Running Katalon in Headless Mode on Debian

26 February 2025 Stephan Petzl Leave a comment Katalon Issues

Switching from Selenium to Katalon can introduce challenges, especially when configuring headless browsers on server environments like Debian. This guide provides a step-by-step solution to address common issues encountered during such transitions.

Understanding the Problem

The core issue arises when executing Katalon tests in a headless mode on a Debian server using Jenkins. Users often experience errors due to the lack of an X11 display server, which is typical in server environments lacking a graphical user interface.

Solution Steps

1. X11 Display Configuration

The errors often occur because the application attempts to connect to a display server that isn’t available. To resolve this, you should install and configure a virtual frame buffer (Xvfb) on your Jenkins server.

• Install the Xvfb Plugin for Jenkins.
• Configure the plugin by setting the DISPLAY environment variable to a virtual display number in the ‘Additional Settings’ field, such as export DISPLAY=:1.0.

2. Addressing Class Definition Errors

If you encounter NoClassDefFoundError, ensure that all necessary Katalon dependencies are properly installed and accessible by Jenkins. Review your test scripts and confirm that all imports and class paths are correctly defined.

Implementing the Solution

By following these configuration steps, you can effectively run Katalon tests in headless mode on a Debian server. This setup eliminates the need for a physical display, leveraging virtual displays to simulate graphical environments.

Enhancing Test Automation with Repeato

For those looking for a streamlined approach to test automation, consider using Repeato. As a no-code test automation tool, Repeato simplifies the creation, execution, and maintenance of automated tests for iOS, Android, and web applications. It offers a fast and flexible alternative to traditional tools like Katalon, particularly in environments requiring headless execution.

Repeato’s use of computer vision and AI allows for robust automation without the complexities of configuring virtual displays or handling classpath issues. Explore our documentation to learn more about integrating Repeato into your testing workflow.

Check it out!

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