Learn why using semantic locators like data attributes and ARIA roles makes your tests more robust than text-based selectors. Discover best practices for writing frontend tests in TypeScript with Playwright.

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Text-based selectors in end-to-end tests are fragile and break when text changes, internationalization is added, or content becomes dynamic. Semantic locators like data attributes (data-testid) and ARIA roles provide more robust alternatives that survive text changes, work across locales, and improve accessibility. Best practices recommend prioritizing role-based selectors first, then test IDs, and only using text content when necessary. Combining locators and focusing on user flows rather than implementation details creates more maintainable test suites.

Why You Should Use Locators Instead of Text in Your Tests