Cypress installation (npm install cypress) - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the command to install Cypress using npm?

The command to install Cypress is npm install cypress. This downloads Cypress and adds it to your project's dependencies.

beginner

Why do we use npm install cypress instead of downloading Cypress manually?

Using npm install cypress ensures Cypress is added to your project dependencies and can be managed easily. It also installs the correct version and sets up scripts for running tests.

beginner

What folder does Cypress create after installation?

After running npm install cypress, Cypress is installed in the node_modules folder where it stores its files. The cypress folder with example tests and configuration files is created the first time you run npx cypress open.

beginner

What is the purpose of the package.json file after installing Cypress?

The package.json file lists Cypress as a dependency, so anyone working on the project can install the same Cypress version by running npm install.

beginner

How can you verify that Cypress installed correctly?

You can verify Cypress installation by running npx cypress open. This opens the Cypress Test Runner if installation was successful.

What does the command npm install cypress do?

A Installs Cypress and adds it to project dependencies

B Runs Cypress tests immediately

C Deletes Cypress from the project

D Updates Node.js to the latest version

npm install cypress downloads Cypress and adds it to your project's dependencies so you can use it for testing.

Where does Cypress store its files after installation?

A In the <code>src</code> folder

B In the <code>node_modules</code> folder

C In the <code>public</code> folder

D In the <code>tests</code> folder

Cypress files are stored inside the node_modules folder after installation.

Which command opens the Cypress Test Runner after installation?

A npx cypress open

B npm start

C npm run test

D cypress run

The command npx cypress open launches the Cypress Test Runner GUI.

Why is it important to have Cypress listed in package.json?

A To update Cypress to the latest version

B To run Cypress tests automatically

C So others can install the same Cypress version with <code>npm install</code>

D To delete Cypress from the project

Listing Cypress in package.json ensures consistent versions across team members.

What is the first step to use Cypress in a new project?

A Write test scripts

B Create a <code>cypress.json</code> file

C Open Cypress Test Runner

D Run <code>npm install cypress</code>

You must first install Cypress using npm install cypress before writing tests.

Explain the process and purpose of installing Cypress using npm in a new project.

Think about how npm manages packages and why Cypress needs to be installed this way.

Describe how you would verify that Cypress was installed correctly on your machine.

Consider what command launches the Cypress interface.

Practice

1. What is the correct command to install Cypress as a development dependency using npm?

easy

A. npm install cypress --global

B. npm install cypress --save-dev

C. npm install cypress --save

D. npm install cypress --production

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand npm install flags

   The --save-dev flag installs the package as a development dependency, which is correct for Cypress.

2. Step 2: Compare options

   Options A, C, and D use incorrect flags for Cypress installation as a dev dependency.

3. Final Answer:

   npm install cypress --save-dev -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Install Cypress as dev dependency = npm install cypress --save-dev [OK]

Hint: Use --save-dev to install testing tools like Cypress [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using --global installs globally, not per project
• Using --save installs as production dependency
• Omitting --save-dev installs but not saved in devDependencies

2. Which folder should you be in before running npm install cypress --save-dev?

easy

A. The folder containing your package.json

B. The global npm modules folder

C. Any folder on your computer

D. The Cypress installation folder

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify project root folder

   npm installs packages into the current project, so you must be in the folder with package.json.

2. Step 2: Eliminate other options

   Installing anywhere else won't link Cypress to your project correctly.

3. Final Answer:

   The folder containing your package.json -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Install inside project folder with package.json [OK]

Hint: Always run npm install where package.json lives [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Running npm install in random folders
• Trying to install inside global npm folder
• Assuming Cypress folder exists before install

3. After running npm install cypress --save-dev, what command do you use to open the Cypress Test Runner?

medium

A. npx cypress open

B. cypress start

C. npm run cypress

D. npm start cypress

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall Cypress start command

   The correct command to open Cypress Test Runner is npx cypress open.

2. Step 2: Check other options

   Options A, B, and C are not valid commands to open Cypress.

3. Final Answer:

   npx cypress open -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Open Cypress with npx cypress open [OK]

Hint: Use npx to run Cypress without global install [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying npm start or npm run without scripts
• Typing cypress start instead of npx cypress open
• Not using npx after local install

4. You ran npm install cypress --save-dev but get an error saying command not found: cypress when typing cypress open. What is the likely fix?

medium

A. Restart your computer

B. Reinstall Cypress globally with npm install -g cypress

C. Delete node_modules and reinstall

D. Run npx cypress open instead

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand local vs global commands

   Cypress installed locally is not available as a global command, so cypress open fails.

2. Step 2: Use npx to run local binaries

   Using npx cypress open runs the local Cypress binary correctly.

3. Final Answer:

   Run npx cypress open instead -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Use npx for local binaries to avoid command not found [OK]

Hint: Use npx to run local packages without global install [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to run cypress without npx after local install
• Installing Cypress globally unnecessarily
• Ignoring error and assuming install failed

5. You want to add Cypress to your project and ensure it is only used during development. Which sequence of commands correctly installs Cypress and opens the test runner?

hard

A. npm install cypress --global && npx cypress open

B. npm install cypress && cypress open

C. npm install cypress --save-dev && npx cypress open

D. npm install cypress --save && npm start cypress

Solution

1. Step 1: Install Cypress as a development dependency

   Use npm install cypress --save-dev to add Cypress only for development.

2. Step 2: Open Cypress Test Runner correctly

   Use npx cypress open to run Cypress without global install.

3. Final Answer:

   npm install cypress --save-dev && npx cypress open -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Dev install + npx open = correct Cypress setup [OK]

Hint: Install with --save-dev then open with npx cypress open [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Installing Cypress globally when not needed
• Running cypress open without npx after local install
• Using npm start without proper scripts