Jest Spin Reporter

Common errors

• Error: Cannot find module 'jest-spin-reporter' from 'jest.config.js'

  cause The package 'jest-spin-reporter' is not installed or Jest cannot resolve its path.
  fix Run `npm install --save-dev jest-spin-reporter` to ensure the package is installed. Verify that the name 'jest-spin-reporter' is spelled correctly in your Jest configuration file.

• Jest exited with unexpected code: 1 - Likely a Node.js incompatibility or uncaught reporter error.

  cause Using `jest-spin-reporter` v2.0.0 or higher with an older, unsupported Node.js version, or an unhandled error within the reporter itself.
  fix Upgrade your Node.js runtime to a modern version. If the issue persists, try downgrading `jest-spin-reporter` to a 1.x version, or temporarily remove it from your Jest config to isolate the problem.

Warnings

• breaking Version 2.0.0 introduced a breaking change by updating the Node.js target, explicitly stating support for 'latest node only'. This means it may be incompatible with older Node.js environments.
  Fix: Ensure your Node.js environment is updated to a modern version. For Node.js versions prior to what was considered 'latest' in August 2019, you may need to remain on jest-spin-reporter 1.x or upgrade your Node.js runtime.
• gotcha By default, adding 'jest-spin-reporter' to your `reporters` array without also including 'default' will remove Jest's default test summary output. This can lead to a lack of detailed pass/fail information at the end of a test run.
  Fix: To retain the standard Jest summary, explicitly include the 'default' reporter in your `reporters` array alongside 'jest-spin-reporter', e.g., `"reporters": ["default", "jest-spin-reporter"]`.
• gotcha When combining `jest-spin-reporter` with other Jest reporters, there's a potential for conflicting or messy terminal output, especially if other reporters also use interactive elements or extensive logging to stdout.
  Fix: Test your reporter configuration thoroughly in your CI/CD and local environments. Consider the order of reporters in the array, as some reporters might overwrite or interfere with the output of others. Prioritize reporters that provide essential information and use the spinner reporter for visual feedback.

Install

• npm install jest-spin-reporter npm
• yarn add jest-spin-reporter yarn
• pnpm add jest-spin-reporter pnpm

Imports

• Reporter Configuration
  wrong:

  import JestSpinReporter from 'jest-spin-reporter'; // Not the primary or documented usage pattern
  const JestSpinReporter = require('jest-spin-reporter'); // Not the primary or documented usage pattern

  correct:

  /* In your jest.config.js or package.json */
  {
    "reporters": [
      "jest-spin-reporter"
    ]
  }

  This package is a Jest reporter and is primarily consumed by configuring it in Jest's `reporters` array. Direct programmatic import of the reporter module is generally not required for standard usage, as Jest handles its instantiation.

Quickstart

Demonstrates how to install `jest-spin-reporter` and configure Jest to use it, including a simple test setup to observe the spinner during a simulated long test.

npm install --save-dev jest-spin-reporter

// jest.config.js (or 'jest' field in package.json)
module.exports = {
  // ... other Jest configurations
  reporters: [
    "default", // It's often beneficial to keep the default reporter for summary output
    "jest-spin-reporter"
  ]
};

// Example of a test file (e.g., my-test.spec.js)
describe('My test suite', () => {
  test('should pass quickly', () => {
    expect(true).toBe(true);
  });

  test('should simulate a longer test to observe spinner', async () => {
    // Simulate asynchronous work that takes time
    await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 800));
    expect(true).toBe(true);
  });

  test('another quick test', () => {
    expect('hello').toBe('hello');
  });
});