nodetest

nodetest is a software framework designed to validate the behavior of distributed systems and node-based architectures. It provides a declarative language to specify test scenarios, supports execution across multiple simulated or real nodes, and collects metrics to verify correctness and performance.

The project originated as an open-source tool intended to simplify validation of systems with many interacting nodes, such as distributed databases, message buses, and Internet of Things networks. The first public release appeared in the mid-2010s, and ongoing development aims to improve portability, reproducibility, and integration with continuous delivery pipelines.

Key features include a scenario language for defining events and conditions, a node simulator that can emulate network conditions and timing, fault injection to model crashes or delays, deterministic replay for debugging, and integrated reporting with metrics and visualizations. nodetest also offers adapters to connect to real nodes in a test environment and to popular continuous integration systems, enabling automated regression testing.

Architecture centers on a test compiler, a runtime controller, and a results store. The compiler translates high-level test scenarios into executable plans, while the runtime coordinates node instances and event sequencing. Observability is supported through pluggable dashboards and logging, and test outcomes can be exported in common formats for archival and auditing.

Typical workflows involve authoring test definitions, running nodetest against a chosen environment, analyzing failures or performance regressions, and iterating scenario designs to improve system resilience. nodetest is commonly used to validate consensus protocols, replication strategies, and message routing under adverse conditions.

See also: chaos engineering, distributed systems testing, test automation, fault injection.