[TEST] Enhance Testing Framework for Extended Integration and E2E Testing

[sfmskywalker]

Overview

This issue outlines a proposal for enhancing the existing Elsa Workflows testing framework to include extended integration testing, local testing guidelines, and multi-layer testing configurations. These enhancements are aimed at improving testing coverage and efficacy.

Scope

Setup Representative Workflows

• Goal: Develop a set of representative workflows to comprehensively test-drive the Elsa engine across various scenarios.

E2E Workflow Testing

• Objective: Establish comprehensive end-to-end testing capabilities using Docker Compose to simulate workflow execution in a controlled environment.
• Key Tests:
  • Docker Image Tests for verifying workflow execution status, journal contents, variables, outputs, etc.
  • Support for testing long-running workflows that may involve asynchronous events like service bus messages.
  • Configuration support for external components such as persistence and dispatcher services.

Requirements

• Programmable Test Environments: Enable configuration of real application hosts with necessary settings directly within the test framework.
• Documentation: Provide detailed setup and running instructions, best practice examples, and automated scripts for CI/CD integration.

Decision Points

• WebApplicationFactory vs. Docker-Based Testing:
  • WebApplicationFactory offers faster, isolated tests well-suited for development phases but may lack real environment conditions.
  • Docker-Based Testing provides a real environment simulation ideal for pre-release and CI/CD pipelines, though it is resource-intensive and complex.

[glime-ai[bot]]

Based on the context provided, it seems like you are looking to enhance the testing framework for Elsa Workflows. Here are some considerations and steps you might take to achieve the outlined goals:

1. Develop Representative Workflows:

   • Identify common and edge-case scenarios that Elsa Workflows are typically used for.
   • Create workflows that cover these scenarios, ensuring they encompass various activities, triggers, and expressions.

2. End-to-End (E2E) Workflow Testing:

   • Utilize Docker Compose to set up a controlled environment that mimics production setups.
   • Write tests that deploy workflows to the Docker environment and assert on their execution status and outcomes.
   • Ensure tests can handle asynchronous events and long-running processes.

3. Programmable Test Environments:

   • Implement a programmable environment where you can spin up instances of the Elsa Workflow engine with different configurations.
   • Use the .NET WebApplicationFactory for integration tests that require a lighter-weight and faster setup.

4. Documentation:

   • Create comprehensive documentation that guides users on how to set up their test environments.
   • Provide examples of best practices for writing tests.
   • Offer scripts or templates for integrating the testing framework into CI/CD pipelines.

5. Decision Points:

   • Evaluate the trade-offs between using WebApplicationFactory for its speed and isolation versus Docker for its closer representation of real-world conditions.
   • Decide on the balance between these approaches based on the stage of development and the criticality of the workflows.

Remember to consider the current capabilities and limitations of Elsa Workflows as mentioned in the provided context, such as the state of the testing features in Elsa 2 and the planned features for Elsa 3. It's also important to keep in mind the roadmap and prioritize enhancements that align with the project's strategic direction.

If you need further clarification or assistance, please let me know!

This comment was generated by Glime.