The mabl CLI now includes test authoring skills that you can use in coding agents like Claude Code, Cursor, or GitHub Copilot to plan and build tests without leaving your editor. Most notably, you can run multiple local authoring sessions at the same time in headless mode. For example, after implementing changes, you can prompt your coding agent to create tests covering each of the affected pages and run those sessions in parallel in your local environment.
Beyond headless local authoring, the mabl agent authoring commands support the same agentic test creation capabilities as the mabl MCP and Desktop App. They're a good fit for teams who prefer to build tests through coding agent workflows or take a more scripted approach.
Try it out
Before you start, make sure you have the following installed:
- An AI coding agent that supports MCPs, such as Claude Code, Cursor, VSCode, GitHub Copilot, or any other client that reads an
AGENTS.mdfile. - The latest version of the mabl CLI
Install agent skills
Run mabl agent install [client], where [client] is one of claude, cursor, copilot, vscode, or agents-md. For example, if you're installing the agent skills in Claude, run this command:
mabl agent install claude
This command installs two workflows in your coding agent:
-
mabl-plan-test- create mabl tests through conversational planning -
mabl-debug- diagnose or fix failures from mabl cloud runs
If you previously installed agent skills when the local debugger was released, rerun the install command on the updated CLI to make sure you also have access to the new authoring skills.
Plan out a test
After installing the skills, ask your coding agent to create a new test. For example:
"Let's plan a mabl test to validate the new feature I just built."
The authoring skill picks up the request automatically and starts planning out the test. Work with your coding agent to refine the test outline until it captures what you want to cover.
Start an authoring session
When you're happy with the outline, tell the agent whether you want to generate it in the cloud or locally against an app running on your machine. For example:
"Start a local authoring session and point it at http://localhost:4000"
Whether you initiate a session in the cloud or locally, your agent will report back when authoring completes.
Coming soon
Looking for the ability to edit existing tests from your coding agent? Keep an eye out for an upcoming update on agentic test editing!
Learn more
To learn more about authoring tests from your AI coding agent and the mabl CLI, see the mabl CLI documentation.