Karma is a JavaScript test runner designed for executing test suites across multiple real web browsers to ensure cross-browser compatibility. It functions as a browser-based execution system that launches browsers, captures console output, and provides a command line interface for running automated tests within continuous integration pipelines.
The project utilizes a plugin architecture that allows for the integration of third-party launchers, reporters, and preprocessors. It employs an adapter-based framework to execute tests from various assertion libraries through a unified runner interface, supporting both automated browser orchestration and manual connections from physical mobile devices or tablets.
The system includes capabilities for monitoring source files to automatically trigger test re-execution and provides tools for capturing browser console logs and integrating with IDE debuggers. It further manages the test lifecycle through static asset serving, network request proxying for cross-origin resources, and configurable test scope patterns.
