How to Troubleshoot VS Code Extension Tests in GitHub Actions?

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When developing a Visual Studio Code (VS Code) extension, it can be frustrating to encounter issues when running integration tests, especially in Continuous Integration (CI) environments like GitHub Actions. If you're building an extension such as Namespacer, which aims to automate namespace fixes in C# files based on project structure, you might face integration test failures unique to the CI environment. This article will explore common reasons for these failures and provide actionable solutions to ensure your tests run smoothly.

Understanding the Problem


In your case, the integration tests work flawlessly on your local machine but start failing in GitHub Actions. This discrepancy often stems from environmental differences, especially when running in a headless mode. The error output indicates a failure related to connecting to D-Bus, which is a message bus system often utilized for communication in Linux desktop environments. In a headless CI environment, the lack of a graphical interface and D-Bus can lead to connection issues, such as the one you are experiencing:

TestRunFailedError: Test run failed with code 1
...
[ERROR:bus.cc(407)] Failed to connect to the bus: Could not parse server address: Unknown address type...


This error suggests that the testing framework might require services or components that are not available in headless mode.

Solutions to Run VS Code Tests in GitHub Actions

Step 1: Use the Right Workflow Configuration


Ensure that your GitHub Actions workflow is correctly set up to run your tests. Below is an example of a minimal configuration that installs dependencies and runs your tests:

name: CI

on:
push:
branches:
- init
pull_request:
branches:
- init

jobs:
build:
runs-on: ubuntu-latest

steps:
- name: Checkout Repository
uses: actions/checkout@v2

- name: Set up Node.js
uses: actions/setup-node@v2
with:
node-version: '14'

- name: Install Dependencies
run: |
npm install
npm install -g pnpm
pnpm install

- name: Run Tests
run: |
pnpm run compile
pnpm run compile:test
node out/test/runTest.js

Step 2: Adjust the Test Runner Configuration


Ensure your test runner configuration in runTest.js is adept at handling headless environments. You may want to add options to disable certain features that are not applicable in headless mode. Consider modifying it as follows:

const { runTests } = require('@vscode/test-electron');

async function main() {
try {
await runTests({
version: '1.55.0', // Specify your VS Code version
extensionDevelopmentPath: path.resolve(__dirname, '../'),
extensionTestsPath: path.resolve(__dirname, './suite/index'),
launchArgs: ['--no-sandbox', '--disable-gpu'], // Options for headless
});
} catch (err) {
console.error('Failed to run tests: ' + err.message);
process.exit(1);
}
}

main();


The --no-sandbox and --disable-gpu flags are critical for headless operation, avoiding common graphical issues that arise when running in CI.

Step 3: Ensure Environment Variables are Set


Sometimes, CI environments may lack necessary environment configurations. If your extension relies on specific environment variables pointing to resources or services, make sure to set these in your workflow file.

For example:

- name: Set up environment variables
run: |
echo "LANG=en_US.UTF-8" >> $GITHUB_ENV
echo "LC_ALL=en_US.UTF-8" >> $GITHUB_ENV

Step 4: Seek Alternative Debugging Options


If problems persist, consider running tests without a headless mode by using a Docker container that simulates a full desktop environment. Alternatively, use xvfb (X Virtual Framebuffer) to provide an off-screen display for graphical operations:

- name: Install Xvfb
run: |
sudo apt-get install -y xvfb

- name: Run Tests with Xvfb
run: |
Xvfb :99 -screen 0 1920x1080x24 &
export DISPLAY=:99
pnpm run test

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my tests pass locally but fail in CI?


This could be due to environmental differences, especially graphical libraries or services (like D-Bus) that are unavailable in headless mode.

What are the common problems running VS Code tests in headless CI?


The most common issues include missing graphical environments, D-Bus connection errors, and environment variables that are not set properly.

Can I run tests in a Docker container?


, you can create a Docker image that simulates a desktop environment which can be beneficial for running UI tests without a headless limitation.

Where can I find more information on setting up CI for VS Code extensions?


You can refer to the official Microsoft guide on

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for best practices and more detailed information.

Conclusion


Troubleshooting VS Code extension tests within GitHub Actions can be complex, but by understanding the headless environment limitations and configuring your CI workflow appropriately, you can resolve most issues. Remember to test regularly and consult the community for shared experiences and solutions. With these tips, your extension development process can be smoother, and your integration tests will run reliably on CI servers.

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