Smokestack vs Puppeteer: which is better for browser automation?

Smokestack is lighter and simpler, ideal for basic script execution and log capture with minimal setup, while Puppeteer offers more comprehensive control over Chrome for complex automation tasks. Choose Smokestack for quick testing pipelines and Puppeteer for detailed browser manipulation.

How to run browser tests with Smokestack and tape?

Use a command-line pipeline like 'browserify test.js | smokestack -b firefox | tap-spec' to bundle tests, run them in a browser, and format the TAP output. This leverages Smokestack's console log piping to capture test results directly in your terminal.

Does Smokestack support headless Chrome?

Yes, Smokestack can run Chrome headlessly using Xvfb, as described in the README's headless browser section. This allows for automation in environments without a graphical display, such as CI/CD servers.

Can I use Smokestack with Sauce Labs for cross-browser testing?

Yes, Smokestack integrates with Sauce Labs by providing flags for username and API key, enabling testing on various browsers without local installations. Environment variables can also be used for credentials, simplifying setup.

How to capture screenshots in Firefox with Smokestack?

Currently, screenshot capture is only supported in Chrome; the README notes that Firefox and Sauce Labs support is planned but not yet available. For Firefox screenshots, you'll need to use alternative tools or wait for future updates.

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smokestack

NOASSERTIONJavaScript

Pipe JavaScript into a browser and capture console output in Node for simple browser automation and testing.

GitHub

244 stars19 forks0 contributors

What is smokestack?

Smokestack is a Node.js tool that pipes JavaScript into a browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Sauce Labs) and captures console output back in Node.js. It solves the problem of running browser-based scripts and UI tests with minimal setup, providing a simple alternative to complex browser automation frameworks.

Target Audience

Developers and testers who need to run JavaScript in a browser for testing, automation, or debugging, particularly those using tools like tape for TAP-based testing in browser environments.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Smokestack for its simplicity and low overhead—it offers a direct pipe from JavaScript to browser console logs without the bloat of larger automation tools, making it ideal for quick testing and integration into build pipelines.

Overview

Pipe your JavaScript into a browser, logging console output in Node

Use Cases

Best For

Running UI tests in a browser from the command line
Capturing console logs from browser scripts in Node.js
Integrating browser-based testing with TAP output using tape
Automating browser screenshots in Chrome
Running tests on Sauce Labs without complex setup
Scripting headless browser tasks with Xvfb

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring complex browser interactions like form filling or multi-page navigation
Teams needing immediate cross-browser screenshot support beyond Chrome
Developers using modern test frameworks like Jest or Cypress that have built-in browser testing
Large-scale testing suites requiring parallel execution and detailed reporting

Pros & Cons

Pros

Minimal Setup

Setup is straightforward with no complex configuration; just pipe JavaScript into the browser to get console logs, as emphasized in the README's philosophy of simplicity.

Flexible Usage Modes

Can be used via CLI for quick tasks or as a Node.js module for integration into scripts, demonstrated in the module usage examples with browserify and tape.

TAP Integration

Specifically designed for TAP output with tools like tape, making it seamless for developers already using TAP-based testing in browsers, as shown in the CLI pipeline examples.

Headless Browser Support

Supports running browsers headlessly using Xvfb, enabling automation in CI/CD environments without a display, as detailed in the README's headless section.

Cons

Limited Feature Set

Missing advanced features like screenshot support for Firefox and Sauce Labs (currently Chrome-only), and lacks built-in testing utilities, relying on external tools for assertions and helpers.

Basic Automation Scope

Focuses primarily on console log capture and simple scripts, not suitable for complex user interactions or full UI automation, making it inadequate for detailed end-to-end testing.

Experimental Nature

Marked as experimental with an orange stability badge in the README, suggesting potential instability or breaking changes in future updates, which may deter production use.

Frequently Asked Questions

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