Debugging Web Apps with Playwright MCP and GitHub Copilot

Web application debugging can be efficiently handled using the Playwright MCP server and GitHub Copilot. While most bug reports include steps to reproduce the error, validating these steps can be tedious. GitHub Copilot, with the Playwright MCP server, offers tools to automate this process.

Playwright is an end-to-end testing framework for web apps, allowing the creation of scripts that act like a user to validate application features. For instance, in a shopping app, scripts can automate the flow from product search to purchase completion.

MCP is an open-source protocol that provides tools to AI agents. The Playwright MCP server offers these tools to AI agents like GitHub Copilot, enabling script creation and direct action execution. This allows Copilot to automatically perform and validate error reproduction steps.

To use the Playwright MCP server, it must be installed in your IDE. In VS Code, the Playwright MCP server can be installed for use across all projects. Once started, it can be used with Copilot agent mode. Complex websites may require proper Playwright configuration, which can be easily set up with Copilot's assistance.

These capabilities allow Copilot to 'see' the impact of changes on the website, and by integrating Playwright end-to-end tests, the debugging and validation process can be enhanced.