Selectors
Selectors in the Data Repository are used to locate elements in the application under test.
Selectors allow automated tests to identify UI components such as buttons, input fields, links, tables, and other interactive elements on a web page. By storing selectors in the Data Repository, you can manage them centrally and reuse them across multiple test cases.
This approach makes your tests easier to maintain. If an application’s UI changes, you can update the selector once in the repository instead of editing multiple test cases.
Selectors can be created, edited, and deleted in the Data Repository → Selectors section.
Selector Types
TestFirst supports the following selector types:
CSS Selectors – commonly used for locating elements using CSS syntax
XPath Selectors – useful for locating elements in complex DOM structures
Both selector types can be used to identify elements during automated test execution.
Add a Selector
To create a new selector:
Step 1 - Select Selectors
Open the Data Repository and select Selectors tab.
Step 2 - Open the Add Item Modal
You can add a selector in two ways:
Click the New Item icon in the Data Repository header
Right-click the folder where you want to add the selector and select Add Item
The Add Item modal will appear.
Step 3 - Enter Selector Details
Provide the following information:
Name – The name used to identify the selector
Folder – Folder where the selector will be stored
Environment – The environment where the selector will be used
Type – Select the selector type (CSS or XPath)
Value – Enter the selector expression
Step 4 - Save the Selector
Click SAVE.
The selector is now stored in the Data Repository and can be referenced in test cases.
Edit a Selector
To modify an existing selector:
Right-click the selector, then select Edit. The Edit Item modal will appear.
Update the fields as needed, then click SAVE.
Delete a Selector
Right-click the selector, then select Delete. The Delete Item confirmation modal will appear. Click YES to permanently remove the selector.
Important
Deleted selectors cannot be restored.
Once a selector is removed from the Data Repository, it is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Always ensure the selector is no longer used in test cases before deleting it.
Best Practices
To keep selectors reliable and maintainable:
Use clear and descriptive selector names
Prefer stable element attributes such as IDs or data attributes
Avoid selectors that rely on dynamic values
Store frequently used selectors in shared folders
Update selectors in the repository instead of editing multiple tests
Managing selectors properly helps keep automated tests stable, reusable, and easier to maintain.
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