If you sink hours into manually crafting test cases inside your IDE, this post is for you. Here, you'll find 8 top test automation plugins in the IntelliJ Marketplace that help you create, run, and handle tests without leaving your editor.

Whether you're a developer or QA lead, plugins can assist you in writing testing cases in IntelliJ quickly, reduce slip-ups, and stay in the flow.

Why Test Automation Plugins Matter in IntelliJ

Using test automation plugins in IntelliJ is a strategic move that can help you speed up and streamline your testing lifecycle. Check out these perks:

Boost Testing Efficiency: Automate repeating tasks and dial down manual overhead, freeing up dev and QA folks to take on high-effort use cases.
Ensure Accuracy & Reliability: Cut down on mistakes through automatic checks and raise test coverage. It paves way for fault-tolerant and crash-free software.
Speed Up Debugging: Get better logs, insights, and integrated feedback directly in your IDE, enabling faster issue tracking and fixing.
Seamless Framework Integration: Work easily with software testing tools ,e.g., TestNG, JUnit, Selenium, vStellar, and other common tools for smooth operation.
Align with CI/CD Workflows: Enable dependable and load-flexible automation as part of your dev pipeline. It powers continuous integration and continuous delivery.

8 Plugins in IntelliJ for Software QA Automation Testing

intellij plugins

We've put together a list of the top 8 test automation plugins in the IntelliJ Marketplace. These tools can truly change how you go about testing.

1. vStellar Test Plugin

The vStellar Test Plugin provides a low-code solution for automating tests right inside IntelliJ IDEA. It eases the testing process for API, mobile, UI, and performance testing. You won't need complicated setups or a collection of tools.

Headline Features

Runner Dropdown: Quickly select and run tests from a list of available files.
Custom Runner Creation: Make new runner files for UI, API, or mobile tests directly.
Parallel Execution: Run multiple tests all at once to speed up cycles.
Browser/Environment Config: Test across a wide set of browsers and operating environments (QA, Prod, Staging).
Spy Feature: Automatically find element locators (XPath, CSS Selector, ID) for UI tests.

This plugin is perfect for teams looking for a low-code, integrated solution for broad API, mobile, and performance test automation. The plugin’s key features enable you to boost output quality and fine-tune your testing workflow directly within IntelliJ.

Download the vStellar Plugin now to speed up test case drafting, cut down the user-driven setup process, and get detailed results right inside IntelliJ.

2. JUnit Generator

The JUnit Generator plugin simplifies creating JUnit test core components from your pre-existing Java code. It provides a quick way to set up test skeletons, making Test-Driven Development (TDD) and unit tests more effective.

Standout Elements

Automated Test Class Generation: It yields JUnit test core components by your selected source code.
Customizable Templates: You can tweak the generated test code using Velocity templates to conform to your style.
Overwrite/Merge Options: The plugin provides choices to overwrite or merge with in-place test files.

This plugin is highly beneficial for Java developers who focus on unit testing and test-driven development. It automates the initial setup of JUnit tests, saving time and keeping your tests consistent.

3. Gauge Plugin

The Gauge Plugin offers strong support for Gauge, an open-source test automation framework. Gauge centers on clear, readable tests and drives teamwork by using a living documentation approach.

Main Highlights

Syntax Highlighting: It presents correct syntax highlighting for Gauge specifications.
Code Auto-Completion: The plugin offers smart code completion for steps and phases.
Navigation: You can easily move between steps, concepts, and their execution.
Run/Debug Support: It lets you run and debug Gauge specifications right from your IDE.
Refactoring Support: It helps when you need to refactor steps in your testing cases.

This plugin is great for teams using behavior-driven development (BDD). If you want a collaborative, human-readable way to automate tests with solid IDE integration, Gauge is a good choice.

4. Cucumber for Java Plugin

Cucumber plugin gives full support for Cucumber, a popular BDD framework, mainly for Java-based projects. It makes writing and running Gherkin feature files a much better experience.

Best Bits

Gherkin Syntax Highlighting: It makes the syntax stand out in your .feature files.
Step Definition Navigation: You can quickly jump from your Gherkin steps to their Java step definitions.
Auto-completion: It provides auto-completion suggestions for steps and their parameters.
Run Feature/Scenario: You can run one-by-one features or scenarios directly from the editor.
Unused Step Detection: It helps you identify and remove step definitions that have been phased out.

This plugin is a must-have for Java teams who implement BDD with Cucumber. It makes it easier for project stakeholders and tech teams to work together through clear, executable specifications.

5. Robot Framework Support

Robot Framework's plugin packs complete support for the Robot Framework. This is a general-purpose, open-source automation framework used for acceptance testing, ATDD (Acceptance Test-Driven Development), and RPA (Robotic Process Automation).

Standout Specs

Syntax Highlighting: It shows the syntax clearly in your Robot Framework (.robot) files.
Code Completion: It gives you smart code completion for keywords and variables.
Keyword Navigation: You can navigate directly to keyword definitions.
Run Configurations: It supports running Robot Framework test suites right from IntelliJ.
Bug Detection: The plugin spots code issues and potential problems in your Robot Framework code.

This plugin works well for teams using Robot Framework for different automation tasks, including web testing, API testing, and desktop automation. They will benefit from integrated development support.

6. Kotest Plugin

The Kotest Plugin makes writing tests better when you're using Kotest. It is a flexible and heavy-duty testing framework for Kotlin, offering various software testing styles and ways to check your code.

Core Capabilities

Test Runner Integration: It smoothly connects with the Kotest test runner to roll out your tests.
Syntax Highlighting: It provides specific syntax highlighting for Kotest code structures.
Navigation: You can quickly jump to test definitions.
Contextual Actions: It offers useful actions that are specific to your Kotest code.

This plugin is essential for Kotlin developers who want to use Kotest's many features for unit, system integration, and property-based testing. It assists assure a smooth and highly-efficient testing process.

7. Lombok Plugin

The Lombok Plugin isn't just for test automation, but it's important for many Java projects, notably those with lots of tests. It processes Lombok annotations throughout compilation. This reduces recurring code and makes your test classes much tidier.

Key Features

Handling Code Annotations: It supports IntelliJ to understand and use Lombok annotations (like @Data, @NoArgsConstructor, @Builder).
Code Navigation: You can navigate to methods generated by Lombok (like getters and setters) as if you wrote them out fully.
Error Highlighting: It prevents incorrect error warnings linked to code generated by Lombok.

This plugin is highly recommended for any Java-based project that uses Lombok to reduce repetitive code. It assures that your IDE accurately spots and supports generated methods.

8. Key Promoter X

Key Promoter X is a well-regarded plugin built to assist you learn core keyboard shortcuts. When you use your mouse on a button inside the IDE, it shows a pop-up notification with the corresponding shortcut.

Key Features

Shortcut Suggestions: It tells you the keyboard shortcut for actions you perform with the mouse.
Shortcut Creation: If an action doesn't have a shortcut, the plugin prompts you to create one directly.
Hit-list of Mouse Actions: It displays a list of the mouse actions you use most often and suggests keyboard alternatives.

This plugin is great for developers who want to become more productive by using keyboard shortcuts over mouse. It helps them speed up their production and testing processes.

How to Choose the Right Plugin for Your Team

With so many powerful options, picking the right plugin can feel like a huge call. Consider these signals to make an informed decision that meets your team's specific needs.

Match Your Programming Language: Ensure the plugin supports your chief programming language(s), whether it's Java, Kotlin, Python, or hybrid projects.
Framework Compatibility: Assure the plugin works with your favored testing tools to avoid integration headaches.
Usability vs. Customizability: Consider your team's expertise. Some plugins are beginner-friendly with hassle-free setup, while others offer deep configuration options for expert users and tricky scenarios.
Upkeep and Community: Pick actively maintained intelliJ plugins with solid community backing. This assures ongoing support, bug fixations, and new features, which are vital for long-term usability.

Start QA in IntelliJ with Test Automation Plugins

vStellar Test Plugin

The test automation plugins in the IntelliJ Marketplace refine the whole QA workflow for dev and QA teams and align CI pipelines. Choosing the right plugin depends on your languages, test frameworks, and the way you manage test code. If you want a clear, code‑driven test authoring experience that works well with most frameworks, vStellar Test Plugin is a great pick.

Read the installation guide for the vStellar IntelliJ plugin and start creating test cases in IntelliJ with minimal code.

FAQs

Which IDE Is Best for Automation Testing?

IntelliJ is a top pick for automation testing thanks to its smart features, plugin support, and solid ecosystem for Kotlin, Java, and test frameworks.

How To Automate Test Cases in IntelliJ?

You can automate test cases in IntelliJ utilizing plugins, e.g., JUnit Generator, vStellar Test Plugin, or Cucumber, which simplify test writing and rollout.

Can I Develop Testing Cases in IntelliJ Without Writing Full Code?

Yes, plugins like vStellar Test Plugin let you create testing cases in IntelliJ using pre-built templates, step builders, and click-based test flows.

Is IntelliJ Good for Both Developers and Testers?

Yes, IntelliJ supports developers and testers equally well—especially when drawn-out with test automation plugins that help manage, run, and debug tests inside the IDE.

8 Best Test Automation Plugins in IntelliJ Marketplace

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See the vStellar Test Plugin in Action