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Understanding the Difference between Absolute and Relative XPath in Selenium WebDriver
Focus Keyword: Absolute vs Relative XPath in Selenium WebDriver
When it comes to locating elements on a webpage using Selenium WebDriver, it's crucial to understand the distinction between absolute and relative XPath.
Absolute XPath: This type of XPath defines the full path of an element from the root node to the desired element. It starts with a single forward slash /
and includes the complete hierarchy of the elements.
Relative XPath: In contrast, relative XPath describes the path of an element relative to its nearest parent node. It usually starts with a double forward slash //
and provides a more flexible way to locate elements by not specifying the entire hierarchy.
Choosing between absolute and relative XPath depends on the specific requirements of the test case. While absolute XPath may be more precise, it can become brittle if the webpage structure changes. Relative XPath, on the other hand, offers more robustness and adaptability to changes in the DOM.
By using the appropriate XPath strategy in Selenium WebDriver, testers can effectively locate elements and build reliable automation scripts that withstand dynamic webpage changes.
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