Skip to content

About the Project

Probato is an Open Source proposal for end-to-end (E2E) functional test automation, created based on real needs observed in software projects over time.

This project was not conceived as a closed product, nor as a definitive solution. Instead, it presents itself as a structured initial foundation, designed to foster dialogue, promote standardization, and evolve collaboratively with the community.

Why Probato exists

In practice, functional test automation is often treated as an isolated effort, highly dependent on local decisions, disconnected tools, and improvised solutions.

Over time, this leads to:

  • Tests that are difficult to maintain
  • Poorly reusable code
  • Fragile and inconsistent processes
  • Results with limited visibility outside the technical team

Probato emerges as a response to this scenario, proposing a more organized and sustainable approach, without the ambition of solving all existing problems.

A proposal, not a closed product

One of Probato’s core principles is acknowledging that test automation is highly context-dependent.

For this reason, the project does not present itself as a complete or definitive framework. Instead, it offers:

  • An initial structure
  • A set of patterns and best practices
  • A vision of organization and observability

This proposal serves as a starting point, not a final answer. Current decisions reflect an early stage of the project and are open to revision as new experiences and needs emerge.

Limits and expectations

To align expectations, it is important to clarify that Probato:

  • Does not cover all possible automation scenarios
  • Does not replace project-specific architectural decisions
  • Does not eliminate the need for adaptation to local contexts

Its goal is to reduce complexity, not to hide it, by offering a foundation that can be extended, adjusted, or even challenged.

Community as a central pillar

The evolution of Probato depends directly on community participation.

More than code contributions, the following are especially important:

  • Reports of usage in real-world scenarios
  • Suggestions for patterns and approaches
  • Architectural discussions
  • Questions about existing decisions
  • Proposals for improvements and extensions

The community is an active part of the project, influencing its direction and priorities.

Governance and evolution

Decisions in Probato are guided by a few fundamental principles:

  • Simplicity over unnecessary complexity
  • Best practices as a baseline, not an exception
  • Long-term sustainability
  • Transparency in technical decisions

There is no rigid or closed roadmap. The project evolves incrementally, based on practical usage, feedback, and open discussions.

Open Source

Probato is an Open Source project, developed in an open and collaborative manner.

The goal is to build a solid and useful foundation, validated by real experiences rather than purely theoretical decisions.

Every contribution — whether technical, conceptual, or documentation-related — is welcome and considered a fundamental part of the project’s evolution.

Learn more

To better understand Probato’s proposal and how it works, see: