colortape

library0.1.2jsnpmunverified

Colortape is a command-line utility designed to add color to the test output of `tape` and `node-tap` JavaScript testing frameworks. It functions either as a direct wrapper for the test command, executing the test file and formatting its output, or by accepting the raw test output via a pipe. The package is currently at version 0.1.2, which was last published over seven years ago, indicating an abandoned status with no active development or maintenance. Its primary differentiator is its singular focus on colorizing output for these specific testing libraries, providing a simple, albeit unmaintained, solution for visual enhancement of test results without modifying the underlying test runners. Due to its abandonment, users should be aware of potential compatibility issues with newer Node.js versions or `tape`/`node-tap` releases, and the absence of security updates.

testing

npm install colortape

github ↗package ↗

INSTALL

IMPORT

SIG · COLORTAPE

colortape

testingjavascriptv0.1.2

Install

—

Import

—

Disk

—

Pass rate

0/ 6

Env Coverage0 / 6

glibc

18–22

musl

18–22

Install & Compatibility

Where this runs

tested against v? · npm install

Install × environment matrix

Each cell = how many times install + import succeeded across repeated harness runs. Partial = flaky.
glibc = Debian/Ubuntu slim · musl = Alpine Linux

musl

node 18–226 runs

build_error

glibc

node 18–226 runs

build_error

Code

Verified usage

Verified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.

colortape

✓ colortape test/foo.js

✗ import colortape from 'colortape';

Colortape is a command-line interface (CLI) tool and does not expose a module API for programmatic import. It's intended to be run directly from the terminal or via npm scripts.

colortape CLI (piped)

✓ tape test/foo.js | colortape

✗ const colortape = require('colortape'); colortape.pipe(tapeOutput);

While `colortape` can process piped input, it does so as a separate process. Attempting to `require` and programmatically pipe to it is not supported by the package's design.

colortape (internal utilities)

✓ N/A (no public API)

✗ import { colorizeOutput } from 'colortape';

The `colortape` package does not export any named functions or objects for programmatic use. Its functionality is exclusively exposed through its command-line interface.

Demonstrates how to set up `tape` and `colortape`, write a basic test file, and then execute it using `colortape` as the wrapper command to display colorized test output via an npm script or direct CLI execution.

npm install --save-dev tape colortape // --- test/basic.js --- const test = require('tape'); test('simple synchronous test', function (t) { t.plan(1); t.ok(true, 'this assertion should pass'); }); test('another test', function (t) { t.plan(2); t.equal(1 + 1, 2, 'addition works'); t.notOk(false, 'negation works'); }); test('failing test example', function (t) { t.plan(1); t.equal('hello', 'world', 'this assertion should fail'); }); // ------------------- // Add to your package.json scripts: // "scripts": { // "test": "colortape test/basic.js" // } // Then run from your terminal: // npm test // Alternatively, run directly if installed globally or via npx: // colortape test/basic.js

colortape --version

Debug

Known issues

breakingThe `colortape` package is abandoned, with the last update over seven years ago. This means there will be no future bug fixes, security patches, or compatibility updates for newer Node.js versions, `tape`, or `node-tap`.

fix

Consider using a more actively maintained test reporter or colorizer, or fork the project for self-maintenance. Evaluate project dependencies for potential security vulnerabilities that may arise from unmaintained software.

affects: >=0.1.2

gotchaWhen using `colortape` via piping (`tape test.js | colortape`), the exit code of `colortape` itself will not reflect the success or failure of the `tape` tests. It will typically exit with `0` (success) if the piping operation itself was successful.

fix

To correctly check the test outcome in a CI/scripting environment when piping, use `$PIPESTATUS` (in Bash/Zsh) or `$LASTEXITCODE` (in PowerShell) to inspect the exit code of the `tape` command. The recommended approach is to use `colortape` as a direct wrapper command (`colortape test.js`) which correctly propagates the `tape` exit code.

affects: >=0.1.0

gotcha`colortape` is not officially supported on Windows environments, and its behavior or stability cannot be guaranteed, as indicated in the documentation.

fix

Users on Windows may encounter unexpected issues. It's recommended to test thoroughly or use alternative solutions known to be compatible with Windows. Running in a Linux subsystem (WSL) might provide a more reliable experience for development.

affects: >=0.1.0

Errors

Common errors & fixes

sh: colortape: command not found

The `colortape` executable is not in your system's PATH, typically occurring when installed locally as a dev dependency but run globally.

fix

If `colortape` is installed locally, run it via `npx colortape` or define an npm script in `package.json` (e.g., `"test": "colortape test/**/*.js"`) and run `npm test`. If you intend to use it globally, ensure it's installed with `npm install -g colortape`.

(No color output appears in the terminal)

Color output might be suppressed due to the terminal environment not supporting ANSI escape codes, or if the output is being redirected where colors are automatically stripped.

fix

Ensure your terminal application is configured to support ANSI escape codes. If running in a CI/headless environment, check if `FORCE_COLOR=1` (a common environment variable for many colorizers) is needed, although `colortape` does not explicitly document support for it.

Upgrade

Version history

0.1.2latest on npm

Audit

Dependencies

No dependency data recorded yet.

Agent activity

11 hits · last 30 days

node

OpenAI (training)

Resources

githubhttps://github.com/shuhei/colortape ↗

packagehttps://www.npmjs.com/package/colortape ↗