Introduction 

Katalon Studio is a popular tool for web test automation, offering various features to simplify testing processes. Among these, the WebUiCommonHelper class stands out as a crucial component. It provides a range of utility methods designed to make interactions with web elements more efficient and enhance the overall functionality of your test scripts. This blog will explore the features of WebUiCommonHelper, its common usage scenarios, and the advantages it brings to your automation projects.

What is WebUiCommonHelper?

WebUiCommonHelper is a helper class in Katalon Studio that extends the capabilities of the platform’s built-in keywords. It works closely with Selenium WebDriver to provide additional methods that make it easier to locate, manipulate, and manage web elements. This class is particularly useful for handling complex scenarios that might be challenging with standard keywords alone.

Key Methods in WebUiCommonHelper

Here are some of the most important methods provided by WebUiCommonHelper:

• findWebElement(TestObject testObject, int timeout)
  • This method helps you locate a web element based on a TestObject. If the TestObject already has a cached WebElement, it returns that; otherwise, it searches the web page using the TestObject’s properties.
  • Example:

WebElement element = WebUiCommonHelper.findWebElement(findTestObject('Page_Example/button_Submit'), 30);

• findWebElements(TestObject testObject, int timeout)
  • Similar to findWebElement, but instead of a single element, this method returns a list of all web elements that match the specified TestObject.
  • Example:

List<WebElement> elements = WebUiCommonHelper.findWebElements(findTestObject('Page_Example/items_List'), 30);

• buildLocator(TestObject testObject)
  • This method creates a locator based on the properties of the TestObject. You can use this locator to find elements on the web page manually.
  • Example:

String locator = WebUiCommonHelper.buildLocator(findTestObject('Page_Example/input_Search'));

• switchToParentFrame(TestObject testObject)
  • This method is useful when dealing with nested frames in web applications. It allows you to switch the context to the parent frame of a specified TestObject.
  • Example:

WebUiCommonHelper.switchToParentFrame(findTestObject('Page_Example/iframe_Content'));

• closeWindowUsingTitle(WebDriver webDriver, String title)
  • If you need to close a browser window based on its title, this method makes it easy. It finds the window with the specified title and closes it.
  • Example:

WebUiCommonHelper.closeWindowUsingTitle(WebDriverInstance, "Example - Title");

Common Usage Scenarios

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WebUiCommonHelper is often used alongside other Katalon Studio keywords to create more effective test scripts. Here are a few scenarios where it shines:

• Handling Dynamic Elements
  • In web applications with dynamic content, elements may not always be immediately available or might change frequently. By using findWebElement with a custom timeout, you can ensure that your script waits for the element to appear, reducing the chances of your tests failing due to timing issues.
  • Example:

WebElement element = WebUiCommonHelper.findWebElement(findTestObject('Page_Example/button_Submit'), 30);

element.click();

• Complex Interactions
  • When dealing with complex user interactions, such as custom drag-and-drop operations or interacting with non-standard elements, WebUiCommonHelper allows you to inject Script or perform actions that might not be supported by Katalon’s standard Web UI keywords.
  • Example:

WebUiCommonHelper.executeScript("arguments[0].click();", Arrays.asList(element));

WebUiCommonHelper vs. findTestObject

Understanding the difference between WebUiCommonHelper and findTestObject is key to using them effectively:

• WebUiCommonHelper:
  • Provides utility methods for working directly with WebElement objects using Selenium WebDriver.
  • Methods like findWebElement() and switchToParentFrame() simplify element interactions and extend functionality.
  • Returns WebElement objects.
• findTestObject:
  • Retrieves a TestObject from the Object Repository, which represents a UI element in the application.
  • Typically used in conjunction with Katalon’s built-in Web UI keywords.
  • Returns TestObject instances.

Advantages of Using WebUiCommonHelper

Using WebUiCommonHelper in Katalon Studio offers several benefits:

1. Simplified Element Interactions:
   • Methods like findWebElement() make it easier to locate and interact with elements, reducing the complexity of working directly with Selenium WebDriver.
2. Enhanced Functionality:
   • It extends the capabilities of Katalon’s built-in keywords, allowing you to perform tasks such as switching frames and taking screenshots more effectively.
3. Improved Test Reliability:
   • By handling dynamic elements and complex interactions more gracefully, WebUiCommonHelper helps make your tests more reliable and less prone to failure.

Conclusion

WebUiCommonHelper is an essential tool in Katalon Studio for anyone looking to enhance their web automation scripts. Whether you’re dealing with dynamic content, complex user interactions, or just want to simplify your test scripts, this helper class provides the functionality you need. By mastering WebUiCommonHelper, you can create more robust, flexible, and reliable automated tests, making your web automation efforts more efficient and effective.