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This article is intended as a starter for discussion and contains content that is under development. It is based on experiences from teams like the Power CAT Engineering team as they apply low code testing principles to the low code Power Platform solutions they build and maintain. Ideally, this discussion serves as a great starting point to foster collaboration and gain input to help shape low code automation and engineering excellence in the wider low code Power Platform community.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to low code testing. Discussion topics can vary depending on the type of solution and the specific requirements of the organization. By sharing experiences and insights, we can collectively enhance our understanding and practices in low code testing, ensuring that solutions are robust, reliable, and meet the diverse needs of different users and businesses.

Expectations of a Code First Development Solution

Before we dive into low code Power Platform testing, let’s first explore the common norms and expectations of a code-first developer and related personas when performing automated testing of solutions.

Code-first developers, support engineers, DevOps engineers, and architects typically adhere to a set of best practices and standards to ensure the quality and reliability of their solutions. These expectations include:

Comprehensive Test Coverage

One of the primary expectations is to achieve comprehensive test coverage. This means writing tests that cover all critical functionalities of the application, including edge cases and potential failure points. The goal is to ensure that every part of the code is tested and any issues are identified early in the development process.

Consistent and Repeatable Tests

Automated tests should be consistent and repeatable. This means that running the same tests multiple times should yield the same results, regardless of the environment or conditions. Consistency is crucial for identifying genuine issues and avoiding false positives or negatives.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Automated tests are expected to be integrated into Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. This integration allows for continuous testing, ensuring that any changes to the codebase are automatically tested before being deployed. It helps in maintaining the stability and reliability of the application.

Clear and Actionable Test Results

Test results should be clear and actionable. Developers and related personas expect detailed reports that highlight any issues, including the specific parts of the code that failed and the reasons for the failure. This information is essential for quickly identifying and resolving problems.

Maintenance of Test Scripts

Maintaining test scripts is another critical expectation. As the application evolves, test scripts need to be updated to reflect changes in the codebase. Regular maintenance ensures that tests remain relevant and effective in identifying issues.

Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Collaboration and knowledge sharing are vital in the testing process. Developers, support engineers, DevOps engineers, and architects are expected to work together, share insights, and learn from each other’s experiences. This collaborative approach helps in improving testing practices and achieving better outcomes.

Adherence to Best Practices

Finally, adherence to best practices is a fundamental expectation. This includes following coding standards, using appropriate testing frameworks, and leveraging tools that enhance the testing process. Best practices ensure that the testing process is efficient, effective, and aligned with industry standards.

Introduction to Low Code Power Platform Testing

Low code Power Platform testing can be a crucial aspect of the development lifecycle, especially in today’s fast-paced software development environment. It allows developers to create and execute tests with minimal hand-coding, making it accessible to both novice and experienced developers. The benefits of low code testing tools include faster test creation, easier maintenance, and the ability to involve a broader range of team members in the testing process.

But does everything need to be tested? The answer depends on the type of solution and its intended use. For personal productivity solutions, the testing requirements might be less stringent. These solutions are often used by a single individual or a small team, and the impact of any issues is relatively contained. In such cases, basic testing to ensure functionality and usability might suffice.

On the other hand, solutions that need to be handed off to a support team require more thorough testing. These solutions are typically used by a larger group of people, and any issues can lead to increased support requests and potential downtime. Comprehensive testing, including unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance tests, is essential to ensure the solution is robust and reliable before it is handed over to the support team.

For enterprise-grade applications that the business relies on, rigorous testing is non-negotiable. These applications are critical to the organization’s operations, and any failures can have significant consequences. In addition to the standard tests, performance testing, security testing, and stress testing are crucial to ensure the application can handle the expected load and is secure from potential threats. Continuous testing throughout the development lifecycle helps identify and address issues early, reducing the risk of major problems in production.

In summary, the extent of testing required depends on the solution’s scope and impact. Personal productivity solutions may require basic testing, while solutions handed off to support teams and enterprise-grade applications demand comprehensive and rigorous testing to ensure reliability, performance, and security.

Overview of Power Apps Test Engine

The Power Apps Test engine is a powerful tool designed to streamline the testing process for applications built on the Power Platform. It offers a range of features that help developers ensure their applications are robust and reliable. Key features include automated test execution, integration with CI/CD pipelines, and detailed reporting. The Power Apps Test engine seamlessly integrates with the Power Platform, allowing for a cohesive development and testing experience.

Scope and Integration

The current scope of the Power Apps Test engine includes Power Apps (Canvas Apps, Model Driven Applications) and Power Automate. Other components are being considered as new providers. Tests can be repeatable across different environments by integrating them with Power Platform pipelines to execute tests and ensure valid results before deployment. The Power Apps Test engine can be integrated using a build-from-source approach with the .NET SDK or as a run using Power Platform Command Line interface actions.

Determining the Level of Testing

Determining the correct level of testing is likely to be based on the criticality of the app and the need to hand over ownership of the application beyond personal productivity solutions. Some simple tests could be health checks, while a more in-depth testing strategy could include unit, integration, and system tests.

Managed Extensibility Framework

The Power Apps Test engine is based on Managed Extensibility framework, this approach allows different authentication test providers and test actions to be defined and integrated using a modular approach. This framework provides flexibility and scalability, enabling developers to customize their testing processes according to their specific needs.

Setting Up the Test Environment

Test environments can be configured as part of Power Platform pipelines. Optionally, the creation of environments could be managed by an infrastructure-as-code process. The ability to apply environment groups provide a proactive means of organizing and securing sets of environments.

Examples of Tests

Some examples of unit tests include Power Automate unit tests with simulated triggers and values for Dataverse/connector actions. Integration tests include the ability to simulate connectors and workflows to create isolated tests. You can also create end-to-end Power Apps integration tests when you don’t use the Simulate functions. Power Fx functions like SimulateDataverse, SimulateWorkflow, and SimulateConnector can be useful to create test isolation with known data values to validate the behavior of the system component being tested.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

The command line of the Power Apps Test engine can easily be integrated into CI/CD system build step actions. This integration allows for continuous testing, ensuring that any changes to the codebase are automatically tested before being deployed. It helps in maintaining the stability and reliability of the application.

Common Errors and Best Practices

Common errors to consider when using low code testing include determining what code-first components are needed. Common logic exists for login and simulation of testing dependent resources. These common components reduce the need for “reinventing the wheel” to provide common logic to has to be replicated by users of the Test engine. Using the “no cliffs” extensibility model provides a great method to leverage the best of low code and code-first skills to create reusable components.

In summary, the Power Apps Test engine offers a comprehensive and flexible solution for testing applications built on the Power Platform. By integrating with CI/CD pipelines, leveraging the Managed Extensibility framework, and using Power Fx functions, developers can ensure their applications are robust, reliable, and ready for deployment.

Creating and Managing Test Cases

Creating and managing test cases within the Power Apps Test engine is straightforward. Start by defining the different types of tests you need, such as unit tests and integration tests. Each test case should have clear objectives and expected outcomes. Use the Power Apps Test engine to create, execute, and manage these test cases, ensuring that they cover all critical aspects of your application.

The Unifying Role of Power Fx

Power Fx plays a crucial role in providing a common language across testing components in the Power Platform. This low-code language is designed to be approachable for both novice and experienced developers, making it an ideal choice for creating and managing tests.

One of the key advantages of Power Fx is its “no cliffs” approach. This means that developers can start with simple, low-code expressions and gradually incorporate more complex, code-first skills as needed. This flexibility allows developers to leverage their existing knowledge and expertise while still benefiting from the simplicity and efficiency of low-code development.

Power Fx enables developers to encapsulate complex logic and expose it as reusable functions. These functions can then be used across different components being tested, creating a low-code domain-specific language tailored to the specific needs of the application. This approach not only streamlines the testing process but also ensures consistency and maintainability.

By providing a common language, Power Fx fosters collaboration between different team members, including developers, support engineers, DevOps engineers, and architects. It allows everyone to work together more effectively, share insights, and contribute to the overall quality and reliability of the solution.

In summary, Power Fx unifies the testing components in the Power Platform by offering a flexible, approachable language that supports both low-code and code-first development. Its “no cliffs” approach and ability to create domain-specific languages make it a powerful tool for enhancing low-code testing practices.

Consistent and Repeatable Tests

As show by the CoE Starter Kit examples you can include known state tests for Dataverse state and connectors together with low code simulation formulas for Power Apps or Power Automate provides a rich set of method to ensure consistent and repeatable tests.

By leveraging the Power Apps test engine platform providers can abstract the compexity if interacting with specific Power Platform resources simplifying the testing process when compared to code first browser automation which can generate tests which are less consistent and repeatable.

Automating Tests with Power Apps

Automation is a key advantage of the Power Apps Test engine. By automating tests, you can ensure consistent and repeatable test execution, reducing the risk of human error. Create automated test scripts using the Power Apps Test engine and integrate them into your CI/CD pipelines. This allows for continuous testing and ensures that any issues are identified and addressed promptly.

Clear and Actionable Test Results

Each test can include video recordings, log files and test results to identify test outcome and information to help diagnose and resolve test failures.

Debugging and Troubleshooting

Debugging and troubleshooting are essential skills for any developer. When issues arise during testing, use the Power Apps Test engine’s debugging tools to identify and resolve them. Common error messages should be documented, along with their resolutions, to streamline the troubleshooting process. Regularly review test results and logs to identify patterns and prevent recurring issues.

Best Practices for Low Code Testing

Effective low code testing requires adherence to best practices. Maintain your test scripts regularly to ensure they remain relevant and accurate. Given the tests are based on abstract Power Fx steps and Test Engine provider for different Power Platform components it provides a means of improving the reliability and consistency of test results.

In general you should avoid common pitfalls, such as over-reliance on automated tests without manual verification. Regularly review and update your testing strategy to align with evolving project requirements.

Integrating with Other Tools

The Power Apps Test engine can be integrated with various other tools and platforms, enhancing its functionality. For example, integrate it with Azure DevOps for seamless CI/CD pipeline management, or with GitHub for version control and collaboration. Third-party testing frameworks can also be used to extend the capabilities of the Power Apps Test engine, providing a comprehensive testing solution.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

Real-world examples and case studies can provide valuable insights into the practical application of low code testing. The Power CAT Engineering team is sharing stories like the Setup and Upgrade Wizard give examples of how we have successfully implemented the Power Apps Test engine, highlighting the challenges they we and how we overcame them. These examples can serve as inspiration and guidance for others looking to adopt low code testing practices.

The field of low code testing is constantly evolving, with new trends and advancements emerging regularly. We are in the process of exploring how technologies like AI are make the process of generating low code test cases and Power Fx test steps even easier to shape the future of low code testing.

Given the Power Platform is based on low code actions, expression and Power FX statements the process of parsing and showing coverage of tests the Test Engine will be able to evolve to adding metrics for low code test coverage. This will provide parity with expectations of code first developers. This area the ability for Copilot assistants to analyze plans and low code components to suggest tests will help suggest and improve test coverage.

These technologies can enhance test automation, improve test accuracy, and provide deeper insights into application performance. Stay informed about these trends to ensure your testing practices remain cutting-edge.

Resources and Further Reading

For those interested in learning more about low code Power Platform testing and the Power Apps Test engine, you can explore this repository to deepen your understanding. These resources can provide valuable information and support as you implement and refine your low code testing practices.