Custom plugin development in Cypress - Build an Automation Script

Verify custom Cypress plugin that logs a message

Preconditions (2)

Step 1: Open cypress/plugins/index.js

Step 2: Add a custom task named 'logMessage' that logs a message to the console

Step 3: In a test file, call cy.task('logMessage', 'Hello from plugin')

Step 4: Run the test suite

✅ Expected Result: The console shows the message 'Hello from plugin' logged by the custom plugin task

Automation Requirements - Cypress

Assertions Needed:

Verify the custom task 'logMessage' is called

Verify the message passed to the task is logged in the console

Best Practices:

Use Cypress task API for plugin communication

Keep plugin code in cypress/plugins/index.js

Use proper logging and error handling in plugin

Write clear and maintainable test code

Automated Solution

Cypress

/// <reference types="cypress" />

// cypress/plugins/index.js
module.exports = (on, config) => {
  on('task', {
    logMessage(message) {
      console.log(message)
      return null
    }
  })
}

// cypress/e2e/plugin_test.cy.js
describe('Custom plugin task test', () => {
  it('should log message via custom plugin task', () => {
    cy.task('logMessage', 'Hello from plugin')
  })
})

The cypress/plugins/index.js file defines a custom task named logMessage. This task receives a message and logs it to the Node.js console. Returning null indicates no value is returned to the test.

The test file plugin_test.cy.js calls cy.task('logMessage', 'Hello from plugin') to invoke the plugin task. When the test runs, the message appears in the terminal console where Cypress runs.

This setup uses Cypress's plugin system correctly, separating plugin code from test code, and uses the task API to communicate between the browser and Node environment.

Common Mistakes - 3 Pitfalls

Defining the plugin task inside the test file instead of cypress/plugins/index.js

Not returning null or a value from the task function

Using console.log inside the test instead of the plugin task

Bonus Challenge

Now add a custom plugin task that returns the current date and time, and write a test to verify it returns a valid date string.

Show Hint

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of creating a custom plugin in Cypress?

easy

A. To add new commands or tasks that extend Cypress functionality

B. To change the browser's default behavior during tests

C. To write test cases in a different programming language

D. To speed up the execution of all tests automatically

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand what plugins do in Cypress

   Plugins allow adding new commands or tasks that Cypress does not provide by default.

2. Step 2: Differentiate from other options

   Changing browser behavior or writing tests in other languages is not the role of plugins. Speeding up tests automatically is not guaranteed by plugins.

3. Final Answer:

   To add new commands or tasks that extend Cypress functionality -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Plugins extend Cypress features = D [OK]

Hint: Plugins add new commands or tasks to Cypress [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking plugins change browser behavior directly
• Confusing plugins with test case languages
• Assuming plugins automatically speed up tests

2. Which file is typically used to define custom plugins in a Cypress project?

easy

A. cypress/plugins/index.js

B. cypress/support/commands.js

C. cypress/integration/spec.js

D. cypress.json

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the plugin file location

   Custom plugins are defined in the cypress/plugins/index.js file where Node.js code runs.

2. Step 2: Differentiate from support and config files

   support/commands.js is for custom commands in browser tests, integration/spec.js is for test specs, and cypress.json is config.

3. Final Answer:

   cypress/plugins/index.js -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Plugins file = C [OK]

Hint: Plugins go in cypress/plugins/index.js file [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing plugins file with support commands file
• Choosing test spec files for plugins
• Selecting config file for plugin code

3. Given this plugin code snippet in cypress/plugins/index.js:

module.exports = (on, config) => {
  on('task', {
    logMessage(message) {
      console.log(message)
      return null
    }
  })
}

What happens when the test calls cy.task('logMessage', 'Hello')?

medium

A. The test fails because 'logMessage' is not a valid Cypress command

B. The message 'Hello' is printed in the browser console, and the task returns undefined

C. The message 'Hello' is printed in the Node.js console, and the task returns null

D. Nothing happens because tasks cannot receive arguments

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the plugin task definition

   The plugin defines a task named 'logMessage' that logs the message to the Node.js console and returns null.

2. Step 2: Understand cy.task behavior

   Calling cy.task('logMessage', 'Hello') sends 'Hello' to the plugin task, which logs it in Node.js, not browser, and returns null.

3. Final Answer:

   The message 'Hello' is printed in the Node.js console, and the task returns null -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   cy.task logs in Node.js console = A [OK]

Hint: cy.task runs plugin code in Node.js, not browser console [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking console.log prints in browser console
• Assuming tasks cannot take arguments
• Confusing tasks with custom commands

4. Identify the error in this plugin code snippet:

module.exports = (on, config) => {
  on('task', {
    multiplyNumbers(a, b) {
      return a * b
    }
  })
}

And select the correct fix.

medium

A. No error, the code is correct as is

B. Change the task to accept a single argument object like {a, b} instead of two arguments

C. Replace 'on' with 'off' to register the task properly

D. Return a Promise instead of a direct value

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand how Cypress tasks receive arguments

   Cypress tasks accept only one argument. Multiple arguments must be wrapped in an object.

2. Step 2: Identify the error and fix

   The function multiplyNumbers expects two arguments, but Cypress will pass only one. Fix by accepting a single object with properties a and b.

3. Final Answer:

   Change the task to accept a single argument object like {a, b} instead of two arguments -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Tasks accept one argument object = B [OK]

Hint: Tasks get one argument; use object to pass multiple values [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Defining task functions with multiple parameters
• Using 'off' instead of 'on' to register tasks
• Thinking tasks must return Promises always

5. You want to create a custom plugin that reads a JSON file from disk and returns its content to your test. Which approach correctly implements this plugin task?

hard

A. Use console.log to print file content and return undefined

B. Use cy.readFile inside the plugin task to read the file asynchronously

C. Use browser fetch API inside the plugin task to get the file content

D. Use Node.js fs.readFileSync inside the plugin task and return parsed JSON

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand plugin environment

   Plugins run in Node.js, so Node.js modules like fs can be used to read files synchronously or asynchronously.

2. Step 2: Choose correct method to read file

   cy.readFile is a test command, not available in plugins. Browser fetch is not available in Node.js plugin context. Using fs.readFileSync and returning parsed JSON is correct.

3. Final Answer:

   Use Node.js fs.readFileSync inside the plugin task and return parsed JSON -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Plugins use Node.js fs to read files = A [OK]

Hint: Use Node.js fs module in plugins, not cy commands [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to use cy commands inside plugins
• Using browser APIs in Node.js plugin code
• Returning undefined instead of file content