Enhance Your Cypress Testing Workflow with @cypress/grep Tagging

23 May 2025

Managing large test suites in Cypress can become cumbersome, especially when you need to run specific tests for different stages of development. As a Senior QA Automation/Manual Engineer, I’ve found that integrating test tagging using the @cypress/grep plugin significantly streamlines the testing process. Here’s how you can implement this in your workflow.

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Why Implement Test Tagging?

In extensive test suites, it’s inefficient to run all tests for every change. Test tagging allows you to:

• Organize Tests: Group tests logically (e.g., regression, uat, smoke).
• Selective Execution: Run only relevant tests for a particular deployment stage.
• Maintain Clarity: Easily identify the purpose of each test.

This approach enhances efficiency and clarity in your testing process.

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Setting Up @cypress/grep

1. Install the Plugin

npm install -D @cypress/grep

2. Register the Plugin

In your cypress/support/e2e.js file, add:

import registerCypressGrep from '@cypress/grep/src/support';
registerCypressGrep();

This setup enables tagging support across your test suite.

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Tagging Your Tests

You can assign tags directly within your test definitions:

it('User can log in', { tags: ['regression', 'uat'] }, () => {
  // Test logic here
});

Assign multiple tags as needed to categorize tests effectively.

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Running Tagged Tests

Utilize the --env grepTags= flag to run tests by tag:

• Run UAT Tests:

  npx cypress open --env grepTags=uat
  

• Run Regression Tests:

  npx cypress run --env grepTags=regression
  

• Run Tests Matching Any Tag (OR logic):

  npx cypress run --env grepTags=regression,uat
  

• Run Tests Matching All Tags (AND logic):

  npx cypress run --env grepTags=smoke+uat
  

This flexibility allows you to tailor test runs to specific needs.

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Practical Application: Regression vs. UAT

In my workflow:

• Regression Tests: Validate core functionalities (e.g., login, checkout) before production deployment.
• UAT Tests: Verify business logic and UI elements post-deployment.

By tagging tests accordingly, I can:

• Run regression tests in staging environments.
• Execute uat tests after production deployment.

This approach maintains a clean and efficient test structure.

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Example Test File

Here’s a sample test file utilizing tags:

describe('E-Commerce Checkout', () => {
  it('User can add product to cart', { tags: ['regression'] }, () => {
    // Add to cart test logic
  });

  it('Cart updates total correctly', { tags: ['uat', 'regression'] }, () => {
    // Cart total test logic
  });

  it('Promo banner is visible on homepage', { tags: ['uat'] }, () => {
    // Visual check logic
  });
});

With this structure, you can execute:

• --env grepTags=regression before production.
• --env grepTags=uat after production.

This method ensures a clean and maintainable test suite.

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Final Thoughts

Implementing test tagging with @cypress/grep enhances your testing process by:

• Organizing Extensive Test Suites: Logical grouping of tests.
• Focused Test Execution: Run only what matters.
• Clear Communication: Convey test intent effectively.

This approach aligns with best practices for test isolation and maintainability, ensuring your testing strategy remains robust and adaptable.

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Pro Tip: Establish Clear Tagging Conventions

To maintain consistency:

• Define Tag Meanings Early: Decide on tag purposes (e.g., regression, uat, smoke).
• Document Conventions: Include tag definitions in your project’s README or testing guidelines.

Consistent tagging enhances team collaboration and ensures everyone understands the testing strategy.

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