Cypress Initial Config Error: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘getFilesByGlob’)

Are you tired of dealing with the frustrating Cypress initial config error that reads “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘getFilesByGlob’)”?

This error can be a real showstopper, hindering your ability to run Cypress tests and leaving you feeling stuck. But fear not, dear reader, for we’re about to dive into the world of Cypress configuration and explore the causes and solutions to this pesky error.

What is Cypress?

For those new to the world of Cypress, it’s a popular JavaScript-based end-to-end testing framework that enables developers to write and run tests for web applications. Cypress provides a robust set of features, including automatic waiting, network traffic control, and real-time reloads, making it an attractive choice for testing modern web applications.

The Error: “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘getFilesByGlob’)”?

So, what’s behind this error? In a nutshell, it occurs when Cypress is unable to find or load the required configuration files. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Misconfigured Cypress setup
• Incorrect file paths or naming conventions
• Missing or corrupted configuration files
• Version conflicts between Cypress and its dependencies

Causes of the Error

Lets take a closer look at some of the common causes of this error:

1. Misconfigured Cypress Setup

A misconfigured Cypress setup can lead to this error. This can include issues with the `cypress/support/index.js` file, which is responsible for loading and configuring Cypress.

// cypress/support/index.js
export function getFilesByGlob(globPattern) {
  // incorrect implementation
}

Make sure to correct any mistakes in the `getFilesByGlob` function and ensure it returns the correct file paths.

2. Incorrect File Paths or Naming Conventions

Incorrect file paths or naming conventions can cause Cypress to fail when trying to load configuration files. Ensure that all file paths are correct and follow the recommended naming conventions.

// cypress/config.js
import { getFilesByGlob } from '../support/index';

export default defineConfig({
  e2e: {
    setupNodeEvents(on, config) {
      // correct file path
      const files = getFilesByGlob('cypress/integration/**/*.cy.js');
      // ...
    },
  },
});

3. Missing or Corrupted Configuration Files

Missing or corrupted configuration files can also lead to this error. Ensure that all required configuration files, such as `cypress/config.js` and `cypress/support/index.js`, exist and are correctly formatted.

// cypress/config.js
export default defineConfig({
  // ...
});

4. Version Conflicts between Cypress and its Dependencies

Version conflicts between Cypress and its dependencies can cause issues. Ensure that all dependencies are up-to-date and compatible with the version of Cypress you’re using.

// package.json
"dependencies": {
  "cypress": "^9.3.1",
  "cypress-xpath": "^1.6.0",
  // ...
},

Solutions to the Error

Now that we’ve covered the common causes of the “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘getFilesByGlob’)” error, let’s dive into the solutions:

1. Correctly Configure Cypress

Ensure that your Cypress setup is correct and well-configured. This includes:

• Creating the required configuration files (e.g., `cypress/config.js` and `cypress/support/index.js`)
• Correctly implementing the `getFilesByGlob` function
• Configuring Cypress to load the correct file paths and naming conventions

// cypress/support/index.js
export function getFilesByGlob(globPattern) {
  // correct implementation
  return Cypress.io.grep(globPattern);
}

2. Verify File Paths and Naming Conventions

Double-check that all file paths and naming conventions are correct and consistent throughout your project.

// cypress/config.js
import { getFilesByGlob } from '../support/index';

export default defineConfig({
  e2e: {
    setupNodeEvents(on, config) {
      // correct file path
      const files = getFilesByGlob('cypress/integration/**/*.cy.js');
      // ...
    },
  },
});

3. Check for Missing or Corrupted Configuration Files

Ensure that all required configuration files exist and are correctly formatted. If you’ve recently updated Cypress or its dependencies, try deleting and reinstalling them.

npm uninstall cypress
npm install cypress

4. Resolve Version Conflicts between Cypress and its Dependencies

Verify that all dependencies are up-to-date and compatible with the version of Cypress you’re using. Try updating or downgrading dependencies to resolve version conflicts.

npm install cypress@latest
npm install cypress-xpath@latest

Conclusion

The “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘getFilesByGlob’)” error can be a frustrating obstacle when working with Cypress. However, by understanding the common causes of this error and applying the solutions outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to writing and running Cypress tests with ease.

Remember to double-check your Cypress setup, file paths, and naming conventions, and ensure that all configuration files exist and are correctly formatted. If you’re still stuck, try resolving version conflicts between Cypress and its dependencies or seeking help from the Cypress community.

Cause	Solution
Misconfigured Cypress setup	Correctly configure Cypress and implement the `getFilesByGlob` function
Incorrect file paths or naming conventions	Verify and correct file paths and naming conventions
Missing or corrupted configuration files	Check for missing or corrupted configuration files and reinstall Cypress and its dependencies if necessary
Version conflicts between Cypress and its dependencies	Resolve version conflicts by updating or downgrading dependencies

By following these steps and solutions, you’ll be well on your way to resolving the “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘getFilesByGlob’)” error and getting back to writing and running Cypress tests with confidence.

Happy testing!

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the `getFilesByGlob` function?

The `getFilesByGlob` function is responsible for loading and returning file paths that match a specified glob pattern. It’s used by Cypress to load and configure tests.

Q: How do I know if I’m using the correct version of Cypress and its dependencies?

Check your `package.json` file to see the versions of Cypress and its dependencies. You can also use the `npm ls` command to list all installed packages and their versions.

Q: What if I’m still experiencing issues after trying the solutions above?

If you’re still experiencing issues, try seeking help from the Cypress community through forums, GitHub issues, or Stack Overflow. You can also try debugging your Cypress setup and tests using built-in debugging tools or third-party plugins.

Frequently Asked Question

Having trouble with Cypress and stuck on the “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘getFilesByGlob’)” error? Worry not, friend! We’ve got you covered.