Head-to-Head: Cucumber.js vs Tape Analysis

@cucumber/cucumber

v10.8.0(2 months ago)

This package is actively maintained.Types definitions are bundled with the npm packageNumber of direct dependencies: 41Monthly npm downloads

@cucumber/cucumber is a powerful tool for behavior-driven development (BDD) that allows teams to write executable specifications in a human-readable format. It enables collaboration between stakeholders, testers, and developers by providing a common language to describe application behavior. With @cucumber/cucumber, you can automate tests based on these specifications, ensuring that the software meets the desired behavior.

Alternatives:
jest-cucumber+
chai+
mocha+
jasmine+
ava+
tape+
qunit+
jest+
cypress-cucumber-preprocessor+
testcafe+

Tags: javascripttestingBDDcollaborationautomation

tape

v5.8.1(about 1 month ago)

This package is actively maintained.Types definitions are provided via a separate npm package: @types/tapeNumber of direct dependencies: 22Monthly npm downloads

Tape is a minimalistic JavaScript testing framework for Node.js and browsers. It provides a simple and lightweight way to write and run tests, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. With Tape, you can write tests using plain JavaScript functions and assertions, without the need for additional syntax or configuration. It offers a clean and minimalistic approach to testing, making it ideal for small projects or developers who prefer a straightforward testing setup.

Alternatives:
ava+
jest+
mocha+
chai+
jasmine+
qunit+
tap+
jest-circus+
vitest+
zora+

Tags: javascripttestingframeworknode.jsbrowser

Fight!

Popularity

@cucumber/cucumber and Tape are both popular testing libraries in the JavaScript ecosystem. However, @cucumber/cucumber is widely recognized as the go-to framework for behavior-driven development (BDD) and is particularly popular for testing and automating scenarios written in the Gherkin language.

Testing Approach

@cucumber/cucumber is primarily used for behavior-driven testing and follows the Gherkin syntax. It allows you to write test cases in a human-readable format using features, scenarios, and steps. On the other hand, Tape is a minimalistic testing library that follows a more traditional and lightweight approach to testing. It doesn't have built-in support for Gherkin syntax.

Integration

@cucumber/cucumber is often used in conjunction with other testing frameworks like Mocha or Jest. It provides powerful integration capabilities and can be seamlessly integrated into existing testing setups. Tape, on the other hand, is a standalone testing library and doesn't rely on other frameworks for its functionality.

Developer Experience

In terms of developer experience, both libraries have their strengths. @cucumber/cucumber provides powerful reporting and documentation features, making it easy to understand and maintain complex test suites. It also offers plugins and integrations with various tools. Tape, on the other hand, has a simple and straightforward API, and its lightweight nature makes it quick to set up and start writing tests.

Learning Curve

@cucumber/cucumber has a steeper learning curve due to its rich feature set and the need to understand Gherkin syntax and concepts. It requires setting up a separate environment and learning how to write feature files and step definitions. Tape, on the other hand, has a lower learning curve as it follows a more standard testing approach.

Community Support

@cucumber/cucumber has a vibrant community with extensive documentation, tutorials, and a wide range of available plugins and extensions. It is actively developed and maintained. Tape also has a supportive community but may not have as many resources available compared to @cucumber/cucumber.