# Magnitude: An Open-Source, AI-Native Test Framework Revolutionizing Web App Testing

## Magnitude: An Open-Source, AI-Native Test Framework Revolutionizing Web App Testing

Tired of slow, expensive, and inconsistent web application testing? Anders and Tom, the creators of Magnitude, share your pain. That’s why they’ve introduced Magnitude, an open-source, AI-native test framework designed to replace traditional web testing methods with a novel approach powered by visual Large Language Model (LLM) agents.

Magnitude addresses the common pitfalls of existing browser agents, which often rely on error-prone “set-of-marks” systems (think colorful boxes highlighting elements on the screen). Instead, Magnitude leverages pure vision for a more robust and reliable testing process.

What sets Magnitude apart is its clever architecture using two distinct AI agents:

* **The Planner:** This agent is responsible for understanding the test objective and creating a general, adaptable plan for execution. It’s the brains of the operation, capable of re-adjusting the test when unexpected issues arise.
* **The Executor:** This agent is optimized for speed and consistency. It takes the plan generated by the Planner and executes it rapidly and reliably.

This division of labor allows for a unique workflow. The Planner crafts the initial test strategy, which the Executor then carries out repeatedly. This means that subsequent test runs can bypass the computationally intensive planning phase, leading to significant speed and cost reductions. When an issue is detected during execution, the process reverts to the Planner, enabling dynamic adaptation and problem-solving.

Another key differentiator is Magnitude’s choice of LLM. Rather than relying on resource-intensive models like OpenAI or Anthropic’s computer use, Magnitude leverages a tiny VLM (Moondream). This strategic choice contributes to dramatically faster and cheaper execution without sacrificing accuracy.

In summary, Magnitude offers a compelling alternative to traditional web testing frameworks by:

* **Employing a vision-based approach** that avoids the limitations of “set-of-marks” systems.
* **Utilizing a dual-agent architecture** that separates planning and execution for optimal efficiency.
* **Leveraging a smaller VLM (Moondream)** to reduce execution time and costs.
* **Being completely open-source,** encouraging community contributions and fostering continuous improvement.

The creators of Magnitude are actively seeking feedback and invite developers to try out their framework. You can find the repository on GitHub: [https://github.com/magnitudedev/magnitude](https://github.com/magnitudedev/magnitude). Contribute, experiment, and help shape the future of AI-powered web application testing.