In today's fast-paced world of web development and automation testing, having the right tools can make all the difference. The Browser DevTools console is one of these essential tools, providing developers and testers with a robust way to inspect and manipulate web elements.
As a test manager and passionate Selenium enthusiast, I've always been on the lookout for tools and techniques that can make automation testing more efficient. One such gem I've incorporated into my workflow is the $$ function in the Browser DevTools console. It's a powerful yet often overlooked feature that can significantly enhance your development and testing processes.
$$() is a shorthand for document.querySelectorAll(), a method used to query multiple elements
$$() helps you quickly retrieve DOM elements using CSS selectors
How to Open the Console in Chrome Browser
Before diving into the $$ function, let’s ensure you’re comfortable accessing the DevTools console in Google Chrome. Here’s how I typically do it:
Keyboard Shortcut:
Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + J
macOS: Press Cmd + Option + J
Once pressed, Chrome will open the DevTools window with the Console tab active by default.
Right-Click and Inspect:
Right-click on any element on the webpage and select “Inspect”.
Navigate to the Console tab in the DevTools panel that appears.
Chrome Menu Approach:
Click on the three-dot menu at the top-right corner of Chrome.
Select “More Tools” → “Developer Tools”, then click on the Console tab.
Using the keyboard shortcuts is especially handy if you’re repeatedly switching between your browser and your test scripts.
Understanding the Basics of the $$ Function
The $$ function is a shorthand for document.querySelectorAll() and allows you to select multiple elements from the Document Object Model (DOM) using CSS selectors with minimal effort. This means fewer keystrokes and more efficient coding—something we all appreciate in the fast-paced world of web development and automation testing.
// syntax : $$('CSS_Selector')
Eg:
//retrieves all <button> elements on a page.
$$('button’)
//retrieves all elements with a specific class name.
$$('.class-name’)
Using $$ cuts down the amount of code I need to write, speeding up both development and testing tasks. It's especially useful in rapid testing scenarios where time is of the essence.
Why the $$ Function Matters for QA
The $$ function is essentially a shorthand for document.querySelectorAll(). It returns an array-like list of all matching DOM elements, allowing you to interact with them immediately. While this is great for developers, it’s equally valuable for QA professionals who need to:
Quickly Validate Selectors: Ensure your CSS selectors used in your test script are correct.
Debug Complex Pages: Confirm elements are in the correct state or quickly check if dynamic elements have been loaded.
Iterate Through Multiple Elements: Perform quick checks or manipulations without writing extra code in your test scripts.
Using $$ in QA Workflows
Here’s how I would integrate $$ into Automation Test Script:
1. Selector Verification
Before locking a selector into a test script, I quickly verify it in the console:
$$('.username-input')If the console returns the expected elements, I confidently use the same selector in my tests. This reduces trial-and-error cycles in test automation.
2. Bulk Element Manipulations
When I’m exploring a bug or verifying a specific user flow, I might need to see how multiple elements react to a change:
$$('button').forEach(btn => btn.textContent = 'Click Me');In seconds, all button labels update, helping me confirm design or functionality requirements before coding the test.
3. Debugging Visual or State Issues
Sometimes, UI discrepancies or dynamic states can cause tests to fail in unpredictable ways. Using $$ in the console, I can:
console.log(`Loaded items: ${ $$('.product-tile').length }`);If the number of product tiles in the console doesn’t match the test assertion logs, I know exactly where to investigate further.
Advanced Techniques with $$
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, there are more sophisticated ways to leverage $$:
Combining with Array Methods
You can chain array methods like .map(), .filter(), or .some()
const buttonTexts = $$('.btn-primary').map(btn => btn.textContent);This returns an array of button text values, letting you rapidly confirm UI text or compare them against expected data.
Custom CSS Selectors
DevTools supports advanced CSS selectors. For instance, selecting only visible <span> elements:
$$('span:visible')This granularity helps confirm hidden vs. visible elements, crucial for automation checks where timing or dynamic rendering can be an issue.
Nested Selections
Often, you may need to locate elements within specific container elements:
$$('section.test-wrapper a')This specifically targets all <a> tags within a <section> having class .test-wrapper, giving you precise control when verifying nested structures.
Shortcuts and Best Practices
Keep It Simple:
Use short, descriptive selectors. Overly complex ones can lead to confusion and harder-to-maintain tests.
Check the Count:
A quick .length check helps confirm you’re locating the right number of elements:
console.log($$('.test-element').length);Document & Share:
Maintain a reference of effective selectors. This fosters collaboration and consistency across your QA team.
Example: Validating a Login Flow
Let’s say you’re testing a login page. Before finalizing your test script, you might:
// 1. Ensure the input fields exist
$$('.login-input').forEach(input => console.log(input.name));
// 2. Check the login button is present and enabled
console.log($$('.login-btn').length);Once confirmed, you can safely implement these selectors in your test code, reducing the chance of failures due to selector inaccuracies.
Final Thoughts
Learning to leverage the $$ function in the Browser DevTools console has been invaluable in my role. By simplifying the selection of multiple elements, it facilitates faster interactions with the DOM and maintains clarity in code.
As web development evolves, so do the tools we use. The $$ function is a powerful resource for automating workflows, debugging, and enhancing overall productivity. Whether I'm validating elements, debugging intricate UI interactions, or iterating swiftly within scripts, the $$ function stands out as an essential tool in my toolkit.
Mastering the $$ function in Browser DevTools can expedite debugging, accelerate workflow, and ensure more robust tests. By embracing this straightforward selector approach, you’ll spend less time wrestling with DOM queries and more time refining test coverage.
Ready to Explore Further?
Dive into Chrome DevTools and give the $$ function a try! Whether you’re verifying selectors, monitoring state changes, or performing bulk DOM manipulations, it’s a powerful tool to have in your QA arsenal.
Take a moment to experiment with the $$ function and explore how it can streamline your test creation and debugging efforts.
If you discover additional tips, insights, or unique use cases, feel free to share them—knowledge exchange helps us all excel in delivering high-quality software!
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