using Node .js, while 40.6 percent used React.js” they explained in the Statista study.

End-to-end testing in React

End-to-end (E2E) testing is a crucial phase in the development process, ensuring that all components of a React application work seamlessly together as intended. As applications grow in complexity, maintaining a robust E2E testing strategy becomes increasingly important.

There are some practices that the development team should follow so that end-to-end testing is applied properly and ensure that the project is successful. As a client of a development agency, you should be aware of:

1. Choosing the right framework

Selecting a suitable testing framework is the foundation of a successful E2E testing strategy. Popular options for React applications include Cypress and Selenium. Weigh the pros and cons of each, considering factors such as ease of use, community support, and compatibility with your project requirements.

2. Isolate test environments

To avoid interference from external factors, the development team should set up isolated environments for testing. This includes creating a dedicated test database, API endpoints, and any other dependencies your application depends on. This ensures consistent and reproducible test results.

3. Write atomic tests

Divide the tests into small atomic units. Each test should focus on a specific functionality or user flow. This not only makes it easier to identify and solve problems, but also provides clarity when tests fail, as identifying the problem becomes easier.

4. Use the Page Object Model (POM)

Implement the page object model to improve the maintainability and readability of your tests. This design pattern involves creating reusable components that represent different pages or sections of your application. UI changes can then be updated in a central location, reducing the need for widespread test modifications.

5. Prioritize test coverage

Identify critical paths and functionalities within your application and prioritize testing for these areas. This ensures that essential features are fully validated. While achieving 100% test coverage can be challenging, focusing on key user journeys and critical business logic is a good starting point.

6. Implement retries and waits wisely

Unstable tests can be a headache. To combat this, incorporate smart waits and retries into your tests. Use them wisely, however, as excessive use of retries can mask underlying problems. Adjust timeouts and intervals based on the nature of the test and the expected behavior of the application.

7. Add Continuous Integration (CI) to the testing process

Integrate E2E testing into the CI/CD process. This ensures that tests run automatically with every code push, providing quick feedback to developers. Incorporate visual regression testing to detect unexpected changes to the user interface early in the development process.

8. Collaborate and communicate

Foster collaboration between developers, QA engineers, and other stakeholders. Clear communication about test results, failures, and continuous improvements is crucial to maintaining a strong testing strategy.

Effective end-to-end testing is the cornerstone of delivering high-quality React apps. By adopting these best practices, development teams can optimize their testing processes, catch bugs early, and ensure a seamless user experience.

It's worth remembering that the goal is not just to have tests, but to have reliable and maintainable tests that contribute to the overall success of your React application. The Rootstack team is prepared to perform the necessary tests within the project.

We recommend you on video