The video showcases the integration of the GitHub MCP registry into VS Code Insiders, demonstrating how to install and configure the Playwright MCP server to automate end-to-end testing of a web application using GitHub Copilot. It highlights the streamlined process of generating, running, and validating tests with minimal manual effort, emphasizing the benefits of AI-assisted testing and encouraging viewers to explore further resources on the Model Context Protocol.
The video introduces the recently launched GitHub MCP (Model Context Protocol) registry, which is now integrated into VS Code Insiders. The presenter demonstrates how to use this integration to install and utilize the Playwright MCP server for creating end-to-end tests on a web application they developed. The application is a simple activity tracking tool designed to help monitor daily work impact, and the goal is to add automated testing to ensure its functionality.
Starting within VS Code, the presenter shows how to search for MCP extensions in the new GitHub MCP registry, highlighting the Playwright MCP server extension. Installation can be done either directly through VS Code or via the registry website. Once installed, the presenter reviews the configuration settings, which include specifying the base URL (localhost:3000), the browser to use (Chromium), and the command to start the web server (npm start).
Next, the presenter opens GitHub Copilot in a separate window and selects the Playwright MCP server from the tool picker, which now offers more tools than before. They input a prompt asking Copilot to create end-to-end tests using the Playwright MCP server, including taking screenshots and saving them in a specified directory. Copilot then generates a to-do list and proceeds to create tests for form submission, page loading, search functionality, and clearing activities, all while running the tests and capturing screenshots automatically.
Throughout the demonstration, the presenter emphasizes that the testing process is largely automated by Copilot and the Playwright MCP server, with minimal manual intervention. They show the screenshots generated for each test, which serve as visual confirmation that the tests ran successfully. The presenter notes the importance of reviewing and validating the tests created by the AI, as it operates without a human in the loop, ensuring the tests meet the specific needs of the application.
In conclusion, the video provides a quick overview of how to leverage the new GitHub MCP registry within VS Code Insiders to streamline the creation of automated end-to-end tests using the Playwright MCP server. The presenter encourages viewers to explore the MCP for Beginners repository for more information on the Model Context Protocol and how to get started. They also invite viewers to check out other videos on the channel, subscribe, and engage with the content for further learning.