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Software Engineering

Quality Assurance & Automation

10 Modules
Chapter 10: Prerequisites - AI-Powered QA Automation100%

Prerequisites - AI-Powered QA Automation

Required Knowledge

Programming Fundamentals (Essential)

  • Basic JavaScript/TypeScript syntax and concepts
  • Understanding of functions, classes, and async/await
  • Familiarity with ES6+ features (arrow functions, destructuring)
  • Basic understanding of React (for component testing examples)

Development Tools

  • Command line basics (cd, ls, running commands)
  • npm/yarn package management
  • Git fundamentals (clone, commit, push)
  • Code editor usage (VS Code recommended)

Optional But Helpful

  • Previous experience with any testing framework
  • Understanding of HTTP requests and APIs
  • Familiarity with CI/CD concepts
  • Basic understanding of browser DevTools

Required Setup

Essential Software

  1. Node.js 20+

    node --version  # Should be 20.0.0 or higher
npm --version   # Should be 9.0.0 or higher

    Install from: nodejs.org

  2. Git

    git --version  # Should be 2.30.0 or higher

    Install from: git-scm.com

  3. VS Code (Recommended)

    • Install from: code.visualstudio.com
    • Recommended extensions:
      • Vitest (ZixuanChen.vitest-explorer)
      • Playwright Test for VSCode (ms-playwright.playwright)
      • Error Lens (usernamehw.errorlens)
      • JavaScript and TypeScript Nightly

  4. Modern Web Browser

    • Chrome, Firefox, or Edge (latest version)
    • Playwright will install its own browser binaries

Testing Frameworks (Installed During Workshop)

These will be installed together as part of workshop exercises:

# We'll install these during hands-on exercises
npm install -D vitest @vitest/ui
npm install -D @playwright/test
npm install -D @testing-library/react @testing-library/jest-dom

No need to install beforehand!

Recommended Preparation

Before the Workshop

  1. Have a Project Ready (15 minutes)

    • Simple React application (or we'll create one with Vite)
    • A few functions/components you want to test
    • Or use our starter template (provided in workshop)

  2. Review JavaScript Basics (30 minutes if rusty)

  3. Familiarize with Testing Concepts (20 minutes)

  4. AI Account Setup (Optional)

Technical Requirements

Hardware

  • CPU: Dual-core processor (2+ cores)
  • RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended
  • Storage: 5GB free space (for Node.js, dependencies, browsers)
  • Display: 1920x1080 or higher recommended

Software

  • Operating System: Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, or Linux
  • Browser: Modern browser with developer tools
  • Terminal: Command Prompt, PowerShell, Terminal, or iTerm2

Network

  • Internet Connection: Stable broadband (10+ Mbps)
  • Firewall: Must allow npm package downloads
  • Proxy: If behind corporate proxy, ensure npm is configured

Pre-Workshop Checklist

Complete this 24 hours before the workshop:

Software Installation

  • Node.js 20+ installed and verified (node --version)
  • npm package manager working (npm --version)
  • Git installed (git --version)
  • VS Code or preferred editor installed
  • Modern web browser available

Knowledge Review

  • Comfortable with JavaScript/TypeScript basics
  • Can run npm commands in terminal
  • Understand what a function/component is
  • Know how to import/export modules

Optional but Recommended

  • Claude or ChatGPT account created
  • Test project ready or willing to create during workshop
  • Reviewed basic testing concepts

Workshop Environment Setup

During the first 15 minutes of the workshop, we'll set up:

# Create test project
npm create vite@latest my-app -- --template react-ts
cd my-app
npm install

# Install testing dependencies
npm install -D vitest @vitest/ui
npm install -D @playwright/test
npm install -D @testing-library/react @testing-library/jest-dom
npm install -D @testing-library/user-event

# Install Playwright browsers
npx playwright install

Note: Playwright browser installation requires ~500MB download.

Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

Node.js/npm Issues

Problem: node: command not found

Solution:

  1. Download and install from nodejs.org
  2. Restart terminal/computer
  3. Verify installation: node --version

Problem: Permission errors when installing packages

Solution (macOS/Linux):

# Use npx instead of global install
npx vitest

# Or fix npm permissions
mkdir ~/.npm-global
npm config set prefix '~/.npm-global'
echo 'export PATH=~/.npm-global/bin:$PATH' >> ~/.profile
source ~/.profile

Solution (Windows):

  • Run terminal as Administrator
  • Or use --location=user flag: npm install -g --location=user vitest

Playwright Installation Issues

Problem: Playwright browser download fails

Solution:

# Manual browser installation
npx playwright install --force chromium

# Or set specific browser only
npx playwright install chromium

Problem: Missing system dependencies (Linux)

Solution:

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo npx playwright install-deps

# Or install manually
sudo apt-get install libnss3 libnspr4 libatk1.0-0 libatk-bridge2.0-0

VS Code Extension Issues

Problem: Vitest extension not working

Solution:

  1. Open VS Code Command Palette (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P)
  2. Type "Reload Window"
  3. Ensure vitest.config.ts exists in project root

Getting Help

During Setup

  1. Workshop Discord

    • Channel: #workshop-05-help
    • Pre-workshop setup support available

  2. Office Hours

    • Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
    • Schedule 15-minute slot for installation help

  3. Day-Of Support

    • Arrive 15 minutes early
    • Teaching assistants available for setup

Documentation Links

What You'll Need During Workshop

Files to Have Open

  • Code editor (VS Code)
  • Terminal window
  • Web browser
  • Workshop slides (provided)

Accounts to Be Logged Into

  • Claude or ChatGPT (for AI test generation)
  • GitHub (optional, for CI/CD section)

Mental Preparation

  • Be ready to write code along with instructor
  • Ask questions when concepts are unclear
  • Prepare to share screen for debugging help

Sample Pre-Workshop Exercise

Test your environment by running this simple program:

// test-setup.js
function add(a, b) {
  return a + b;
}

console.log("Node.js is working!");
console.log("2 + 2 =", add(2, 2));
console.log("Environment ready for workshop!");

Run it:

node test-setup.js

Expected output:

Node.js is working!
2 + 2 = 4
Environment ready for workshop!

If you see this output, you're ready to go! ✅

Ready to Test?

Once you've completed the pre-workshop checklist, you're prepared for the QA Automation workshop. We'll transform you from manual tester to automation expert in 3 hours!

See you at the workshop! 🧪