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When we’re testing websites, we often run into elements that don’t stay the same—like a button that moves around or a field whose name keeps changing.
This can make automated testing tricky, because our scripts might look for something that’s not there anymore. What’s the best way to deal with this and make sure our tests are still reliable?
You’re absolutely right! Web elements that change location, IDs, or names can be a testing nightmare. But fear not, fellow QA warrior! Here are the approach to tackle this challenge:
The Pragmatic Path
This approach focuses on finding reliable alternatives to unstable identifiers. Remember, the goal is to identify the element uniquely, not necessarily using its specific attributes. Here are your tools:
CSS Selectors: Leverage the power of CSS selectors! Use combinations of element types, classes, attributes, and relationships to pinpoint your target. For example,
.product-card:nth-child(2) button[type="submit"]targets the “submit” button within the second product card. This method is flexible and adapts to minor changes in the element’s structure.XPath with Relative Paths: Don’t underestimate the power of relative XPaths! Instead of relying on absolute paths that break easily, focus on navigating from a stable reference point like a parent element or heading. For example,
//h2[text()="Product Details"]//following-sibling::div//button[@type="submit"]finds the “submit” button following the “Product Details” heading. This is more resilient to layout changes.Data Attributes: Work with your developers to add custom data attributes to elements specifically for testing purposes. These attributes will remain stable even if other things change, providing a reliable hook for your tests.
Nice one, thanks
I believe you can try below options:
Dynamic Waits: Instead of waiting for a specific time (often unreliable), use WebDriverWait with conditions like
presence_of_element_locatedorvisibility_of_element_located. This ensures the element actually exists and is ready before interacting with it.JavaScript and Page Object Model (POM): For complex scenarios, consider using JavaScript within your tests to manipulate the DOM and find elements dynamically. Combine this with a POM to encapsulate element interactions, making your tests more maintainable and robust.
Visual Testing Tools: Explore tools like Applitools or Percy.io that visually compare rendered pages across different versions. These tools identify layout changes even if element identifiers differ, ensuring visual consistency.