Technology/Tool: Test runner

[alexanderniebuhr]

Decision Document: Strategic Approach to Test Runner Integration within the Astrolicious Community

Executive Summary

This document outlines the Astrolicious community's current and future strategies regarding the integration and utilization of test runners within our development ecosystem. Recognizing the foundational roles of the Node test runner and Bun test runner as our initial default choices, this proposal also sets the framework for evaluating and incorporating additional test runners as our needs evolve.

Background

Efficient and effective testing is crucial to maintaining the high quality and reliability of projects within the Astrolicious community. The Node test runner and Bun test runner have been selected as the starting points for our testing framework due to their compatibility, performance, and ease of use within our JavaScript and TypeScript-based projects. However, as our community and project complexity grow, the need for diverse testing solutions may arise, necessitating a flexible approach to integrating additional test runners.

Proposal

We propose maintaining the Node test runner and Bun test runner as our primary test runners, with an open policy towards evaluating and adopting additional test runners based on the evolving needs of our community projects. This adaptive approach will ensure that our testing frameworks remain robust, versatile, and aligned with the latest development practices.

Rationale

The decision to start with the Node and Bun test runners and remain open to future additions is based on several key factors:

• Current Compatibility: The Node and Bun test runners offer immediate compatibility with the majority of our projects, providing a solid foundation for our testing needs.
• Performance: Both runners are known for their efficiency and speed, which are critical for maintaining a smooth development workflow.
• Flexibility for Future Growth: As the Astrolicious community's projects diversify, different testing requirements may emerge that necessitate the use of specialized test runners.
• Innovation and Best Practices: Staying open to integrating new testing technologies ensures that our community remains at the forefront of software development innovation.

Implementation Plan

The strategy for implementing and potentially expanding our test runner toolkit includes the following steps:

1. Initial Integration: Continue the use of the Node test runner and Bun test runner across all projects, ensuring full compatibility and integration.
2. Continuous Evaluation: Establish a review process for assessing the effectiveness of our current test runners and identifying potential gaps or areas for improvement.
3. Community Involvement: Engage the Astrolicious community in the decision-making process, soliciting feedback on testing needs and experiences with different test runners.
4. Evaluation of New Test Runners: Should the need arise, conduct thorough evaluations of prospective test runners, considering factors such as performance, compatibility, and ease of use.
5. Guidelines for Integration: Develop clear guidelines and support documentation for integrating new test runners into the community's projects, ensuring a smooth transition and consistent testing practices.

Conclusion

The Astrolicious community's approach to selecting and potentially expanding its test runner options reflects our commitment to quality, efficiency, and adaptability. By starting with the Node test runner and Bun test runner and remaining open to future innovations, we position ourselves to continuously meet the testing needs of our diverse and growing project portfolio. We invite all community members to contribute to this ongoing conversation, helping shape a testing framework that supports our collective success.