Forum Discussion

BrandonH's avatar
BrandonH
Contributor
8 years ago

Do I Need to Have Developers Add Unique Object Identifiers?

Hi,

 

    I'm testing a custom, GUI based application with many objects of very similar properties.  The only unique identifier between them is currently the index #; however, the index # will update occasionally.  I do not want to rely on specifying the location or size of the objects as these can change.  All objects have a Name property of: Window("SWT_Window0","",#) where # is the Index #.

 

     Do I need to ask the developers to add a unique identifier so that my tests can be robust or is there another way (i.e. is there a way to map via image identification?)?  What identifier would you advise be added to the objects?

 

 

 

 

Thanks,

  • tristaanogre's avatar
    tristaanogre
    8 years ago

    Something doesn't seem right to me... you have an application that has SWT objects... that's what SWT_Window is... but it's not using the SWTObject method for identifying those objects.  This seems to indicate that the Java Application Support plug in is not installed.  

     

    Please check File | Install Extensions... expand the "Desktop" item and make sure that extension is checked.

  • tristaanogre's avatar
    tristaanogre
    Esteemed Contributor
    8 years ago

    Something doesn't seem right to me... you have an application that has SWT objects... that's what SWT_Window is... but it's not using the SWTObject method for identifying those objects.  This seems to indicate that the Java Application Support plug in is not installed.  

     

    Please check File | Install Extensions... expand the "Desktop" item and make sure that extension is checked.

    • BrandonH's avatar
      BrandonH
      Contributor
      8 years ago

      Robert,

       

          Thanks, looks like you are correct, Java Application Support plug-in is not installed.  Is that only available using the Desktop Module license? Apparently I only have the Web Module license.

      • tristaanogre's avatar
        tristaanogre
        Esteemed Contributor
        8 years ago

        My suspicion is that, yes, if you don't have the Desktop license, you won't have that plugin.  Not being a SmartBear employee myself, I hesitate to tell you what you need to do.  I'd suggest you contact your sales rep and see what they can do for you.

  • AlexKaras's avatar
    AlexKaras
    Champion Level 3
    8 years ago

    Hi,

     

    While everything told by Robert about SWT is correct and should be clarified, the generic answer to your question is:

    "Yes! Having all UI objects used in automated tests assigned their unique and stable IDs during development is the best and recommended practice for any application type (desktop, web, mobile, etc.)".

    • tristaanogre's avatar
      tristaanogre
      Esteemed Contributor
      8 years ago

      My apologies for not answering your question directly, BrandonH.  AlexKaras is correct... maintaining a partnership with the developers in building automated tests is always a good idea and anything they can do and are willing to do to make your job easier is always a good idea.

       

      If they can't give you the unique identifiers, if you get the plug-in stuff sorted out, you should find more accurate identification available.