Testbeats is a powerful test reporting and analytics platform that enhances automation testing and test execution monitoring by providing detailed insights, real-time alerts, and seamless integration with automation frameworks. When integrated with Playwright, Testbeats simplifies test result publishing, ensures instant notifications via communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Chat, and offers structured reports for better decision-making. One of the key advantages of Testbeats is its ability to work seamlessly with CucumberJS, a behavior-driven development (BDD) framework that runs on Node.js using the Gherkin syntax. This makes it an ideal solution for teams looking to combine Playwright’s automation capabilities with structured and collaborative test execution. By using Testbeats, QA teams and developers can streamline their workflows, minimize debugging time, and enhance visibility into test outcomes, ultimately improving software reliability in agile and CI/CD environments.
This blog explores the key features of Testbeats, highlights its benefits, and demonstrates how it enhances Playwright test automation with real-time alerts, streamlined reporting, and comprehensive test analytics.
Automated Test Execution Tracking – Captures and organizes test execution data from multiple automation frameworks, ensuring a structured and systematic approach to test result management.
Multi-Platform Integration – Seamlessly connects with various test automation frameworks, making it a versatile solution for teams using different testing tools.
Customizable Notifications – Allows users to configure notifications based on test outcomes, ensuring relevant stakeholders receive updates as needed.
Advanced Test Result Filtering – Enables filtering of test reports based on status, execution time, and test categories, simplifying test analysis.
Historical Data and Trend Analysis – Maintains test execution history, helping teams track performance trends over time for better decision-making.
Security & Role-Based Access Control – Provides secure access management, ensuring only authorized users can view or modify test results.
Exportable Reports – Allows exporting test execution reports in various formats (CSV, JSON, PDF), making it easier to share insights across teams.
Highlights of Testbeats
1. Streamlined Test Reporting – Simplifies publishing and managing test results from various frameworks, enhancing collaboration and accessibility.
2. Real-Time Alerts – Sends instant notifications to Google Chat, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, keeping teams informed about test execution status.
3. Comprehensive Reporting – Provides in-depth test execution reports on the Testbeats portal, offering actionable insights and analytics.
4. Seamless CucumberJS Integration – Supports behavior-driven development (BDD) with CucumberJS, enabling efficient execution and structured test reporting.
By leveraging these features and highlights, Testbeats enhances automation workflows, improves test visibility, and ensures seamless communication within development and QA teams. Now, let’s dive into the integration setup and execution process
Guide to Testbeats Integrating with Playwright
Prerequisites
Before proceeding with the integration, ensure that you have the following essential components set up:
Select your project to view test execution details.
Passed and failed tests will be displayed in the report.
Example Notification in Google Chat
After execution, a message like this will appear in your Google Chat space:
Conclusion:
Integrating Playwright with Testbeats makes test automation more efficient by providing real-time alerts, structured test tracking, and detailed analytics. This setup improves collaboration, simplifies debugging, and helps teams quickly identify issues. Automated notifications via Google Chat or other tools keep stakeholders updated on test results, making it ideal for agile and CI/CD workflows. Codoid, a leading software testing company, specializes in automation, performance, and AI-driven testing. With expertise in Playwright, Selenium, and Cypress, Codoid offers end-to-end testing solutions, including API, mobile, and cloud-based testing, ensuring high-quality digital experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Testbeats?
Testbeats is a test reporting and analytics platform that helps teams track and analyze test execution results, providing real-time insights and automated notifications.
What types of reports does Testbeats generate?
Testbeats provides detailed test execution reports, including pass/fail rates, execution trends, failure analysis, and historical data for better decision-making.
How does Testbeats improve collaboration?
By integrating with communication tools like Google Chat, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, Testbeats ensures real-time test result updates, helping teams stay informed and react faster to issues.
Does Testbeats support frameworks other than Playwright?
Yes, Testbeats supports multiple testing frameworks, including Selenium, Cypress, and CucumberJS, making it a versatile reporting solution.
Does Testbeats support CI/CD pipelines?
Yes, Testbeats can be integrated into CI/CD workflows to automate test reporting and enable real-time monitoring of test executions.
Ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of applications is more critical than ever. As applications become more complex, manual testing alone is no longer sufficient to keep up with rapid release cycles. Automated testing has emerged as a game-changer, enabling teams to streamline their testing workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve test coverage while accelerating software delivery. Among the various automation tools available,TestComplete, developed by SmartBear, stands out as a feature-rich and versatile solution for automating tests across multiple platforms, including desktop, web, and mobile applications. It supports both scripted and scriptless automation, making it accessible to beginners and experienced testers alike.
Whether you are new to test automation or looking to enhance your skills, this step-by-step tutorial series will guide you through the essential functionalities of TestComplete and help you become proficient in leveraging its powerful features.
Key Features of TestComplete
Cross-Platform Testing – Supports testing across desktop, web, and mobile applications.
Multiple Scripting Languages – Allows test automation using Python, JavaScript, VBScript, JScript, and DelphiScript.
Scriptless Test Automation – Provides keyword-driven and record-and-replay testing options for beginners.
Advanced Object Recognition – Uses AI-based algorithms to identify UI elements, even when their properties change.
Data-Driven Testing – Enables running tests with different data sets to improve test coverage.
Seamless CI/CD Integration – Works with tools like Jenkins, Azure DevOps, and Git for continuous testing.
Parallel and Distributed Testing – Runs tests simultaneously across multiple environments to save time.
User-Friendly Interface – Suitable for both beginners and experienced testers.
Supports Multiple Technologies – Works with apps built on .NET, Java, Delphi, WPF, Angular, React, etc.
Reduces Manual Effort – Automates repetitive tests, allowing teams to focus on critical testing areas.
Improves Software Quality – Ensures applications are stable, reliable, and bug-free before release.
Getting Started with TestComplete
Starting your TestComplete journey is easy. You can get a free trial for 30 days. This lets you see what it can do before deciding. To get started, just visit the official SmartBear website for download and installation steps. Make sure to check the system requirements first to see if it works with your computer.
After installing, TestComplete will help you create your first testing project. Its simple design makes it easy to set up your testing space. This is true even for people who are new to software testing tools.
System Requirements and Installation Guide
Before you start installing TestComplete, it is important to check the system requirements. This helps ensure it will run smoothly and prevents any unexpected compatibility problems. You can find the detailed system requirements on the SmartBear website, but here is a quick summary:
Operating System: Use Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 or newer. Make sure the system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) matches the version of TestComplete you want to install.
Hardware: A dual-core processor with a clock speed of 2 GHz or more is best for good performance. You should have at least 2 GB of RAM, but 4 GB or more is better, especially for larger projects.
Disk Space: You need at least 1 GB of free disk space to install TestComplete. It’s smart to have more space for project files and test materials.
Once you meet these system needs, the installation itself is usually easy. SmartBear offers guides on their website. Generally, all you need to do is download the installer that fits your system, run it as an administrator, agree to the license, choose where to install, and follow the instructions on the screen.
Setting Up Your First Test Environment
Follow these simple steps to set up your test environment and run your first test in TestComplete.
Install TestComplete
Download and install TestComplete from the SmartBear website.
Make sure your application (web, desktop, or mobile) is ready for testing.
Set up any test data if needed.
If testing a web or mobile app, configure the required browser or emulator.
Check Plugin Availability
After installation, open TestComplete.
Go to File → Install Extensions and ensure that necessary plugins are enabled.
For web automation, enable Web Testing Plugin.
For mobile automation, enable Mobile Testing Plugin.
Plugins are essential for ensuring TestComplete can interact with the type of application you want to test.
Creat New Project
Open TestComplete and click “New Project”.
On the Enter project attributes page of the wizard, you specify the name, location and scripting language of the project, as well as some additional settings:
Project Name – Specifies the name of the project. TestComplete will automatically add the .mds extension to this name when creating the project file.
Project Location – specifies the Folder where the Project file will be created.
Scripting Language – Select the scripting language for your project once selected you can’t change the Project language So choose wisely. You can choose any one of scripting languages Javascript, Python, VBScript
Use XPath and CSS selectors for web objects – Having this option enabled is compulsory for creating cross platform web test that is, tests that can be run in remote environments that use web browsers not supported by TestComplete directly, like Safari, and operating systems and platforms, like Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS, mobile Android and iOS.
Tested Application – select this checkbox if you want to add your desktop or mobile application to the tested application list of your new project. You can also add a tested application at any time later.
BDD Files – Select this check box to import your BDD feature files to your project to automate them. You can also import files at any time after you create the project
Select the Application Type based on what you are testing:
Desktop Application → For Windows-based applications.
Web Application → For testing websites and web applications (supports Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.).
Mobile Application → For testing Android and iOS apps (requires a connected device/emulator).
Enter a Project Name and select a save location.
Click “Create” to set up the project.
TestComplete will now generate project files, including test logs, name mappings, and test scripts.
Adding the Application Under Test (AUT)
To automate tests, TestComplete needs to recognize the Application Under Test (AUT).
For Desktop Applications:
Go to Project Explorer → Tested Applications.
Click “Add”, then select “Add Application”.
Browse and select the .exe file of your desktop application.
Click OK to add it.
For Web Applications:
Navigate to Tested Applications → Click “Add”.
Enter the URL of the web application.
Select the browser where the test will run (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.).
Click OK to save.
For Mobile Applications:
Connect an Android/iOS device to your computer.
In TestComplete, navigate to Mobile Devices → Connect Device.
Select the application package or install the app on your device.
Now, TestComplete knows which application to launch and test.
Understanding Object Spy & Object Browser
TestComplete interacts with applications by identifying UI elements like buttons, text fields, checkboxes, etc. It does this using:
Object Spy (To Identify UI Elements)
Click Object Spy from the TestComplete toolbar.
Drag the crosshair icon over the UI element you want to inspect.
TestComplete will display:
Element properties (ID, name, type, etc.)
Available methods (Click, SetText, etc.)
Click “Map Object” to save it for automation scripts.
Object Spy helps TestComplete recognize elements even if their location changes.
Object Browser (To View All UI Elements)
Open View → Object Browser.
Browse through the application’s UI hierarchy.
Click any object to view its properties and available actions.
Object Browser is useful for debugging test failures and understanding UI structure.
Creating a Test in TestComplete
TestComplete allows different ways to create automated tests.
Method 1: Record and Playback (No Coding Required)
Click “Record” in the toolbar.
Perform actions on your application (click buttons, enter text, etc.).
Click “Stop” to save the recorded test.
Click Run to execute the recorded test.
Great for beginners or those who want quick test automation without scripting!
📊Execution Time & Performance Metrics – Helps analyze test speed.
Here some of Pros & Cons of TestComplete
Pros
Supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Allows for data-driven testing, enabling tests to be run with multiple data sets to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Supports parallel execution of tests, speeding up the overall testing process.
Generates detailed test reports and logs, helping testers analyze results and track issues efficiently.
Can test web, desktop, and mobile applications.
Cons
Mastering all the functionalities, especially advanced scripting, can take time.
TestComplete can be a bit expensive compared to some other testing tools.
It can be resource-intensive, requiring robust hardware for optimal performance, especially when running multiple tests in parallel.
Despite advanced object recognition, there can still be issues with recognizing dynamic or complex UI elements, requiring manual adjustments.
Conclusion
Test automation is essential for ensuring software quality, increasing efficiency, and reducing manual effort. Among the many automation tools available, TestComplete, developed by SmartBear, is a powerful and flexible solution for testing desktop, web, and mobile applications. In this tutorial, we covered key aspects of using TestComplete, including installation, project setup, test creation, execution, and result analysis. We also explored how to add an Application Under Test (AUT), use Object Spy and Object Browser to identify UI elements, and implement different testing methods such as record-and-playback, keyword-driven testing, and scripting. Additionally, we discussed best practices like name mapping, test modularization, CI/CD integration, and data-driven testing to ensure stable and efficient automation.
As a leading software testing company, Codoid specializes in test automation, performance testing, and QA consulting. With extensive expertise in TestComplete and other advanced automation tools, Codoid helps businesses improve software quality, speed up testing cycles, and build strong automation strategies. Whether you’re new to automation or looking to enhance your existing test framework, Codoid offers expert guidance for achieving reliable and scalable automation solutions.
This blog provided an overview of TestComplete’s capabilities, but there’s much more to explore. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs, where we’ll dive deeper into advanced scripting, data-driven testing, CI/CD integration, and handling dynamic UI elements in TestComplete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TestComplete free to use?
TestComplete offers a free trial but requires a paid license for continued use. Pricing depends on the features and number of users. You can download the trial version from the SmartBear website.
Which platforms does TestComplete support?
TestComplete supports automation for Windows desktop applications, web applications (Chrome, Edge, Firefox), and mobile applications (Android & iOS).
Can I use TestComplete for cross-browser testing?
Yes, TestComplete allows you to automate cross-browser testing for websites on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. It also supports XPath and CSS selectors for identifying web elements.
How does TestComplete compare to Selenium?
-TestComplete supports scripted and scriptless testing, while Selenium requires programming knowledge.
-TestComplete provides built-in object recognition and reporting, whereas Selenium needs third-party tools.
-Selenium is open-source and free, whereas TestComplete is a paid tool with professional support.
How do I export TestComplete test results?
TestComplete generates detailed test logs with screenshots, errors, and performance data. These reports can be exported as HTML files for documentation and analysis.
What industries use TestComplete for automation testing?
TestComplete is widely used in industries like finance, healthcare, retail, and technology for automating web, desktop, and mobile application testing.
Ensuring high-quality releases with minimal time and effort is more critical than ever. This is where automation testing steps in as a game-changer, significantly enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and speed. By automating repetitive and complex test scenarios, teams can accelerate development cycles, reduce human error, and achieve consistent outcomes. However, the effectiveness of automation largely depends on the tool you choose. Among the myriad of automation tools available, Tosca vs Selenium have emerged as two of the most popular options in their own categories. Tosca is known for its scriptless, model-based approach, making it a preferred choice for enterprises aiming for rapid automation with minimal coding. On the other hand, Selenium, being open-source and highly customizable, is favored by people who seek flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
To provide a real-world comparison, the automation of the Amazon website will be demonstrated using both Tosca and Selenium. Through this example, their setup, execution, and efficiency will be analyzed, helping to determine which tool is better suited for different automation needs.
The Factors to Consider When Choosing an Automation Tool
Selecting the right automation tool is crucial for maximizing efficiency and ensuring successful test automation. Here are the key factors to consider:
Ease of Use – The tool should be user-friendly and align with the team’s expertise. Scriptless tools like Tosca are easier for non-programmers, while Selenium requires coding skills.
Cost & Licensing – Open-source tools like Selenium are free, whereas commercial tools like Tosca come with licensing fees but offer enterprise-level support.
Integration Capabilities – The tool should integrate seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, project management tools, and other testing frameworks.
Test Coverage – Ensure the tool supports the required types of testing, such as web, mobile, API, and cross-browser testing.
Maintenance & Scalability – Tools with self-healing capabilities, like Tosca, require less maintenance, while Selenium tests need regular updates for locator changes.
Customization & Flexibility – Open-source tools like Selenium allow extensive customization, while Tosca follows a structured, model-based approach.
Reporting & Analytics – Built-in reporting features help track test results efficiently. Tosca includes advanced dashboards, while Selenium relies on third-party tools like Allure or TestNG.
Community & Support – A strong community and technical support are essential for troubleshooting and long-term sustainability. Selenium benefits from a large open-source community, whereas Tosca provides dedicated enterprise support.
By evaluating these factors, organizations can choose the best automation tool to fit their project needs and technical capabilities.
What is Tosca?
Tosca is a model-based test automation tool developed by Tricentis. It is known for its scriptless, no-code automation framework, enabling users to create test cases using a graphical user interface (GUI) rather than writing complex scripts. This makes Tosca an excellent choice for teams that want to automate testing without needing extensive programming skills.
Key Features of Tosca:
Scriptless Automation: Allows non-programmers to create automated tests using a drag-and-drop interface.
End-to-End Testing: Supports testing across web, desktop, mobile, API, and enterprise applications like SAP and Salesforce.
Self-Healing Test Cases: Tosca can automatically adapt to UI changes, reducing test maintenance efforts.
Enterprise Integration: Easily integrates with CI/CD pipelines and ALM tools, making it ideal for DevOps workflows.
Advanced Reporting & Analytics: Provides built-in dashboards for tracking and analyzing test results.
AI & Machine Learning: Uses ML algorithms for test case optimization and faster execution.
Reusable Test Modules: Enhances efficiency by allowing the reuse of test components across multiple test cases.
What is Selenium?
Selenium is an open-source test automation tool widely used for automating web applications. Unlike Tosca, Selenium requires programming knowledge, allowing testers to write scripts in multiple programming languages such as Java, Python, C#, and JavaScript. Its flexibility and extensive community support make it a favorite among developers and automation engineers.
Key Features of Selenium:
Open Source & Free: No licensing cost, making it highly cost-effective.
Cross-Browser Compatibility: Works on all major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
Multi-Language Support: Write test scripts in various languages, including Java, Python, C#, and more.
Integration with Third-Party Frameworks: Works seamlessly with TestNG, Cucumber, and other testing frameworks.
Parallel Execution Support: Enables faster test cycles by running tests concurrently.
Highly Customizable: Allows integration with multiple libraries and custom functions for enhanced flexibility.
Large Community Support: Extensive resources and troubleshooting guides available due to its open-source nature.
Tosca vs Selenium – Detailed Comparison Table
S. No
Criteria
Tosca
Selenium
1
Automation Methodology
Model-based, scriptless automation
Code-driven automation
2
Licensing & Cost
Commercial (high-cost)
Free and open-source
3
Programming Dependency
No coding required
Requires coding knowledge
4
User Experience
GUI-based, user-friendly for non-programmers
Requires programming proficiency
5
Integration & CI/CD
Seamless CI/CD and ALM integration
Requires manual integration
6
Cross-Browser Support
Supports multiple browsers and platforms
Works on all major browsers
7
End-to-End & Mobile Testing
Native support for web, desktop, mobile, and API testing
requires Appium for mobile automation in Selenium.
Automating the Amazon Website Using Tosca and Selenium for Comparison
1. Using Tosca (Scriptless Test Automation Approach)
Tosca follows a model-based test automation approach, where test cases are created using a GUI instead of coding.
Steps to Launch Amazon in Tosca:
1. Open Tosca Commander – The main interface where test cases are designed.
2. Create a New Test Case – Right-click on the test case section and select “Create Test Case”.
3. Add a New Module – Tosca works with Modules (predefined building blocks).
Use Tosca Scan to identify the browser and webpage elements dynamically.
Create a Web Module for opening a browser.
4. Define the Browser Action:
In the “ActionMode” field, set it to “Open”.
Specify the browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
5. Enter the URL:
Under the URL field, enter “https://www.amazon.com”.
6. Execute the Test Case:
Click Run in Tosca Commander.
Tosca will open the browser, navigate to Amazon, and confirm that the page loads correctly.
Expected Output:
The browser launches successfully and opens Amazon’s homepage without any coding.
Advantages of Tosca in This Scenario:
No programming knowledge is needed.
Self-healing capability ensures test maintenance is minimal.
Enterprise-friendly, integrates with CI/CD pipelines.
2. Using Selenium (Code-Driven Test Automation Approach)
Selenium requires coding knowledge and follows a script-based approach.
Steps to Launch Amazon in Selenium (Java + TestNG Approach):
1.Set Up Selenium Environment:
Download Selenium WebDriver and install a preferred browser driver (e.g., ChromeDriver).
Install Java, Eclipse/IntelliJ, and add Selenium libraries to your project.
Write a Java Selenium Script to open Amazon:
import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
import org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeDriver;
public class AmazonTest {
public static void main(String[] args) {
// Set path for ChromeDriver
System.setProperty("webdriver.chrome.driver", "path/to/chromedriver");
// Initialize WebDriver
WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();
// Open Amazon Website
driver.get("https://www.amazon.com");
// Print Page Title
System.out.println("Page Title: " + driver.getTitle());
// Close Browser
driver.quit();
}
}
3. Run the Script:
Execute the program in Eclipse or IntelliJ.
Selenium WebDriver launches the Chrome browser, navigates to Amazon, and prints the page title.
Expected Output:
The browser launches successfully and opens Amazon’s homepage.
The console prints: “Page Title: Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more”
Conclusion
Choosing between Tosca and Selenium depends on your needs, budget, and team skills. Tosca is a no-code, user-friendly tool best for large enterprise applications like SAP or Salesforce. It offers easy maintenance and advanced features, but it’s more expensive, making it better for companies with larger budgets. Selenium, on the other hand, is a free, open-source tool that is flexible and customizable. It’s great for web application testing but requires programming skills and manual maintenance, making it a good fit for teams with technical expertise. If you’re unsure, a testing services provider like Codoid can help you choose and implement the right tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is better for beginners, Tosca or Selenium?
Tosca is better for beginners as it requires no coding skills, whereas Selenium needs programming knowledge in Java, Python, or C#.
Which tool is more cost-effective?
Selenium is free and open-source, making it ideal for startups and small teams. Tosca, being a commercial tool, involves high licensing costs.
Can Tosca and Selenium be integrated with CI/CD pipelines?
Yes, both Tosca and Selenium support CI/CD integration with tools like Jenkins, Azure DevOps, and GitHub Actions. However, Tosca offers built-in support, while Selenium requires manual setup.
Which tool has better test maintenance?
Tosca has a self-healing mechanism that reduces maintenance efforts, whereas Selenium tests require constant updates when UI elements change.
When should I choose Selenium over Tosca?
Choose Selenium if you need a free, flexible, and customizable tool for web automation and have coding expertise. Choose Tosca if you prefer scriptless automation and work with enterprise applications.
Does Tosca support cross-browser testing?
Yes, Tosca supports cross-browser and cross-platform testing, similar to Selenium, ensuring compatibility across Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
Automated testing has evolved significantly with tools like Selenium and Playwright, streamlining the testing process and boosting productivity. However, testers still face several challenges when relying solely on these traditional frameworks. One of the biggest hurdles is detecting visual discrepancies. While Selenium and Playwright excel at functional testing, they struggle with visual validation. This makes it difficult to spot layout shifts, color inconsistencies, and overlapping elements, leading to UI issues slipping through to production. Accessibility testing is another challenge. Ensuring web accessibility, such as proper color contrast and keyboard navigation, often requires additional tools or manual checks. This is time-consuming and increases the risk of human error. Traditional automation frameworks also focus mainly on functional correctness, overlooking usability, user experience, and security aspects. This results in gaps in comprehensive testing coverage.This is where CoTestPilot comes in. It’s a new and innovative solution that enhances Selenium and Playwright with AI-driven. We recently tried CoTestPilot in our testing framework, and it worked surprisingly well. It not only addressed the limitations we faced but also improved our testing accuracy and efficiency.
In this blog, we’ll explain CoTestPilot in detail and show you how to integrate it with Selenium. Whether you’re new to automated testing or want to improve your current setup, this guide will help you use CoTestPilot to make testing more efficient and accurate.
CoTestPilot is a simplified version of the AI Testing Agents from Checkie.ai and Testers.ai. It extends the capabilities of Playwright and Selenium by integrating AI features for automated testing and bug detection. By leveraging GPT-4 Vision, CoTestPilot analyzes web pages to identify potential issues such as visual inconsistencies, layout problems, and usability concerns. This addition helps testers automate complex tasks more efficiently and ensures thorough testing with advanced AI-powered insights.
Why Use CoTestPilot?
1. AI-Powered Visual Analysis
CoTestPilot uses advanced AI algorithms to perform in-depth visual inspections of web pages. Here’s how it works:
It scans web pages to identify visual inconsistencies, such as layout misalignments, overlapping elements, or distorted images.
The AI can compare current UI designs with baseline images, detecting even the smallest discrepancies.
It also checks for content disparities, ensuring that text, images, and other elements are displayed correctly across different devices and screen sizes.
By catching UI issues early in the development process, CoTestPilot helps maintain a consistent user experience and reduces the risk of visual bugs reaching production.
2. Various Testing Personas
CoTestPilot offers multiple automated testing perspectives, simulating the viewpoints of different stakeholders:
UI/UX Specialists: Tests for visual consistency, user interface behavior, and layout design to ensure a smooth user experience.
Accessibility Auditors: Checks for accessibility issues such as missing alt tags, insufficient color contrast, and improper keyboard navigation, ensuring compliance with standards like WCAG.
Security Testers: Examines the application for potential security vulnerabilities, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) or improper data handling.
These personas help create a more thorough testing process, covering different aspects of the application’s functionality and usability.
3. Customizable Checks
CoTestPilot allows testers to integrate custom test rules and prompts, making it highly adaptable to various testing scenarios:
You can define specific rules that align with your project requirements, such as checking for brand guidelines, color schemes, or UI component behavior.
It supports tailored testing scenarios, enabling you to focus on the most critical aspects of your application.
This customization makes CoTestPilot flexible and suitable for different projects and industries, from e-commerce sites to complex enterprise applications.
4. Detailed Reporting
CoTestPilot generates comprehensive bug reports that provide valuable insights for developers and stakeholders:
Each report includes detailed issue descriptions, highlighting the exact problem encountered during testing.
It assigns severity levels to each issue, helping teams prioritize fixes based on impact and urgency.
Recommended solutions are provided, offering guidance on how to resolve the detected issues efficiently.
The reports also feature visual snapshots of detected problems, allowing testers and developers to understand the context of the bug more easily.
This level of detail enhances collaboration between testing and development teams, leading to faster debugging and resolution times.
Installation
To get started, simply download the selenium_cotestpilot folder and add it to your test folder. Currently, CoTestPilot is not available via pip.
The ui_test_using_coTestPilot() function analyzes web pages for UI inconsistencies such as alignment issues, visual glitches, and spelling errors.
How It Works:
Loads the webpage using Selenium WebDriver.
Executes an AI-driven UI check using ai_check(), which dynamically evaluates the page.
Saves the results in JSON format in the ai_check_results directory.
Generates a detailed AI-based report using ai_report().
Screenshots are captured before and after testing to highlight changes.
Sample Selenium Code for UI Testing
python
# Import necessary modules
from selenium import webdriver as wd # Selenium WebDriver for browser automation
from selenium.webdriver.chrome.service import Service # Manages Chrome WebDriver service
from webdriver_manager.chrome import ChromeDriverManager # Automatically downloads ChromeDriver
from dotenv import load_dotenv # Loads environment variables from a .env file
# Initialize the Chrome WebDriver
driver = wd.Chrome(service=Service(ChromeDriverManager().install()))
# Load environment variables (if any) from a .env file
load_dotenv()
# Function to perform UI testing using coTestPilot AI
def ui_test_using_coTestPilot():
# Open the target web application in the browser
driver.get('http://XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.com/')
# Maximize the browser window for better visibility
driver.maximize_window()
# Perform AI-powered UI analysis on the webpage
result = driver.ai_check(
testers=['Aiden'], # Specify the tester name
custom_prompt="Analyze the UI for inconsistencies, alignment issues, visual glitches, and spelling mistakes."
)
# Print the number of issues found in the UI
print(f'Found {len(result.bugs)} issues')
# Generate an AI check report and store it in the specified directory
report_path = driver.ai_report(output_dir="ai_check_results")
# Print the report file path for reference
print(f"Report path we've generated for you is at: {report_path}")
# Call the function to execute the UI test
ui_test_using_coTestPilot()
The accessibility_testing_using_coTestPilot() function evaluates web pages for accessibility concerns and ensures compliance with accessibility standards.
How It Works:
Loads the webpage using Selenium WebDriver.
Uses AI-based ai_check() to detect accessibility barriers.
Stores the findings in ai_check_results.
Generates an AI-based accessibility report with ai_report().
Screenshots are captured for visual representation of accessibility issues.
Sample Selenium Code for Accessibility Testing
python
from selenium import webdriver as wd
from selenium.webdriver.chrome.service import Service
from webdriver_manager.chrome import ChromeDriverManager
from dotenv import load_dotenv
# Initialize the Chrome WebDriver
driver = wd.Chrome(service=Service(ChromeDriverManager().install()))
# Load environment variables (if any)
load_dotenv()
# Function to perform accessibility testing using coTestPilot AI
def accessibility_testing_using_coTestPilot():
# Open the target web page in the browser
driver.get("https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5nydr9rqvo")
# Perform AI-powered accessibility analysis on the webpage
result = driver.ai_check(
testers=["Alejandro"], # Specify the tester name
custom_prompt="Focus on identifying accessibility-related concerns."
)
# Print the number of accessibility issues found
print(f"Found {len(result.bugs)} issues")
# Generate an AI check report and store it in the specified directory
report_path = driver.ai_report(output_dir="ai_check_results")
# Print the report file path for reference
print(f"Report path we've generated for you is at: {report_path}")
# Call the function to execute the accessibility test
accessibility_testing_using_coTestPilot()
Sample JSON file:
Report
Common Elements in Both Functions
ai_check(): Dynamically evaluates web pages based on AI-based testing strategies.
ai_report(): Generates structured reports to help testers identify and resolve issues efficiently.
Screenshots are captured before and after testing for better visual debugging.
Understanding the AI-Generated Report
The ai_report() function generates a structured report that provides insights into detected issues. The report typically includes:
1. Issue Summary: A high-level summary of detected problems, categorized by severity (Critical, Major, Minor).
2. Detailed Breakdown:
UI Issues: Reports on misalignments, overlapping elements, color contrast problems, and text readability.
Accessibility Concerns: Highlights potential barriers for users with disabilities, including missing alt texts, keyboard navigation failures, and ARIA compliance violations.
3. Suggested Fixes: AI-driven recommendations for addressing detected issues.
4. Screenshots: Before-and-after visual comparisons showcasing detected changes and anomalies.
5. Code-Level Suggestions: When possible, the report provides specific code snippets or guidance for resolving the detected issues.
Advanced Features
AI-Powered Anomaly Detection
Detects deviations from design standards and UI elements.
Compares current and previous screenshots to highlight discrepancies.
Security Testing Integration
Identifies security vulnerabilities like open redirects and mixed content warnings.
Provides security recommendations for web applications.
Conclusion:
Integrating CoTestPilot with Selenium significantly enhances automated testing by incorporating AI-driven UI and accessibility evaluations. Traditional automation tools focus primarily on functional correctness, often overlooking visual inconsistencies and accessibility barriers. CoTestPilot bridges this gap by leveraging AI-powered insights to detect issues early, ensuring a seamless user experience and compliance with accessibility standards. By implementing CoTestPilot, testers can automate complex validations, reduce manual effort, and generate detailed reports that provide actionable insights. The ability to capture before-and-after screenshots further strengthens debugging by visually identifying changes and UI problems.
At Codoid, we take software testing to the next level by offering comprehensive testing services, including automation, accessibility, performance, security, and functional testing. Our expertise spans across industries, ensuring that applications deliver optimal performance, usability, and compliance. Whether it’s AI-driven test automation, rigorous accessibility assessments, or robust security evaluations, Codoid remains at the forefront of quality assurance excellence.
If you’re looking to enhance your testing strategy with cutting-edge tools and industry-leading expertise, Codoid is your trusted partner in ensuring superior software quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the test results stored?
The test reports are saved in the specified output directory (ai_check_results), which contains a detailed HTML or JSON report.
Is CoTestPilot suitable for all web applications?
Yes, it can be used for any web-based application that can be accessed via Selenium WebDriver.
Can I customize the AI testing criteria?
Yes, you can specify testers and provide a custom prompt to focus on particular concerns, such as accessibility compliance or UI responsiveness.
What type of issues can CoTestPilot detect?
It can identify:
UI inconsistencies (misalignment, broken layouts)
Accessibility problems (color contrast, screen reader issues)
Security risks related to front-end vulnerabilities
How does CoTestPilot improve Selenium automation?
It integrates AI-based analysis into Selenium scripts, allowing automated detection of visual glitches, alignment issues, accessibility concerns, and potential security vulnerabilities.
In software development, web testing is essential to ensure web applications function properly and maintain high quality. Test automation plays a crucial role in simplifying this process, and choosing the right automation tool is vital. Playwright vs Selenium is a common comparison when selecting the best tool for web testing. Playwright is known for its speed and reliability in modern web testing. It leverages WebSockets for enhanced test execution and better management of dynamic web applications. On the other hand, Selenium, an open-source tool, is widely recognized for its flexibility and strong community support, offering compatibility with multiple browsers and programming languages.
When considering Playwright and Selenium, factors such as performance, ease of use, built-in features, and ecosystem support play a significant role in determining the right tool for your testing needs. Let’s see a brief comparison of these two tools to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
What Are Selenium and Playwright?
Selenium: The Industry Standard
Selenium is an open-source framework that enables browser automation. It supports multiple programming languages and works with all major browsers. Selenium is widely used in enterprises and has a vast ecosystem, but its WebDriver-based architecture can sometimes make it slow and flaky.
First released: 2004
Developed by: Selenium Team
Browsers supported: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Internet Explorer
Mobile support: Via Appium
Playwright: The Modern Challenger
Playwright is an open-source, is a relatively new framework designed for fast and reliable browser automation. It supports multiple browsers, headless mode, and mobile emulation out of the box. Playwright was designed to fix some of Selenium’s pain points, such as flaky tests and slow execution.
Playwright vs. Selenium: Language Support & Flexibility
Choosing the right test automation tool depends on language support and flexibility. Playwright vs. Selenium offers different options for testers. This section explores how both tools support various programming languages and testing needs.
Language Support
Selenium supports more programming languages, including JavaScript, Python, Java, C#, Ruby, PHP, and Kotlin. Playwright, on the other hand, officially supports JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Java, and C# but does not support Ruby or PHP.
Choose Selenium if you need Ruby, PHP, or Kotlin.
Choose Playwright if you work with modern languages like JavaScript, Python, or Java and want better performance.
Flexibility
Web Automation: Both tools handle web testing well, but Playwright is faster and better for modern web apps like React and Angular.
Mobile Testing: Selenium supports real mobile devices via Appium, while Playwright only offers built-in mobile emulation.
API Testing: Playwright can intercept network requests and mock APIs without extra tools, while Selenium requires external libraries.
Headless Testing & CI/CD: Playwright has better built-in headless execution and integrates smoothly with CI/CD pipelines.
Legacy Browser Support: Selenium works with Internet Explorer and older browsers, while Playwright only supports modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari (WebKit).
Community Support & Documentation
Selenium has a larger and older community with extensive resources, tutorials, and enterprise adoption.
Playwright has a smaller but fast-growing community, especially among modern web developers.
Selenium’s documentation is comprehensive but complex, requiring knowledge of WebDriver and Grid.
Playwright’s documentation is simpler, well-structured, and easier for beginners.
Selenium is better for long-term enterprise support, while Playwright is easier to learn and use for modern web testing.
Real Examples
1. Testing a Modern Web Application (Playwright)
Scenario: A team is building a real-time chat application using React.
Why Playwright? Playwright is well-suited for dynamic applications that rely heavily on JavaScript and real-time updates. It can easily handle modern web features like shadow DOM, iframes, and network requests.
Example: Testing the chat feature where messages are updated in real time without reloading the page. Playwright’s ability to intercept network requests and test API calls directly makes it ideal for this task.
2. Cross-Browser Testing (Selenium)
Scenario: A large e-commerce website needs to ensure its user interface works smoothly across multiple browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
Why Selenium? Selenium’s extensive browser support, including Internet Explorer, makes it the go-to tool for cross-browser testing.
Example: Testing the shopping cart functionality on different browsers, ensuring that the checkout process works seamlessly across all platforms.
3. Mobile Testing on Real Devices (Selenium with Appium)
Scenario: A food delivery app needs to be tested on real iOS and Android devices to ensure functionality like placing orders and tracking deliveries.
Why Selenium? Selenium integrates with Appium for testing on real mobile devices, providing a complete solution for mobile app automation.
Example: Automating the process of ordering food through the app on multiple devices, verifying that all features (like payment integration) work correctly on iPhones and Android phones.
4. API Testing with Web Interaction (Playwright)
Scenario: A movie ticket booking website requires testing of the user interface along with real-time updates from the backend API.
Why Playwright? Playwright excels at API testing and network request interception. It can automate both UI interactions and test the backend APIs in one go.
Example: Testing the process of selecting a movie, checking available seats, and verifying the API responses to ensure seat availability is accurate in real-time.
5. CI/CD Pipeline Testing (Playwright)
Scenario: A tech startup needs to automate web testing as part of their CI/CD pipeline to ensure quick and efficient deployments.
Why Playwright? Playwright’s built-in headless testing and parallel test execution make it a great fit for rapid, automated testing in CI/CD environments.
Example: Running automated tests on every commit to GitHub, checking critical user flows like login and payment, ensuring fast feedback for developers
In conclusion, both Playwright and Selenium provide strong options for web automation. Each has its strengths. Playwright is great for test automation. Selenium is well-known for browser automation. It is important to understand the differences between these tools. This will help you pick the right one for your testing needs. Think about how easy it is to set up, the languages you can use, performance, and community support. Looking at these things will help you make a smart choice. Also, consider what your project needs and the future of automation testing. This will help you find the best tool for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Playwright and Selenium be integrated in a single project?
You can use both tools together in a single project for test automation tasks, even though they are not directly linked. Selenium offers a wide range of support for browsers and real devices, which is helpful for certain tests. Meanwhile, Playwright is great for web application testing. This means you can handle both within the same test suite.
Which framework is more suitable for beginners?
Playwright is easy to use. It has an intuitive API and auto-waiting features that make it friendly for beginners. New users can learn web automation concepts faster. They can also create effective test scenarios with less code than in Selenium. However, if you are moving from manual testing, using Selenium IDE might be an easier way to start.
How do Playwright and Selenium handle dynamic content testing?
Both tools focus on testing dynamic content, but they do it in different ways. Playwright's auto-waiting helps reduce flaky tests. It waits for UI elements to be ready on their own. On the other hand, Selenium usually needs you to set waits or use other methods to make sure dynamic content testing works well.
What are the cost implications of choosing Playwright over Selenium?
Playwright and Selenium are both free-to-use tools. This means you don’t have to pay for a license to use them. Still, you might face some costs later. These could come from how long it takes to set them up, the work needed to keep them running, and any costs involved in combining them with other tools in your CD pipelines.
Future prospects: Which tool has a brighter future in automation testing?
Predicting what will happen next is tough. Still, both tools show a lot of promise. Playwright is being used quickly and focuses on testing modern web apps, making it a strong choice for the future. On the other hand, Selenium has been around a long time. It has a large community and keeps improving, which helps it stay important. The debate between Playwright and Cypress gives even more depth to this changing scene in web app testing.
Understanding and managing errors in automation scripts is crucial for testers. Selenium and Appium are popular tools used for automating tests on web and mobile applications. Familiarity with common Selenium WebDriver exceptions can greatly assist in diagnosing and resolving test failures. Imagine you made a smooth Selenium script. When you run it, you see a WebDriverException error message that is hard to understand. This means there’s a problem with how your test script connects to the web browser and it stops your automated test from working. But don’t worry! If we learn about WebDriverException and why it happens, we can handle these errors better. In this blog, we will talk about what WebDriverException means and share helpful tips to handle it well.
Defining WebDriverException in Selenium
WebDriverException is a common error in Selenium WebDriver. As mentioned earlier, it happens when there is a problem with how your script talks to the web browser. This talking needs clear rules called the WebDriver Protocol. When your Selenium script asks the browser to do something, like click a button or go to a URL, it uses this protocol to give the command. If the browser doesn’t respond or runs into an error while doing this, it shows a WebDriverException.
To understand what happened, read the error message that shows up with it. This message can give you useful hints about the problem. To help you understand, we’ve listed the most common causes of WebDriver Exception
Common Causes of WebDriverException
WebDriverExceptions often happen because of simple mistakes when running tests. Here are some common reasons:
Invalid Selectors: If you use the wrong XPath, CSS selectors, or IDs, Selenium may fail to find the right element. This can create errors.
Timing Issues: The loading time of web apps often vary. If you try to use an element too soon or do not wait long enough, you could run into problems.
Browser and Driver Incompatibilities: Using an old browser or a WebDriver that does not match can cause issues and lead to errors.
JavaScript Errors: If there are issues in the JavaScript of the web app, you may encounter WebDriverExceptions when trying to interact with it.
Why Exception Handling is Important
Exception handling is a crucial aspect of software development as it ensures applications run smoothly even when unexpected errors occur. Here’s why it matters:
Prevents Application Crashes – Proper exception handling ensures that errors don’t cause the entire program to fail.
Improves User Experience – Instead of abrupt failures, users receive meaningful error messages or fallback solutions.
Enhances Debugging & Maintenance – Structured error handling makes it easier to track, log, and fix issues efficiently.
Ensures Data Integrity – Prevents data corruption by handling errors gracefully, especially in transactions and databases.
Boosts Security – Helps prevent system vulnerabilities by catching and handling exceptions before they expose sensitive data.
Validating WebDriver Configurations
Before you click the “run” button for your test scripts, double-check your WebDriver settings. A small mistake in these settings can cause WebDriverExceptions that you didn’t expect. Here are some important points to consider:
Browser and Driver Compatibility: Check that your browser version works with the WebDriver you installed. For the latest updates, look at the Selenium documentation.
Correct WebDriver Path: Make sure the PATH variable on your system points to the folder that has your WebDriver executable. This helps Selenium find the proper browser driver to use.
Practical Solutions to WebDriverException
Now that we’ve covered the causes and their importance, let’s dive into practical solutions to resolve these issues efficiently and save time.
1. Element Not Found (NoSuchElementException)
Issue: The element is not available in the DOM when Selenium tries to locate it.
Solution: Use explicit waits instead of Thread.sleep().
Example Fix:
WebDriverWait wait = new WebDriverWait(driver, Duration.ofSeconds(10));
WebElement element = wait.until(ExpectedConditions.visibilityOfElementLocated(By.id("elementID")));
2. Stale Element Reference (StaleElementReferenceException)
Issue: The element reference is lost due to DOM updates.
Solution: Re-locate the element before interacting with it.
Example Fix:
WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id("dynamicElement"));
try {
element.click();
} catch (StaleElementReferenceException e) {
element = driver.findElement(By.id("dynamicElement")); // Re-locate element
element.click();
}
3. Element Not Clickable (ElementClickInterceptedException)
Issue: Another element overlays the target element, preventing interaction.
Issue: The element does not load within the expected time.
Solution: Use explicit waits to allow dynamic elements to load.
Example Fix:
WebDriverWait wait = new WebDriverWait(driver, Duration.ofSeconds(15));
WebElement element = wait.until(ExpectedConditions.elementToBeClickable(By.id("button")));
5. No Such Window (NoSuchWindowException)
Issue: Trying to switch to a window that does not exist.
Solution: Use getWindowHandles() and switch to the correct window.
Example Fix:
String mainWindow = driver.getWindowHandle();
Set<String> allWindows = driver.getWindowHandles();
for (String window : allWindows) {
if (!window.equals(mainWindow)) {
driver.switchTo().window(window);
}
}
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Issue: The test is blocked due to an untrusted SSL certificate.
Solution: Disable SSL verification in browser settings.
Example Fix:
ChromeOptions options = new ChromeOptions();
options.setAcceptInsecureCerts(true);
WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver(options);
Advanced Techniques to Resolve Persistent Issues
If you are dealing with hard to fix WebDriverExceptions, you can try these advanced methods.
Debugging with Browser Developer Tools: Press F12 to open your browser’s tools. This tool helps you see the web page’s HTML. You can also check network requests and read console logs. Look for errors that might stop WebDriver actions.
Network Traffic Analysis: If you think there are network issues, use tools to watch network traffic. These tools show the HTTP requests and responses between your test script and the web browser. They can help you find problems like delays, server errors, or wrong API calls.
Leveraging Community Support: Feel free to ask for help from the Selenium community. You can find useful information in online forums, Stack Overflow, and the official Selenium documentation. This can help you fix many WebDriverExceptions.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s very important to know how to understand and deal with Selenium exceptions, especially WebDriverException. This will help make automated testing easier. First, you should know what the exception means. After that, look at the common causes of the problem. You can avoid issues by checking your setup and keeping everything updated. Use simple ways to troubleshoot and some advanced tips to fix problems well. Stay informed and update your tools regularly to make your testing better. With these helpful tips, you can get your WebDriver to run better and faster. For more help and detailed advice, check out our Frequently Asked Questions section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my browser crashes during test execution?
- Catch WebDriverException using a try-catch block.
- Restart the WebDriver session and rerun the test.
- Ensure the system has enough memory and resources.
What are advanced techniques for handling persistent WebDriverExceptions?
- Use network traffic analysis tools to inspect HTTP requests.
- Implement retry mechanisms to rerun failed tests.
- Leverage community support (Stack Overflow, Selenium forums) for expert advice.
What is the most common cause of WebDriverException?
A common reason for WebDriverException is having a bad selector. This could be an XPath, CSS, or ID. When Selenium can't find the element you want on the page, it shows this exception.