As a software developer, I have spent countless hours writing tests to ensure my code works as expected. I have used various testing frameworks, but none of them compares to Cypress. Cypress is an end-to-end testing framework that provides a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use solution for writing automated tests. One of the features that make Cypress stand out is its support for environment variables. In this article, I will explain what Cypress environment variables are and how they can help you maximise test flexibility.

Introduction to Cypress Environment Variables #

Cypress environment variables are variables that can be accessed by Cypress tests during runtime. These variables provide a way to pass data to tests without hardcoding them in the test code. With environment variables, you can easily customise test behaviour based on the environment in which the tests run. For instance, you may have different API endpoints for development, staging, and production environments. Instead of hardcoding these endpoints in the test code, you can use environment variables to specify them at runtime.

What are Cypress Environment Variables? #

Cypress environment variables are variables that can be accessed by Cypress tests during runtime. They are set outside the test code and can be used to customize test behavior based on the environment in which the tests run. Environment variables are stored in the test runner’s environment and can be accessed by the tests through the Cypress.env() method.

Cypress environment variables can be set in various ways, such as through the command line, the Cypress configuration file, or the operating system environment variables. They can also be shared between tests to reduce code duplication and improve test organization.

Benefits of Cypress Environment Variables #

Cypress environment variables provide several benefits that can help you maximize test flexibility. Some of the benefits include:

Customisation #

With environment variables, you can easily customise test behaviour based on the environment in which the tests run. For instance, you may have different API endpoints for development, staging, and production environments. Instead of hardcoding these endpoints in the test code, you can use environment variables to specify them at runtime.

Flexibility #

Environment variables provide flexibility in that they can be set in various ways, such as through the command line, the Cypress configuration file, or the operating system environment variables. This flexibility allows you to set variables in a way that best suits your needs.

Organisation #

Environment variables can be shared between tests to reduce code duplication and improve test organisation. For instance, you can set a global variable to store login credentials and use it in multiple tests.

Using Cypress Global Variables #

Cypress global variables are variables that can be accessed by all tests in a project. These variables are defined in the Cypress support file and can be set using the Cypress.env() method. Global variables can be used to store data that is shared across tests, such as login credentials or API endpoints.

To set a global variable, you can use the Cypress.env() method in the Cypress support file. For instance, to set a global variable for API endpoint, you can add the following code to the Cypress support file:

Cypress.env('apiUrl', 'https://api.example.com');

To access the global variable in a test, you can use the Cypress.env() method as follows:

const apiUrl = Cypress.env('apiUrl');

How to Set Cypress Environment Variables #

Cypress environment variables can be set in various ways, such as through the command line, the Cypress configuration file, or the operating system environment variables. In this section, I will explain how to set environment variables using these methods.

Command line #

You can set Cypress environment variables using the command line by using the “–env” flag followed by the variable name and value. For instance, to set an environment variable named “apiUrl” to “https://api.example.com”, you can run the following command:

cypress run --env apiUrl=https://api.example.com

Cypress configuration file #

You can also set Cypress environment variables in the Cypress configuration file. To do this, add the following code to the configuration file:

{  "env": {    "apiUrl": "https://api.example.com"  }}

Operating system environment variables #

You can also set Cypress environment variables using the operating system environment variables. To do this, set the environment variable in the operating system before running the tests. For instance, on Linux or macOS, you can set the variable as follows:

export apiUrl=https://api.example.com

How to Share Variables Between Cypress Tests #

Cypress environment variables can be shared between tests to reduce code duplication and improve test organisation. To share a variable between tests, you can set it as a global variable in the Cypress support file. Global variables can be accessed by all tests in a project.

To set a global variable, you can use the Cypress.env() method in the Cypress support file. For instance, to set a global variable for login credentials, you can add the following code to the Cypress support file:

Cypress.env('username', 'testuser');Cypress.env('password', 'password123');

To access the global variable in a test, you can use the Cypress.env() method as follows:

const username = Cypress.env('username');const password = Cypress.env('password');

Using Cypress Config Env to Pass Variables Between Tests #

Cypress config env is a plugin that allows you to pass environment variables between Cypress tests. This plugin allows you to set environment variables in a single place and pass them to all tests in a project. This can be useful for setting common variables such as login credentials or API endpoints.

To use the Cypress config env plugin, you need to install it using npm:

npm install --save-dev cypress-env-config

Once the plugin is installed, you can add the following code to the Cypress configuration file:

{  "env": {    "username": "testuser",    "password": "password123"  },  "plugins": [    "cypress-env-config"  ]}

To access the variables in a test, you can use the Cypress.env() method as follows:

const username = Cypress.env('username');const password = Cypress.env('password');

Best Practices for Using Cypress Environment Variables #

To make the most out of Cypress environment variables, it is important to follow some best practices. Here are some tips to help you use environment variables effectively:

Use meaningful variable names #

Use descriptive variable names that convey their purpose. This makes it easier to understand the purpose of each variable and avoids confusion.

Avoid hardcoding values in tests #

Use environment variables to pass values to tests instead of hardcoding them in the test code. This makes the tests more flexible and easier to maintain.

Store sensitive data securely #

Avoid storing sensitive data such as passwords or API keys in clear text. Instead, use a secure storage solution such as a key vault or environment variables that are encrypted.

Troubleshooting Cypress Environment Variables #

Cypress environment variables may not always work as expected. Here are some common issues you may encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

Variable not set #

If a variable is not set, check that it is set correctly in the command line or the Cypress configuration file.

Variable not accessible in test #

If a variable is not accessible in a test, make sure it is defined in the Cypress support file or as a global variable.

Variable value incorrect #

If a variable value is incorrect, check that the variable is set correctly and that it is not being overwritten in the test code.

Conclusion: Cypress Environment Variables for Maximum Test Flexibility #

{Cypress environment variables} provide a powerful way to pass data to tests and customise test behaviour based on the {environment} in which the tests run. With environment variables, you can easily set API endpoints, login credentials, and other data that change between environments. By using environment variables effectively, you can maximise test flexibility and improve test organisation. Join LSET to learn more about automation testing with Cypress and take your testing to the next level.