Select Page

Category Selected: Blog

732 results Found


People also read

Accessibility Testing

NVDA Guide: Essential Tips for Accessibility Success

Automation Testing

Tosca vs Selenium: Making the Right Choice

API Testing

API Testing with Playwright: A Comprehensive Guide

Talk to our Experts

Amazing clients who
trust us


poloatto
ABB
polaris
ooredo
stryker
mobility
NVDA Guide: Essential Tips for Accessibility Success

NVDA Guide: Essential Tips for Accessibility Success

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a powerful screen reader designed to assist individuals with visual impairments in navigating and interacting with digital content. It enables users to access Windows-based applications, websites, documents, and emails by converting on-screen text into speech and Braille output. With support for multiple languages and Braille displays, NVDA provides accessibility across various digital platforms. It also offers customizable keyboard shortcuts, speech synthesis options, and screen magnification features, allowing users to tailor their experience based on individual needs. In addition to its role in daily accessibility, NVDA is an essential tool for accessibility testing, helping organizations evaluate whether their digital products meet key accessibility standards such as WCAG, Section 508, ADA, and EN 301 549. By simulating how visually impaired users interact with websites and applications, testers can identify and fix accessibility barriers, ensuring an inclusive digital experience. This blog will guide you through how to use NVDA effectively, covering installation, basic navigation, and advanced features like web browsing, document reading, application accessibility, and accessibility testing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this tutorial will help you maximize NVDA’s capabilities for seamless digital access.

Why Choose NVDA for Accessibility Testing?

NVDA is widely used by many visually impaired users due to its reliability, accessibility, and powerful features. As one of the most popular screen readers, it plays a crucial role in accessibility testing, ensuring that websites and applications are compatible with real-world usage.

As part of the testing process, NVDA is utilized to evaluate accessibility and verify compliance with WCAG and other accessibility standards. Its features make it an essential tool for testers in identifying and addressing accessibility barriers.

  • Free & Open-Source – Available at no cost, making it accessible to everyone.
  • Multi-Language Support – Supports various languages and voice options for diverse users.
  • Braille Compatibility – Works with external braille displays, expanding accessibility.
  • Keyboard Navigation – Enables seamless interaction using hotkeys, crucial for users relying on keyboard controls.
  • Website & App Testing – Helps validate accessibility compliance and usability.
  • Continuous Updates – Regular improvements enhance performance and functionality.
  • Lightweight & Fast – Runs efficiently on low-end devices, making it widely accessible.

Since many disabled users depend on NVDA, it should be included in accessibility testing, along with other screen readers like JAWS, VoiceOver, and Narrator. Its use ensures that digital products are accessible, user-friendly, and inclusive for all.

How to Install NVDA (Step-by-Step):

1. Download NVDA

2. Open the Installer: Locate the downloaded .exe file in your downloads folder.

3. Confirm Installation: Click “Yes” in the pop-up dialog box that appears.

4. Choose Installation Options: Select your preferred installation options (such as installing for all users or just for yourself).

5. Start Installation: Click Install to begin the process.

6. Complete Installation: Once the installation is complete, click Finish.You may be given an option to launch NVDA immediately.

7. Restart : your computer if prompted to ensure smooth functionality.

How to Perform NVDA Testing

1. Check the Navigation

  • Check if all interactive elements (buttons, links, forms) receive focus.
  • Ensure the focus moves in a logical order and does not jump randomly.

2. Verify Headings Structure

  • Ensure headings are labeled correctly (H1, H2, H3, etc.).
  • Use the H key to navigate through headings efficiently.

NVDA Guide

3. Test Readability & Content Order

  • Use the Down Arrow key to check if content is read in a logical sequence.
  • Navigate backward using the Up Arrow key to ensure text flows naturally.

NVDA Guide

4. Check Alt Text for Images

  • Ensure all images have meaningful alt text that describes their content.
  • NVDA should correctly announce the image descriptions.

Check-Alt-Text-for-Images

5. Validate Forms

  • Ensure form fields have appropriate labels.
  • Check that NVDA reads out each form element correctly.
  • Test checkboxes, radio buttons, and combo boxes for accessibility.

6. Verify Links & Buttons

  • Replace generic text like “Click Here” with descriptive links (e.g., “Download Guide”).
  • Ensure buttons are labeled clearly and announced properly by NVDA.

Verify-Links-Buttons

7. Test Multimedia Accessibility

  • Ensure videos include captions or transcripts for better accessibility.
  • Avoid auto-playing videos without user control.
  • Provide alternative text for non-text content such as charts or infographics.

Basic NVDA Commands:

S. No Action Shortcut
1 Turn NVDA on Ctrl + Alt + N
2 Turn NVDA off Insert + Q
3 Stop reading Ctrl
4 Start reading continuously Insert + Down Arrow
5 Read next item Down Arrow
6 Activate link or button Enter or Spacebar
7 Open NVDA menu Insert + N

Navigation Commands:

S. No Action Shortcut
1 Move to next heading H
2 Move to previous heading Shift + H
3 Move to next link K
4 Move to previous link Shift + K
5 Move to next unvisited link U
6 Move to next visited link V
7 Table T
8 List L

Table Navigation:

S. No Action Shortcut
1 Inside Table content Ctrl + Alt + Arrows

Text Reading:

S. No Action Shortcut
1 Read previous word Ctrl + Left Arrow
2 Read next word Ctrl + Right Arrow
3 Read character by character Left/Right Arrow

Form Navigation:

S. No Action Shortcut
1 Move to next form field F
2 Move to previous form field Shift + F
3 Move to next checkbox X
4 Move to previous checkbox Shift + X
5 Move to next radio button R

Avoid Visual Reliance with NVDA

  • Bold or color changes should not be the only way to highlight important text. Use HTML tags like ‘strong’ or ’em’.
  • CAPTCHAs should have audio alternatives for visually impaired users.
  • Ensure hover effects or animations are accessible and not essential for navigation.

Troubleshooting Common NVDA Issues

When using NVDA for accessibility testing or daily tasks, some common issues may arise. Below are frequent problems and their solutions:

NVDA is not starting

  • Restart the system and check for conflicting applications.
  • If the issue persists, reinstall NVDA.

No speech output

  • Ensure the volume is turned up.
  • Check NVDA settings and select the correct speech synthesizer.

Text is being read incorrectly

  • Verify that the website or application has proper ARIA labels and semantic HTML.
  • Test with another screen reader to confirm the issue.

Keyboard shortcuts are not working

  • Ensure NVDA is not in sleep mode.
  • Restart NVDA and check shortcut settings.

Dynamic content is not being read

  • Enable “Live Regions” in NVDA settings.
  • Refresh the page manually if necessary.

Performance is slow or laggy

  • Close unnecessary background applications.
  • Adjust NVDA settings for better performance and restart the system.

By troubleshooting these issues effectively, NVDA can be used efficiently in accessibility testing, ensuring a seamless experience for users who rely on screen readers.

Conclusion

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a highly effective screen reader that empowers visually impaired users to navigate and interact with digital content effortlessly. With its text-to-speech conversion, Braille display support, and customizable keyboard shortcuts, NVDA enhances accessibility across various applications, including web browsing, document editing, and software operations. Its continuous updates and broad compatibility make it a reliable solution for both individuals and organizations seeking to create inclusive digital experiences. At Codoid, we recognize the importance of accessibility in modern software development. Our accessibility testing services ensure that digital platforms comply with accessibility standards such as WCAG and Section 508, making them user-friendly for individuals with disabilities. By leveraging tools like NVDA, we help businesses enhance their software’s usability, ensuring equal access for all users.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I switch between different speech synthesizers in NVDA?

    To change speech synthesizers in NVDA, press NVDA+N. This will open the NVDA menu. Go to Preferences and then Settings, and click on Speech. In the Synthesizer area, you can pick your preferred synthesizer from the drop-down menu. You can also change the speech rate and other voice settings in the same window.

  • Can NVDA be used on mobile devices or tablets?

    NVDA is made for the Windows operating system. It does not work directly with mobile devices or tablets.

  • What are some must-have add-ons for NVDA users?

    The add-ons that NVDA users need can be different for each person. What works for one might not work for another. But many people often choose add-ons that help with navigating websites, provide better support for certain apps, or add features that make using the software more comfortable and easy.

  • How do I update NVDA, and how often should I do it?

    To update NVDA, visit the NV Access website and download the latest version. You should keep NVDA updated whenever a new version comes out. This will help you gain bug fixes, new features, and better performance.

  • What should I do if NVDA is not working with a specific application?

    If you have problems with compatibility, try running the app in administrator mode. You can also check for updates. Another option is to look at online forums or the app developer's website. They might have information about known issues or solutions.

Tosca vs Selenium: Making the Right Choice

Tosca vs Selenium: Making the Right Choice

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.
8 Self-Healing Tests Built-in self-healing capability Not available
9 Reporting & Analytics Advanced built-in reporting and dashboards Needs third-party tools like Allure or TestNG
10 AI & Machine Learning Uses AI for test case optimization No built-in AI/ML support
11 Community Support Smaller, enterprise-focused community Large open-source community
12 Customization & Flexibility Limited customization due to model-based approach Highly flexible and extensible with libraries
13 Scalability Well-suited for large-scale enterprise projects Scalable but requires custom configuration
14 Parallel Execution Supports distributed execution Requires setup with tools like Selenium Grid
15 Security & Compliance Enterprise-grade security compliance Security depends on custom implementation

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.

Tosca vs Selenium

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.

API Testing with Playwright: A Comprehensive Guide

API Testing with Playwright: A Comprehensive Guide

Playwright is widely known for browser automation, it also offers powerful features for API testing, making it a versatile tool for end-to-end testing. By using Playwright, testers can efficiently validate API endpoints, perform authentication checks, and seamlessly integrate API tests with UI tests to ensure consistent functionality across the entire application. API testing with Playwright allows for the testing of various HTTP methods, including GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE requests, enabling comprehensive validation of data flow and business logic. Additionally, Playwright supports handling complex authentication scenarios, such as token-based and OAuth authentication. This guide will explain why Playwright is an excellent choice for API testing, how to set it up and provide detailed examples of requests, authentication handling, and best practices for effective and efficient API testing.

Basics of API Testing

API testing checks if different software systems can communicate and exchange data correctly. It ensures functionality, security, and performance while being faster and easier to automate than UI testing. Unlike UI testing, which focuses on visual elements, API testing verifies the backend logic using requests like GET and POST. It also differs from unit testing, which tests individual functions, and integration testing, which checks how system parts work together.

Why Choose Playwright for API Testing?

API testing is a crucial aspect of software testing, ensuring that backend services function correctly before integrating them with the UI. Several tools are available for API testing, each offering unique features suited to different testing needs:

  • Postman – A widely used API testing tool with a graphical interface for sending requests and validating responses.
  • RestAssured – A Java-based API testing framework commonly used for automated API validation.
  • SoapUI – A dedicated tool for testing SOAP and REST APIs, offering advanced features for functional and security testing.
  • SuperTest – A JavaScript library designed for testing HTTP APIs, particularly useful in Node.js applications.
  • Cypress – Primarily a UI testing framework that also includes basic API testing capabilities.

Then why should we use Playwright for API testing? It allows users to make API requests, validate responses, and integrate API checks within automated test scripts. It provides features like APIRequestContext for direct API interactions, built-in authentication handling, and cross-browser support, making it a versatile option for teams looking to perform both API and UI testing within the same environment. Like other tools, Playwright offers a structured approach to API testing, enabling efficient validation of backend services. Now let’s take a deeper look at all the key features.

Key Features of Playwright That Enhance API Testing

1. Built-in APIRequestContext for Simplified API Testing

Playwright provides APIRequestContext, allowing testers to make API calls directly within test scripts without needing external libraries like Axios or SuperTest.

Example: GET Request with Playwright


import { test, expect, request } from '@playwright/test';

test('Validate GET request', async ({ request }) => {
    const response = await request.get('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1');
    expect(response.status()).toBe(200);

    const responseBody = await response.json();
    expect(responseBody.id).toBe(1);
});

Why Playwright? Unlike Postman (which is UI-based) and RestAssured (which requires Java), Playwright allows API requests directly within the test automation framework with minimal setup.

2. Seamless Integration of API & UI Testing

Unlike Postman, RestAssured, and SoapUI, which focus only on API testing, Playwright enables UI and API tests to run in the same framework. This is useful for:

  • Setting up test data via API before UI tests.
  • Validating API responses against UI elements.
  • Testing UI interactions that trigger API calls.

Example: API and UI Test Together


test('Create user via API and validate on UI', async ({ page, request }) => {
    const response = await request.post('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/users', {
        data: { name: 'John Doe', email: '[email protected]' }
    });

    expect(response.status()).toBe(201);
    const user = await response.json();

    await page.goto('https://example.com/users');
    const userExists = await page.locator(`text=${user.name}`).isVisible();
    expect(userExists).toBeTruthy();
});

3. JavaScript/TypeScript Support for Modern Development

Playwright is built for JavaScript and TypeScript, making it ideal for teams using modern web frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js.

Comparison with Other Tools:

S. No Tool Language Support Best For
1 Playwright JavaScript/TypeScript API + UI Testing
2 Postman GUI-based (No coding required) Manual API Testing
3 RestAssured Java Backend API Testing
4 SoapUI Java & Groovy SOAP & REST API Testing
5 SuperTest JavaScript Node.js API Testing

Why Playwright? Teams using JavaScript for frontend development can now write API tests in the same language, improving efficiency and collaboration.

4. Cross-Browser & Cross-Platform API Testing

Unlike most API testing tools that only test API responses, Playwright supports cross-browser validation, ensuring that API responses work correctly with different browsers.

Example: API Test Across Browsers


import { test, expect, request } from '@playwright/test';

test('Validate API response in different browsers', async ({ browser }) => {
    const context = await browser.newContext();
    const request = context.request;
    const response = await request.get('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1');
    expect(response.status()).toBe(200);
});

Why Playwright?

  • Postman, RestAssured, and SoapUI cannot test how APIs behave across different browsers.
  • Playwright ensures API + UI compatibility across Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit (Safari).

5. CI/CD Integration for Automated API Testing

Playwright works seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, allowing automated API testing in:

  • Jenkins
  • GitHub Actions
  • GitLab CI/CD

Example: Running Playwright API Tests in GitHub Actions


name: Playwright API Tests
on: push

jobs:
  test:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - name: Checkout code
        uses: actions/checkout@v2
      
      - name: Install dependencies
        run: npm install
      
      - name: Run API Tests
        run: npx playwright test api-tests

Why Playwright? Unlike Postman, which requires Newman for automation, Playwright runs API tests directly in CI/CD pipelines without additional setup.

Guide to Writing tour First API Test with Playwright

To get started with API Testing with Playwright, install Playwright using npm:


npm init -y
npm install @playwright/test

Ensure that Playwright is installed by running:


npx playwright install

Writing Your First API Test with Playwright

You can use APIRequestContext to interact with APIs. Below is a simple GET request example:


import { test, expect, request } from '@playwright/test';

test('Validate GET request', async ({ request }) => {
    const response = await request.get('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1');
    expect(response.status()).toBe(200);

    const responseBody = await response.json();
    expect(responseBody.id).toBe(1);
});

Breaking Down the Code:

  • Import Playwright functions: test, expect, and request are used for API testing.
  • Make a GET request: request.get() fetches data from the API.
  • Validate the response status: Ensures the request was successful (200 OK).
  • Parse and validate response body: Converts the response to JSON and checks if the expected data is returned.

Making Different API Requests

1. POST Request (Creating a Resource)


test('Validate POST request', async ({ request }) => {
    const response = await request.post('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts', {
        data: {
            title: 'Playwright API Test',
            body: 'This is a test post',
            userId: 1
        }
    });

    expect(response.status()).toBe(201);
    const responseBody = await response.json();
    expect(responseBody.title).toBe('Playwright API Test');
});

  • Sends a POST request to create a new resource.
  • Validates response status (201 Created) to confirm successful creation.
  • Ensures response data matches the expected values.

2. PUT Request (Updating a Resource)


test('Validate PUT request', async ({ request }) => {
    const response = await request.put('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1', {
        data: {
            id: 1,
            title: 'Updated Title',
            body: 'Updated content',
            userId: 1
        }
    });

    expect(response.status()).toBe(200);
    const responseBody = await response.json();
    expect(responseBody.title).toBe('Updated Title');
});

  • Sends a PUT request to update an existing resource.
  • Validates status code (200 OK) for successful updates.
  • Confirms that the updated title matches the expected value.

3. DELETE Request (Removing a Resource)


test('Validate DELETE request', async ({ request }) => {
    const response = await request.delete('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1');
    expect(response.status()).toBe(200);
});

  • Sends a DELETE request to remove an existing resource.
  • Checks if the API returns a successful deletion status (200 OK or 204 No Content).

Handling Authentication in API Testing

For APIs requiring authentication, Playwright supports passing headers and cookies for authorization.


test('Validate Authenticated Request', async ({ request }) => {
    const response = await request.get('https://example.com/protected', {
        headers: {
            Authorization: 'Bearer YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN'
        }
    });

    expect(response.status()).toBe(200);
});

  • Includes Authorization Header: Uses a Bearer token for authentication.
  • Validates Authentication: Ensures the API allows access (200 OK).

Best Practices for API Testing with Playwright

To ensure efficient and maintainable API testing with Playwright, it is important to follow structured practices that enhance test reliability, performance, and organization. By properly structuring test suites, managing dependencies, and optimizing execution, teams can achieve faster, more scalable, and maintainable API tests. Below are some key best practices to maximize efficiency:

  • Use Fixtures – Helps maintain test reusability and efficiency by providing a structured way to set up and share test data across multiple tests.
  • Validate Response Schema – Use schema validation tools like Ajv to ensure API responses follow the expected structure, reducing inconsistencies.
  • Use Environment Variables – Store API URLs, authentication tokens, and sensitive data securely using environment variables to enhance security and flexibility.
  • Enable Logging – Capture and log API responses to debug test failures efficiently, making troubleshooting easier.
  • Run Tests in Parallel – Speed up execution using Playwright’s parallel test execution feature, optimizing test suite performance.

Conclusion

As seen in our blog, Playwright is a powerful tool for both UI automation and API testing, offering seamless integration of API and UI tests within a single framework. With features like built-in request handling, authentication management, parallel execution, and cross-browser compatibility, it simplifies API testing while improving efficiency and reliability. By using Playwright, teams can reduce execution time, automate authentication, organize test suites efficiently, and improve debugging with logging and structured test cases.

For businesses looking to enhance their API testing strategy, Codoid, a leader in software testing services, provides expert API automation solutions. With extensive experience in Playwright, Selenium, and other frameworks, Codoid helps organizations optimize testing processes, improve test coverage, and ensure smooth digital experiences. By adopting Playwright and partnering with Codoid, teams can build a scalable, efficient, and future-ready test automation strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why use Playwright for API testing instead of Postman or RestAssured?

    Unlike Postman (UI-based) and RestAssured (Java-dependent), Playwright enables API and UI testing within the same framework, supports JavaScript/TypeScript, and integrates easily into CI/CD pipelines.

  • Can Playwright handle authentication in API testing?

    Yes, Playwright supports authentication methods like Bearer Tokens, OAuth, and Cookies to test secured API endpoints.

  • Does Playwright support API schema validation?

    While Playwright does not have built-in schema validation, you can integrate it with Ajv or Joi to validate API responses.

  • How does Playwright compare with Cypress for API testing?

    - Playwright supports multi-browser testing (Chrome, Firefox, Safari), while Cypress is limited to Chromium-based browsers.
    - Playwright enables parallel execution and has better API handling than Cypress.

  • What are some real-time applications of Playwright API testing?

    - E-commerce: Validate product APIs and order processing.
    - Banking: Test authentication and transaction APIs.
    - Healthcare: Ensure secure data exchange in patient records.
    - SaaS applications: Automate API requests in multi-tenant platforms.

ANDI Accessibility Testing Tool Tutorial

ANDI Accessibility Testing Tool Tutorial

Web accessibility testing tools help developers and testers identify and fix barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing online content. One such powerful yet simple tool is ANDI (Accessible Name & Description Inspector).Developed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), ANDI Accessibility testing Tool is a free and lightweight browser extension designed to help web developers improve accessibility. It provides real-time insights into common accessibility issues, assisting developers to ensure compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and Section 508 standards.Suppose you are new to accessibility testing or looking for an efficient way to improve your website’s compliance. In that case, this guide will walk you through everything from ANDI’s history and installation to performing detailed accessibility checks.

History of ANDI and Its Inventor

ANDI was developed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a U.S. government agency responsible for social security programs. Recognizing the importance of digital accessibility, SSA created ANDI to help developers and testers easily identify and correct accessibility issues without requiring advanced expertise. Unlike many commercial accessibility tools, ANDI was designed to be free, easy to use, and lightweight. Since its launch, it has become a widely adopted tool among government agencies, developers, and accessibility testers who need a quick and reliable way to check for compliance with WCAG and Section 508 guidelines.

TEXT

Key Features of ANDI Accessibility Testing Tool:

  • Identifies missing or incorrect ARIA attributes
  • Analyzes focusable elements for screen reader compatibility
  • Checks HTML structure and semantic elements
  • Detects issues with links, buttons, and form fields
  • Highlights contrast issues for better readability
  • Ensures compliance with WCAG and Section 508

By using ANDI, developers and testers can quickly pinpoint accessibility issues and make necessary improvements without modifying the original webpage.

Compatible Browsers for ANDI Accessibility Testing Tool

ANDI is designed to work without installation as a simple bookmarklet. It is compatible with the following browsers:

  • Google Chrome
  • Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based)
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Internet Explorer (limited support)

Note: Safari does not natively support JavaScript bookmarklets, so manual setup is required.

How to Install ANDI Accessibility Testing Tool

ANDI is a browser-based accessibility testing tool that runs as a bookmarklet—meaning it does not require a separate software installation. Instead, it is activated by adding a JavaScript snippet to your browser’s bookmarks bar.

Installation Instructions for Different Browsers

For Google Chrome & Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based browsers):

1.Enable the Bookmarks Bar

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + B to make the bookmarks bar visible.

2. Drag and drop the ANDI tool

ANDI accessibility testing tool

3. Activate ANDI

  • Whenever you need to test a webpage, click on the ANDI bookmarklet from your bookmarks bar.
For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Enable the Bookmarks Toolbar

  • Press Alt + V, go to Toolbars and enable Bookmarks Toolbar.

2. Add ANDI as a Bookmark

  • Right-click on this ANDI Tool Link and select “Bookmark This Link.”
  • Name the bookmark ANDI and ensure it is saved in the Bookmarks Toolbar.

3. Activate ANDI

  • Click the ANDI bookmark whenever you want to run the accessibility test.
For Internet Explorer:

1. Enable the Favorites Bar

  • Press Alt + V, go to Toolbars, and enable Favorites Bar.

2. Add ANDI as a Favorite

  • Right-click on this ANDI Tool Link and select “Add to Favorites Bar.”

3. Activate ANDI

  • Click the ANDI bookmark whenever you need to analyze a webpage.
For Safari (Manual Setup Required):
  • Safari does not fully support JavaScript bookmarklets in the same way as other browsers.
  • You may need to manually add and run the ANDI script from the browser’s developer console.
  • Manual Steps:

1. Open the Developer Console in Safari

  • Press Cmd + Option + I (Mac) or Ctrl + Shift + I (Windows) to open the Developer Tools in Safari.
  • Alternatively, you can right-click anywhere on the webpage and select Inspect Element to open the Developer Tools.

2. Go to the “Console” Tab

  • In the Developer Tools window, click on the Console tab where you can execute JavaScript.

3. Add the ANDI Script Manually

  • First, go to the ANDI website or locate the script source. You need to copy the JavaScript code that runs the ANDI tool.
  • Here’s a basic script you can use to run ANDI on a webpage:

(function() {
    var script = document.createElement('script');
    script.src = 'https://www.andiapp.com/andi.js';
    script.onload = function() {
        ANDI.launch(); // Launch the ANDI tool once the script is loaded
    };
    document.head.appendChild(script);
})();

4. Paste and Execute the Script

  • Copy the code above and paste it into the Console tab in Developer Tools.
  • Press Enter to run the script.

5. Access the ANDI Tool

  • After executing the script, the ANDI tool should automatically load on the page, and you can start inspecting accessibility issues.
  • If the script is successfully loaded, you should see the ANDI interface on the page.

How to Use ANDI Accessibility Testing Tool

Once installed, ANDI can quickly scan a webpage and provide insights on accessibility issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

Step 1: Activate ANDI on a Webpage

1. Open the webpage you want to test.

2. Click on the ANDI bookmarklet from your browser’s bookmarks bar.

3. ANDI will scan the page and overlay accessibility information, highlighting potential issues.

Step 2: Analyze Accessibility Elements

Use the preview buttons “<" (backward element) or ">” (Forward element) to analyze the accessibility elements.

ANDI categorizes issues into different sections:

Headings & Structure

  • Ensures proper heading hierarchy (h1 → h6) to help screen readers.
  • Example Issue: Missing h1 on a webpage.
  • Fix: Add h1 Main Heading /h1 to define the page structure properly.

Analyze Accessibility Elements - ANDI

Links & Buttons

  • Check if links and buttons have clear, accessible labels.
  • Example Issue: An empty without a label.
  • Fix: Add a Link or descriptive text:
<a href="www.apple.com">Buy</a>

Analyze Accessibility Elements _Fix

Images & Alternative Text

  • Ensures that all images have meaningful alt text for screen readers.
  • Example Issue:img src=”iphone16promax.png” – (No alt attribute is provided.)
  • Fix: Add an alt attribute: img src=”iphone16promax.png” alt=”iPhone 16 Pro Max, all four finishes, Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium and Desert Titanium.

Analyze Accessibility Elements_ANDI Accessibility Testing Tool

Color Contrast & Readability

  • Ensures text has a minimum contrast ratio of 3:1 for readability.
  • Example Issue: Light grey text on a white background.
  • Fix: Adjust the text color or background to improve contrast.

Analyze Accessibility Elements_ANDI Accessibility Testing Tool

Keyboard Navigation & Focus Order

  • Ensures interactive elements are accessible using the Tab key.
  • Example Issue: A ‘div’ styled as a button that is not keyboard-accessible.
  • Fix: Use a ‘button’ element or add tabindex=”0″ to make it focusable.

Analyze Accessibility Elements_ANDI Accessibility Testing Tool

Step 3: Review ANDI’s Recommendations

  • Click on highlighted elements for detailed accessibility reports.
  • Modify your HTML, CSS, or ARIA attributes based on ANDI’s suggestions.
  • Re-run ANDI to verify fixes and improvements.

Example Scenarios & How ANDI Helps

S. No Issue Description Solution
1 Missing alt text Images lack descriptive alternative text. Add meaningful alt attributes.
2 Poor keyboard navigation Users cannot navigate with Tab key. Ensure all interactive elements are focusable.
3 Incorrect heading structure Headings are skipped or not sequential. Use proper h1 to h6 tags.
4 Low color contrast Text is hard to read. Use accessible contrast ratios (4.5:1 or higher).
5 Missing form labels Form fields have no associated labels. Use ‘label’ elements with for attributes.

Why Use ANDI for Accessibility Testing?

ANDI is a preferred tool for accessibility testing due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Here are some reasons why developers and testers rely on it:

  • Free & Easy to Use – No complex setup or licensing required.
  • Works in the Browser – No separate software installation needed; runs directly in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
  • Detailed Insights – Provides in-depth accessibility reports and suggestions.
  • Non-Disruptive Testing – Runs without altering the webpage’s original code.
  • Lightweight & Fast – Does not slow down the webpage or require heavy system resources.

Unlike many automated tools that simply provide a compliance score, ANDI visually highlights accessibility issues and offers specific recommendations, making it an essential tool for developers.

Conclusion

ANDI is a free, easy-to-use tool for accessibility testing. It provides real-time feedback on headings, forms, images, keyboard navigation, and color contrast, helping developers fix issues directly on the webpage. Unlike other tools that generate reports, ANDI offers interactive insights for quick improvements. Integrating ANDI into your workflow ensures your website is accessible, WCAG and Section 508 compliant, and user-friendly. It also boosts SEO and usability. For professional testing, Codoid offers expert support. Start using ANDI today to build a more inclusive web!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is ANDI free to use?

    Yes, ANDI is a free tool developed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help ensure web accessibility compliance.

  • Does ANDI work with all browsers?

    ANDI is compatible with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer. Safari requires a manual setup.

  • Can ANDI be used for professional accessibility testing?

    Yes, ANDI provides interactive feedback for quick fixes, and for deeper testing, professional services like Codoid can help ensure full compliance.

  • Does ANDI affect website performance?

    No, ANDI is a lightweight tool that runs directly in the browser without altering the website’s code.

  • How does ANDI compare to other accessibility testing tools?

    Unlike automated tools that generate reports, ANDI highlights issues directly on the webpage, making it easier to implement improvements.

Screen Reader Accessibility Testing Tools

Screen Reader Accessibility Testing Tools

Millions of people with disabilities rely on assistive technologies to navigate websites, applications, and digital content. Among these technologies, screen readers play a vital role in making digital platforms usable for individuals with visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, and other accessibility needs. Despite advancements in web development and design, many digital platforms still fail to accommodate users who depend on screen readers. Without proper accessibility testing, visually impaired users encounter significant barriers that prevent them from accessing information, completing transactions, or even performing basic online interactions. In this blog, we will explore the critical role of screen reader accessibility testing, the consequences of inadequate screen reader support, and the legal mandates that ensure digital inclusivity for all.

What Happens Without a Screen Reader?

For individuals who are blind or visually impaired, accessing digital content without a screen reader can be nearly impossible. Screen readers convert on-screen text, buttons, images, and other elements into speech or braille output, allowing users to navigate and interact with websites and applications. Without this assistive technology:

  • Navigation Becomes Impossible: Users cannot “see” menus, buttons, or links, making it difficult to move through a website.
  • Critical Information is Lost: Important content, such as descriptions of images, form labels, and error messages, is inaccessible.
  • Online Interactions Become Challenging: Tasks like shopping, filling out forms, and accessing services require proper accessibility support.

Without screen reader support, digital exclusion becomes a reality, limiting independence and access to essential services.

How Testers Evaluate Websites Using Screen Readers

Testers play a crucial role in ensuring websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities by using the same screen reader tools that visually impaired users rely on. By testing digital platforms from an accessibility perspective, they identify barriers and ensure compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG, ADA, and Section 508.

Here’s how testers evaluate a website using screen readers:

  • Text-to-Speech Verification: Testers use screen readers like NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver to check if all on-screen text is correctly converted into speech and read in a logical order.
  • Keyboard Navigation Testing: Since many users rely on keyboard shortcuts instead of a mouse, testers verify that all interactive elements (menus, buttons, links) can be accessed and navigated using keyboard commands.
  • Form Accessibility Checks: Testers confirm that screen readers correctly read out form labels, input fields, and error messages, allowing users to complete online transactions without confusion.
  • Image & Alt Text Validation: Using screen readers, testers ensure that images have proper alt text and that decorative images do not interfere with navigation.

By incorporating screen reader testing into their accessibility audits, testers help developers create an inclusive experience where visually impaired users can navigate, interact, and access content effortlessly.

A sample video explains how to perform testing using screen readers.

(In the shared video, we identified a bug related to the list items on the page. There is a single list item enclosed within ‘ul’ and ‘li’ tags, which is unnecessary for the content. This should be changed to a ‘p’ or ‘span’ tag to better suit the structure and purpose of the content.)

List of Screen Reader Tools for Accessibility Testing

Different devices have built-in or third-party screen readers, each designed for their platform. Testers use these tools to check how well websites and apps work for visually impaired users. By testing navigation with keyboard shortcuts, touch gestures, and braille displays, they identify accessibility issues and ensure a smooth, inclusive experience across all platforms.

1. NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

NVDA is one of the most popular free and open-source screen readers available for Windows. It is widely used by individuals, developers, and testers to ensure digital accessibility. NVDA supports multiple languages and braille devices, making it a versatile option for users worldwide. The software is also highly customizable with add-ons that enhance functionality. NVDA is compatible with popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, allowing seamless web navigation.

Need to know more? Click here

Few Basics Key Shortcuts:

  • Ctrl + Alt + N: Open NVDA menu.
  • Insert + Q: Exit NVDA.
  • Insert + Space: Toggle between browse and focus modes.
  • H: Navigate to the next heading.
  • K: Navigate to the next link.
  • D: Navigate to the next landmark.
2. JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

JAWS is a powerful commercial screen reader designed for Windows users. It provides advanced braille support, multiple language compatibility, and a highly responsive interface, making it ideal for professional and educational use. JAWS is widely adopted in workplaces and institutions due to its robust functionality and seamless integration with Microsoft Office and web browsers. It offers a free trial for 40 minutes, allowing users to test its capabilities before purchasing a license.

Need to know more? Click here

Few Basics Key Shortcuts:

  • Insert + F1: Open the JAWS help menu.
  • Insert + Down Arrow: Read the current line.
  • Insert + T: Read the title of the current window.
  • H: Navigate to the next heading.
  • B: Navigate to the next button.
  • Ctrl: Stop speech.
3. VoiceOver

VoiceOver is Apple’s built-in screen reader, available on MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads. It is fully integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, ensuring smooth navigation across macOS and iOS devices. VoiceOver supports gesture-based navigation on iPhones and iPads, making it easy for users to interact with apps using touch gestures. On macOS, VoiceOver works with keyboard shortcuts and braille displays, providing a comprehensive accessibility experience.

Need to know more? Click here

Few Basics Key Shortcuts:

  • Cmd + F5: Turn VoiceOver on/off.
  • Ctrl + Option + Arrow Keys: Navigate through elements.
  • Ctrl + Option + Space: Activate the selected item.
  • Ctrl + Option + H: Navigate to the next heading.
4. TalkBack

TalkBack is Android’s built-in screen reader, designed to help users with visual impairments navigate their devices through gesture-based controls. It provides audio feedback and spoken descriptions for on-screen elements, making it easier for users to interact with apps and perform tasks independently. TalkBack is compatible with third-party braille displays, expanding its accessibility features for visually impaired users who rely on tactile reading.

Need to know more? Click here

Gestures:

  • Swipe Right/Left: Move to the next/previous element.
  • Double Tap: Activate the selected item.
  • Two-Finger Swipe Down: Read all content on the screen.
  • Swipe Down then Right: Open the TalkBack menu.

https://assistivlabs.com/assistive-tech/screen-readers/narrator

5. Narrator

Narrator is Microsoft’s built-in screen reader, available on all Windows devices. It provides basic screen reading functionality for users who need an immediate accessibility solution. While it lacks the advanced features of NVDA and JAWS, Narrator is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Windows applications and web browsing. It also supports braille displays, making it a useful tool for users who prefer tactile feedback.

Need to know more? Click here

  • Few Basics Key Shortcuts:
    • Caps Lock + Space: Activate the selected item.
    • Caps Lock + Arrow Keys: Navigate through elements.
    • Caps Lock + H: Navigate to the next heading.
    • Caps Lock + M: Start reading from the cursor position.
6. Orca

Orca is an open-source screen reader designed for Linux users. It is highly customizable, allowing users to modify speech, braille, and keyboard interactions according to their needs. Orca is widely used in the Linux community, especially by developers and users who prefer an open-source accessibility solution. It supports braille displays and works well with major Linux applications and browsers.

Need to know more? Click here

  • Few Basics Key Shortcuts:
    • Insert + H: Navigate to the next heading.
    • Insert + Space: Toggle between browse and focus modes.
    • Insert + S: Read the current sentence.
    • Insert + Q: Exit Orca.
7. ChromeVox

ChromeVox is a lightweight screen reader developed specifically for Chromebooks and the Chrome browser. It is designed to provide a smooth web browsing experience for visually impaired users. ChromeVox is easy to enable with a simple keyboard shortcut and is optimized for Google services and web-based applications.

Need to know more? Click here

  • Few Basics Key Shortcuts:
    • Search + A: Read from the current location.
    • Search + Left/Right Arrow: Navigate to the previous/next element.
    • Search + Space: Activate the selected item.
    • Search + H: Navigate to the next heading.

Laws That Mandate Screen Reader Accessibility

Several global laws and regulations require digital accessibility, ensuring that people with disabilities can access online content without barriers. Some key legal frameworks include:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – USA mandates that businesses and organizations make their digital content accessible, ensuring equal access to websites, applications, and digital services.
  • Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act – USA requires federal agencies to ensure that their electronic and information technology is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
  • European Accessibility Act (EAA) – European Union mandates that digital services, including websites and mobile applications, be accessible to people with disabilities.
  • UK Equality Act 2010 – United Kingdom ensures digital platforms are accessible, preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities in accessing online content and services.

Many of these laws follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a globally recognized standard that provides best practices for making digital content accessible. WCAG ensures websites and applications support screen readers, keyboard navigation, and proper color contrast, helping businesses create an inclusive online experience. Failure to comply with these laws and standards can lead to legal action, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

Conclusion

Each screen reader tool has its own unique capabilities, shortcuts, and strengths. Digital accessibility goes beyond just legal compliance—it is about fostering an inclusive and user-friendly experience for all. Screen readers are essential in empowering visually impaired users to navigate websites, interact with applications, and access digital content independently. By incorporating screen reader testing into the development process, businesses can enhance usability, expand their audience, and showcase their dedication to inclusivity.

Codoid, a leading software testing company, specializes in accessibility testing, ensuring that digital platforms are fully accessible. They help businesses optimize their websites and applications for screen readers such as NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. With expertise in WCAG compliance testing, keyboard navigation testing, and a blend of manual and automated accessibility testing, Codoid ensures seamless digital experiences for all users

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does screen reader testing improve user experience?

    It ensures that visually impaired users can navigate, interact, and complete tasks independently, leading to a more inclusive and user-friendly digital experience.

  • Can screen readers test mobile applications?

    Yes, testers use VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android) to evaluate mobile app accessibility, ensuring proper navigation and interaction.

  • Why is Screen Reader Accessibility Testing important?

    It helps identify barriers that prevent visually impaired users from accessing digital content, ensuring compliance with WCAG, ADA, and Section 508 accessibility standards.

  • What are some commonly used screen readers for testing?

    Testers use screen readers like:

    NVDA (Windows) – Free and open-source
    JAWS (Windows) – Paid with advanced features
    VoiceOver (macOS & iOS) – Built-in for Apple devices
    TalkBack (Android) – Built-in for Android devices
    Narrator (Windows) – Basic built-in screen reader
    Orca (Linux) – Open-source for Linux users
    ChromeVox (Chrome OS) – Designed for web browsing

  • How can businesses ensure their websites are screen reader-friendly?

    Businesses can:

    Follow WCAG guidelines for accessibility compliance
    Test with multiple screen readers
    Use proper HTML structure, ARIA labels, and keyboard navigation
    Conduct manual and automated accessibility testing

AI Assistant in Chrome Devtools: Guide for Testers

AI Assistant in Chrome Devtools: Guide for Testers

Modern web browsers have evolved tremendously, offering powerful tools that assist developers and testers in debugging and optimizing applications. Among these, Google Chrome DevTools stands out as an essential toolkit for inspecting websites, monitoring network activity, and refining the user experience. With continuous improvements in browser technology, Chrome DevTools now includes AI Assistant, an intelligent feature that enhances the debugging process by providing AI-powered insights and solutions. This addition makes it easier for testers to diagnose issues, optimize web applications, and ensure a seamless user experience.

In this guide, we will explore how AI Assistant can be used in Chrome DevTools, particularly in the Network and Elements tabs, to assist in API testing, UI validation, accessibility checks, and performance improvements.

Uses of the AI Assistant Tool in Chrome DevTools

Chrome DevTools offers a wide range of tools for inspecting elements, monitoring network activity, analyzing performance, and ensuring security compliance. Among these, the AI Ask Assistant stands out by providing instant, AI-driven insights that simplify complex debugging tasks.

1. Debugging API and Network Issues

Problem: API requests fail, take too long to respond, or return unexpected data.

How AI Helps:

  • Identifies HTTP errors (404 Not Found, 500 Internal Server Error, 403 Forbidden).
  • Detects CORS policy violations, incorrect API endpoints, or missing authentication tokens.
  • Suggests ways to optimize API performance by reducing payload size or caching responses.
  • Highlights security concerns in API requests (e.g., unsecured tokens, mixed content issues).
  • Compares actual API responses with expected values to validate data correctness.

2. UI Debugging and Fixing Layout Issues

Problem: UI elements are misaligned, invisible, or overlapping.

How AI Helps:

  • Identifies hidden elements caused by display: none or visibility: hidden.
  • Analyzes CSS conflicts that lead to layout shifts, broken buttons, or unclickable elements.
  • Suggests fixes for responsiveness issues affecting mobile and tablet views.
  • Diagnoses z-index problems where elements are layered incorrectly.
  • Checks for flexbox/grid misalignments causing inconsistent UI behavior.

3. Performance Optimization

Problem: The webpage loads too slowly, affecting user experience and SEO ranking.

How AI Helps:

  • Identifies slow-loading resources, such as unoptimized images, large CSS/JS files, and third-party scripts.
  • Suggests image compression and lazy loading to speed up rendering.
  • Highlights unnecessary JavaScript execution that may be slowing down interactivity.
  • Recommends caching strategies to improve page speed and reduce server load.
  • Detects render-blocking elements that delay the loading of critical content.

4. Accessibility Testing

Problem: The web application does not comply with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

>How AI Helps:

  • Identifies missing alt text for images, affecting screen reader users.
  • Highlights low color contrast issues that make text hard to read.
  • Suggests adding ARIA roles and labels to improve assistive technology compatibility.
  • Ensures proper keyboard navigation, making the site accessible for users who rely on tab-based navigation.
  • Detects form accessibility issues, such as missing labels or incorrectly grouped form elements.

5. Security and Compliance Checks

Problem: The website has security vulnerabilities that could expose sensitive user data.

How AI Helps:

  • Detects insecure HTTP requests that should use HTTPS.
  • Highlights CORS misconfigurations that may expose sensitive data.
  • Identifies missing security headers, such as Content-Security-Policy, X-Frame-Options, and Strict-Transport-Security.
  • Flags exposed API keys or credentials in the network logs.
  • Suggests best practices for secure authentication and session management.

6. Troubleshooting JavaScript Errors

Problem: JavaScript errors are causing unexpected behavior in the web application.

>How AI Helps:

  • Analyzes console errors and suggests fixes.
  • Identifies undefined variables, syntax errors, and missing dependencies.
  • Helps debug event listeners and asynchronous function execution.
  • Suggests ways to optimize JavaScript performance to avoid slow interactions.

7. Cross-Browser Compatibility Testing

Problem: The website works fine in Chrome but breaks in Firefox or Safari.

How AI Helps:

  • Highlights CSS properties that may not be supported in some browsers.
  • Detects JavaScript features that are incompatible with older browsers.
  • Suggests polyfills and workarounds to ensure cross-browser support.

8. Enhancing Test Automation Strategies

Problem: Automated tests fail due to dynamic elements or inconsistent behavior.

How AI Helps:

  • Identifies flaky tests caused by timing issues and improper waits.
  • Suggests better locators for web elements to improve test reliability.
  • Provides workarounds for handling dynamic content (e.g., pop-ups, lazy-loaded elements).
  • Helps in writing efficient automation scripts by improving test structure.

Getting Started with Chrome DevTools AI Ask Assistant

Before diving into specific tabs, let’s first enable the AI Ask Assistant in Chrome DevTools:

Step 1: Open Chrome DevTools

  • Open Google Chrome.
  • Navigate to the web application under test.
  • Right-click anywhere on the page and select Inspect, or press F12 / Ctrl + Shift + I (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Option + I (Mac).
  • In the DevTools panel, click on the Experiments settings.

Amazon homepage opened in a Chrome browser with Chrome DevTools active on the right side. The DevTools panel highlights JavaScript code with an error message. The AI Assistant in Chrome DevTools is analyzing the code

Step 2: Enable AI Ask Assistant

  • Enable AI Ask Assistant if it’s available in your Chrome version.
  • Restart DevTools for the changes to take effect.

Amazon homepage displayed in a Chrome browser with Chrome DevTools Settings panel open on the right. The 'Experiments' tab is selected, showing options like 'AI Assistant' enabled in Chrome DevTools

Using AI Ask Assistant in the Network Tab for Testers

The Network tab is crucial for testers to validate API requests, analyze performance, and diagnose failed network calls. The AI Ask Assistant enhances this by providing instant insights and suggestions.

Step 1: Open the Network Tab

  • Open DevTools (F12 / Ctrl + Shift + I).
  • Navigate to the Network tab.
  • Reload the page (Ctrl + R / Cmd + R) to capture network activity.

API testing interface displayed in a Chrome browser with Chrome DevTools open on the right. The 'Network' tab is active, showing request details. The AI Assistant in Chrome DevTools is analyzing the network activity.

Step 2: Ask AI to Analyze a Network Request

  • Identify a specific request in the network log (e.g., API call, AJAX request, third-party script load, etc.).
  • Right-click on the request and select Ask AI Assistant.
  • Ask questions like:
    • “Why is this request failing?”
    • “What is causing the delay in response time?”
    • “Are there any CORS-related issues in this request?”
    • “How can I debug a 403 Forbidden error?”

Step 3: Get AI-Powered Insights for Testing

  • AI will analyze the request and provide explanations.
  • It may suggest fixes for failed requests (e.g., CORS issues, incorrect API endpoints, authentication errors).
  • You can refine your query for better insights.

Step 4: Debug Network Issues from a Tester’s Perspective

Some example problems AI can help with:

  • API Testing Issues: AI explains 404, 500, or 403 errors.
  • Performance Bottlenecks: AI suggests ways to optimize API response time and detect slow endpoints.
  • Security Testing: AI highlights CORS issues, mixed content, and security vulnerabilities.
  • Data Validation: AI helps verify response payloads against expected values.

Here I asked: “What is causing the delay in response time?”

API testing interface displayed in a Chrome browser with Chrome DevTools open on the right. The 'Network' tab is active, and the AI Assistant in Chrome DevTools is analyzing network requests, providing insights on response time and potential issues.

Using AI Ask Assistant in the Elements Tab for UI Testing

The Elements tab is used to inspect and manipulate HTML and CSS. AI Ask Assistant helps testers debug UI issues efficiently.

Step 1: Open the Elements Tab

  • Open DevTools (F12 / Ctrl + Shift + I).
  • Navigate to the Elements tab.

Step 2: Use AI for UI Debugging

  • Select an element in the HTML tree.
  • Right-click and choose Ask AI Assistant.
  • Ask questions like:
    • “Why is this button not clickable?”
    • “What styles are affecting this dropdown?”
    • “Why is this element overlapping?”
    • “How can I fix responsiveness issues?”

A webpage displaying broken images is open in a Chrome browser, with Chrome DevTools active on the right. The AI Assistant in Chrome DevTools is analyzing the issue, providing insights on why the images are broken and suggesting potential fixes.

Practical Use Cases for Testers

1. Debugging a Failed API Call in a Test Case

  • Open the Network tab → Select the request → Ask AI why it failed.
  • AI explains 403 error due to missing authentication.
  • Follow AI’s solution to add the correct headers in API tests.

2. Identifying Broken UI Elements

  • Open the Elements tab → Select the element → Ask AI why it’s not visible.
  • AI identifies display: none in CSS.
  • Modify the style based on AI’s suggestion and verify in different screen sizes.

3. Validating Page Load Performance in Web Testing

  • Open the Network tab → Ask AI how to optimize resources.
  • AI suggests reducing unnecessary JavaScript and compressing images.
  • Implement suggested changes to improve performance and page load times.

4. Identifying Accessibility Issues

  • Use the Elements tab → Inspect accessibility attributes.
  • Ask AI to suggest ARIA roles and label improvements.
  • Verify compliance with WCAG guidelines.

Conclusion

The AI Ask Assistant in Chrome DevTools makes debugging faster and more efficient by providing real-time AI-driven insights. It helps testers and developers quickly identify and fix network issues, UI bugs, performance bottlenecks, security risks, and accessibility concerns, ensuring high-quality applications. While AI tools improve efficiency, expert testing is essential for delivering reliable software. Codoid, a leader in software testing, specializes in automation, performance, accessibility, security, and functional testing. With industry expertise and cutting-edge tools, Codoid ensures high-quality, seamless, and secure applications across all domains.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does AI Assistant help in debugging API and network issues?

    AI Assistant analyzes API requests, detects HTTP errors (404, 500, etc.), identifies CORS issues, and suggests ways to optimize response time and security.

  • Can AI Assistant help fix UI layout issues?

    Yes, it helps by identifying hidden elements, CSS conflicts, and responsiveness problems, ensuring a visually consistent and accessible UI.

  • Can AI Assistant be used for accessibility testing?

    Yes, it helps testers ensure WCAG compliance by identifying missing alt text, color contrast issues, and keyboard navigation problems.

  • What security vulnerabilities can AI Assistant detect?

    It highlights insecure HTTP requests, missing security headers, and exposed API keys, helping testers improve security compliance.

  • Can AI Assistant help with cross-browser compatibility?

    Yes, it detects CSS properties and JavaScript features that may not work in certain browsers and suggests polyfills or alternatives.