Playwright with Python: Stable Locators and Better Assertions

Reliable automation starts with stable tests.

In Playwright, test stability improves when we use:

• strong locators
• built-in waiting behavior
• meaningful assertions

Code example

from playwright.sync_api import sync_playwright, expect

def test_google_search_box_is_ready():
    with sync_playwright() as p:
        browser = p.chromium.launch(headless=True)
        page = browser.new_page()

        page.goto("https://www.google.com", wait_until="domcontentloaded")

        search_box = page.locator("textarea[name='q']")
        expect(search_box).to_be_visible()
        expect(search_box).to_be_editable()

        browser.close()

## What this test checks

- Search input is visible
- Search input is editable

Report command

py -m pytest -q test_google_playwright.py --html=playwright_report.html --self-contained-html

## Why this approach is useful

- Fewer flaky failures
- Better confidence in test outcomes
- Cleaner reporting for review and collaboration