In automated testing, reliability and maintainability are crucial issues. To meet these challenges, the use of dedicated test identifiers (often referred to as testIDs or data-testid) is becoming increasingly essential. These personalized attributes enhance the stability of automation scripts and speed up anomaly detection.
This article highlights the importance of good testID selector management, its benefits and some best practices for getting the most out of it.
Interfaces change frequently (design modifications, HTML structure updates or visual redesigns). Selectors based on CSS classes or static XPath paths are then likely to "break" at the slightest modification.
On the other hand, dedicated and controlled testID attributes reduce this risk and ensure greater test robustness.
Automated tests are easier to understand and maintain when using descriptive testIDs. It also promotes collaboration between Front-End and QA teams, who can agree upstream on the naming and layout of these identifiers.
By doing away with purely decorative elements (classes, styles, etc.), testID selectors have no impact on visual appearance and remain functional even during major graphic redesigns.
Clear, consistent nomenclature helps avoid collisions and facilitates the identification of elements. We recommend adopting a structured format such as: data-testid="feature-element-action".
This structure makes the code easier to read and maintain.
Determining testIDs is not just the responsibility of QA. Developers and functional managers must also be involved to ensure that identifiers reflect business specifications, and that their insertion into the code remains consistent.
Avoid multiplying identical testIDs on several elements. Each testID should correspond to a single functional element to eliminate any ambiguity when running automated tests.
Set up regular checks (linting or audits) to detect any deletions or modifications to testID attributes. This proactive approach enables you to identify orphaned or unusable elements at an early stage, and anticipate any necessary corrections.
Avoid using the same attribute for both business logic and tests. This way, if the HTML structure or CSS classes evolve, the testID attribute remains intact and protects the test scripts.
Identifiers that are too long or disorganized make tests difficult to read. Opt for short but meaningful terms, with standardized prefixes or suffixes to facilitate code navigation.
For large applications, it makes sense to manage critical testIDs in a shared configuration file or repository (for example, a JavaScript object in a Front-End project). This approach facilitates tracking and reduces the risk of inconsistency when several teams or projects are involved.
Any modification or deletion of a testID must be recorded in the project documentation or backlog, so that test teams can adapt quickly. An inventory of testIDs, coupled with a brief description, ensures better traceability and saves time when writing or updating test scenarios.
The use of testID selectors is now standard practice for anyone wishing to make test automation more reliable and sustainable. By adopting a structured strategy (naming convention, regular updates, clear division of responsibilities), QA teams gain in efficiency and flexibility.
Well-managed testIDs provide a stable foundation for test campaigns, while drastically reducing maintenance costs associated with application upgrades.
Implementing rigorous testID management is a worthwhile long-term investment. It allows testers to save valuable time, devote more effort to overall quality analysis and, ultimately, deliver more reliable, higher-performance products.