When running UI tests, capturing screenshots can be an invaluable debugging tool. However, managing these screenshots can quickly become chaotic if they are not properly labeled. One effective way to make screenshots easier to organize and track is by incorporating the test name into the filename. This ensures that each screenshot can be traced back to the exact test that generated it.
Capturing the Current Test Name in Pytest
Pytest provides an environment variable called PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST, which contains information about the currently executing test. We can extract the test name from this variable and use it to generate meaningful screenshot filenames.
Here's an example of how to do this in a Selenium-based test:
import os
import time
from datetime import datetime
def test_full_page_screenshot_adv(browser):
browser.set_window_size(1315, 2330)
browser.get("https://www.cryan.com") # Navigate to the test page
# Extract the current test name
mytestname = os.environ.get('PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST').split(':')[-1].split(' ')[0]
# Create a timestamp for unique filenames
log_date = datetime.now().strftime('%Y-%m-%d-%H-%M')
# Define the screenshot path
screenshot_path = f"{mytestname}-{log_date}.png"
# Capture and save the screenshot
browser.save_screenshot(screenshot_path)
print(f"Screenshot saved as {screenshot_path}")
How It Works
Retrieve the Current Test Name:
The environment variable PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST holds information about the currently running test.
Using .split(':')[-1], we extract the actual test name from the full test path.
Further splitting by spaces (split(' ')[0]) ensures we only get the function name.
Generate a Timestamp:
The datetime.now().strftime('%Y-%m-%d-%H-%M') function creates a timestamp in the format YYYY-MM-DD-HH-MM to ensure unique filenames.
Save the Screenshot:
The test name and timestamp are combined to form a filename.
The screenshot is saved using Selenium's save_screenshot() method.
Why This Matters
Easier Debugging: Knowing which test generated a screenshot makes debugging test failures much simpler.
Organized Test Artifacts: Each screenshot is uniquely named, reducing the chances of overwriting files.
Automated Report Integration: The structured filenames can be linked to test reports, making them more informative.
Final Thoughts
By incorporating the test name into the screenshot filename, you can quickly identify which test generated a particular screenshot. This small tweak can save time when reviewing test results, especially in large automation suites.
Try implementing this in your test framework and see how much easier it becomes to manage your UI test screenshots!
History is full of moments where a lack of communication led to disaster. One of the most infamous? The Boston Massacre of 1770, where a chaotic mix of confusion, fear, and misinterpretation led British soldiers to open fire on a crowd, killing five colonists. While this tragic event changed history, it also serves as a powerful analogy for software quality assurance (QA).
When communication breaks down, whether on the streets of colonial Boston or in a modern software project, the result is chaos. In this post, we'll explore the eerie parallels between the Boston Massacre and software failures caused by poor QA practices - and how you can avoid your own "Massacre Moment."
Miscommunication: The Spark That Lights the Fire
The Boston Massacre began with confusion. Tensions were high between British soldiers and the colonists. A lone sentry was confronted by an angry crowd. Reinforcements arrived, but in the mayhem, someone yelled "Fire!" - whether it was an order or a frightened exclamation is still debated. The result? Gunfire erupted, lives were lost, and history was changed forever.
Now, imagine a software team working with unclear requirements. Developers assume one thing, testers prepare for another, and users expect something else entirely. The result? Bugs, broken features, and angry customers. The digital equivalent of firing into a crowd.
QA Lesson #1: Communicate like your app depends on it - because it does.
Clear requirements are your best defense against project chaos. Make sure expectations are documented, confirmed, and understood by everyone.
Structure Saves the Day
If there had been clearer protocols for handling civil unrest, the Boston Massacre might have been avoided. Similarly, a structured testing process prevents software projects from descending into confusion.
Without test plans, test cases, and well-documented testing strategies, teams rely on gut instinct - just like the soldiers did that night in Boston. That's no way to build stable software.
QA Lesson #2: Structure your QA process.
Write test plans and strategies.
Maintain a test case repository.
Implement a clear defect tracking system.
Without structure, you're one miscommunication away from disaster.
Automation: A Powerful Tool - But Keep It Fresh
Think of test automation like the British Redcoats: powerful, structured, and disciplined. But without proper upkeep and adaptation, automation scripts can become outdated, missing key bugs just like a rigid formation fails in guerrilla warfare.
Just as soldiers had to adapt to colonial resistance tactics, testers must continually update automation scripts to account for new features, changing user behavior, and evolving tech stacks.
QA Lesson #3: Automate smartly, but don't snooze on it.
Automation is only as good as its maintenance. Review and refresh test scripts regularly.
Regression Testing: Your Time-Travel-Proof Safety Net
The aftermath of the Boston Massacre shaped the American Revolution. Its impact didn't end when the gunfire stopped - just as a single software bug can ripple through an entire system long after a release.
Regression testing is your historical safeguard against repeating past mistakes. Just as historians analyze past events to prevent future conflicts, QA teams must re-run critical tests to ensure that today's fixes don't introduce yesterday's bugs.
QA Lesson #4: Regression testing is your insurance policy.
Run automated regression tests with every deployment.
Maintain a historical log of major defects to prevent reoccurrences.
Test like a historian - know what went wrong before to prevent history from repeating itself.
Final Thoughts: Don't Let History Repeat Itself
The Boston Massacre teaches us a critical lesson: miscommunication has consequences - whether in battle or in software. QA isn't just about catching bugs; it's about preventing confusion, ensuring structure, and maintaining order in the software development lifecycle.
So before your project descends into a colonial-style brawl, take a lesson from history: communicate clearly, structure your testing, maintain automation, and never skip regression testing.
Because if you don't, your next release might just be a historical disaster.
I've decided to shake things up a bit with my blog content over the next few months, shifting the focus to provide more value and variety for my readers. Specifically, I'm planning to dive deeper into the world of Software Quality Assurance, sharing practical tips and tricks that I've picked up throughout my career. Here's a detailed breakdown of how I'm restructuring the weekly schedule to keep things fresh, engaging, and informative:
Sunday: Open Topic DayEvery Sunday, I'll let my creativity run wild with an open-topic post. This day is all about flexibility - anything goes! I'll explore intriguing subjects that don't necessarily fit into the structured categories of the rest of the week. My goal is to uncover something unique, thought-provoking, or just plain fun to share with you. Whether it's a random observation, a deep dive into an unexpected idea, or a quirky discovery, Sundays will be a bit of a wild card.
Monday: Media MondayI'm keeping Media Monday as a staple for the foreseeable future. This day has become a favorite for a small but dedicated group of followers, particularly on YouTube, who look forward to my media-related posts. Whether it's a review, a tutorial, or a spotlight on something noteworthy in the media space, I'll ensure there's fresh content to kick off the week. It's a tradition worth preserving, and I'm excited to keep the momentum going.
Tuesday: Quality Assurance TipsTuesdays will be all about Software Quality Assurance, a topic I'm passionate about and eager to explore in greater depth. I'll be sharing bite-sized, practical tips and tricks that can help anyone interested in improving software quality - whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. Drawing from my years of experience, I'll cover general insights, common pitfalls, and clever techniques that have proven effective in the field. Expect a mix of foundational advice and creative solutions to everyday QA challenges.
Wednesday: Pytest AutomationMidweek, on Wednesdays, I'll turn my attention to Pytest, a widely-used Python web automation tool. This day will feature actionable tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Pytest for your automation projects. Whether it's streamlining your test scripts, debugging tricky issues, or optimizing workflows, I'll share insights that I've found useful in my own work. If you're a Python enthusiast or just curious about automation, this will be a great spot to pick up some new skills.
Thursday: Playwright AutomationThursdays are reserved for Playwright, another powerful automation tool that I've come to appreciate. I'll be focusing on tips and tricks tailored to this platform, with examples often written in TypeScript - my preferred language for Playwright projects. From setting up efficient test suites to tackling advanced use cases, I'll provide practical guidance to help you harness Playwright's capabilities. Whether you're new to it or looking to refine your approach, there'll be something here for you.
Friday: Macintosh FridayFriday will be all about the Macintosh computer - a topic I enjoy exploring and sharing with fellow Mac users. I'll offer tips and tricks for getting the most out of macOS, from productivity hacks to lesser-known features that can enhance your experience. While I'm not sure if I'll dive into hardware-related content in the next few months, there's plenty of software goodness to cover. Expect a mix of tutorials, shortcuts, and ideas to make your Mac life even better.
Saturday: Internet SaturdayTo wrap up the week, Saturdays will be dedicated to the wonders of the internet. I'll scour the web to find fun, useful, or surprising things to share - think free resources, low-cost tools, or hidden gems that deliver exceptional value. This day is about discovery and delight, offering a lighthearted way to close out the week. Whether it's a cool website, a handy app, or an online oddity, I'll bring something worth checking out.
This revamped schedule reflects my desire to balance consistency with variety, while leaning into my expertise in Software Quality Assurance. I'm excited to see how this unfolds over the coming months and hope you'll join me for the ride! Let me know what you think - or if there's something specific you'd love to see covered.
Looperman is a website for musicians that offers a variety of features to help you create and share your music. The website has a large library of loops and samples that you can use in your tracks, as well as a community of users who are always sharing new content.
Features
Looperman Loops: This is the website's main feature. It contains a vast library of loops and samples that you can use in your tracks. The loops are organized by genre, instrument, and tempo, making it easy to find what you need.
Looperman Community: This is a community of musicians who are always sharing new content. You can find forums, blogs, and chat rooms where you can connect with other musicians and get feedback on your work.
Looperman Tools: This section of the website contains a variety of tools that you can use to create and edit your music. These tools include a drum machine, a synthesizer, and a sampler.
Looperman Blog: The blog contains news and reviews about the latest music and technology. It also features interviews with musicians and other industry professionals.
How to Use Looperman
To use Looperman, you first need to create an account. Once you have an account, you can start browsing the library of loops and samples. You can also use the tools to create your own music.
Once you have created a track, you can share it with the Looperman community. You can also submit your tracks to be featured on the Looperman website.
Website Description
Looking for Free music loops , acapellas and vocals, want to hook up with like minded musicians from around the world or just looking to get some feedback on your music ? Well, you came to the right place. We have 1000s of free loops and other audio resources to keep you making music. Its free to join, start downloading now or upload your own loops, acapellas & tracks or find others to work with.
Hello, fellow Mac enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you probably have a BBEdit Notebook for every project under the sun - blogging, coding, writing documentation, and more. After all, the beauty of BBEdit's Notebook feature lies in its ability to help us stay organized, especially when we're juggling multiple ventures at once.
But here's a little annoyance that has irked me (and possibly you) for quite some time: when you add several BBEdit Notebooks to the right side of your Dock (the "Documents" area), they all show up with the same default BBEdit Notebook icon. It can make it tough to tell them apart at a glance, particularly if you have more than one. So what's a Mac power user to do? Let me walk you through a quick and easy fix to customize those icons - giving each Notebook a unique look - so you can access them without the guesswork.
The Challenge: Identical Icons in the Dock
By default, your BBEdit Notebooks look identical in the Dock's document area. If you keep more than one Notebook down there (and who doesn't?), you'll be left playing "icon roulette" whenever you want to open one. This is far from ideal, especially when you're in the middle of a productive streak and want to jump right into a specific Notebook.
Before/After
The Workaround: Custom Icons
My solution uses a handy little app called Image2icon (though you can use other methods, too). With Image2icon, you can turn just about any image (a logo, a project icon, or even a picture of your cat - hey, you do you!) into a custom icon. It's the same concept as replacing any folder's icon; we're just applying it to the BBEdit Notebooks.
Step 1: Prepare Your Icon
Install Image2icon (or your preferred icon-editing tool).
You can find Image2icon on the Mac App Store or from its developer's website.
Choose or create an image for your Notebook icon.
This can be a PNG or JPG. I like to use distinct icons that remind me of each project's theme - like a pen for writing projects or a code bracket for development.
Step 2: Convert the Image to an Icon
Open Image2icon and drag your chosen image into the app.
Export the icon in ICNS or Finder icon format (depending on the tool's settings).
Step 3: Replace the BBEdit Notebook Icon
Locate your BBEdit Notebook file in Finder.
Get Info on the Notebook file by selecting it and pressing Command + I.
Click the small icon in the top-left corner of the Info window to highlight it.
Paste the new icon you created (select the icon in Image2icon's Info panel or drag it from your export, and use Command + V in the BBEdit Notebook Info window).
Alternatively, if you used Image2icon's drag-and-drop functionality, you can just drag the new icon onto that small icon in the Get Info window.
Step 4: Refresh the Dock
Remove the Notebook from the Dock by dragging it out until you see the "Remove" label.
Drag your Notebook back in from the Finder onto the Dock's document area.
Voil?! You should now see your shiny new icon in the Dock.
Pro Tips and Extra Ideas
Keep a Consistent Theme: If you regularly create new Notebooks, it can be helpful to have a common theme or color palette for your icons. It keeps your Dock looking tidy and makes each Notebook icon instantly recognizable.
Use Short, Descriptive Names: Even though the icons are front and center, a short name or label can go a long way in quickly identifying a Notebook. Right-click on a Notebook in the Dock, select "Show in Finder," and rename the file for clarity (e.g., "Blog Notebook," "Code Docs," "Marketing Plan").
Drag and Drop for Quick Access: If you're creating a new BBEdit Notebook and already have a set of icons ready, don't forget you can instantly drag it onto the Dock for immediate use. No need to wait until later - get it set up the moment you create it.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it: a simple yet powerful way to distinguish your BBEdit Notebooks in the Dock. By replacing the default icon with a more personalized one, you'll spend less time hunting around and more time being productive in the apps and Notebooks you love.
Got any favorite BBEdit or Dock customization tricks up your sleeve? I'd love to hear about them! Feel free to share in the comments below or drop me a message on social media. Let's keep turning our Macs into the productivity powerhouses we know they can be.
As a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, I've created many QA training videos to help teams understand software testing best practices, automation strategies, and troubleshooting techniques. While tools like Snagit are great for quick screen recordings, I've found that Final Cut Pro (FCP) takes training videos to the next level.
With just a little extra effort, I can make my QA videos more engaging, professional, and effective, which leads to better knowledge retention. Here's how I optimize QA training videos in Final Cut Pro to ensure they keep the audience's attention while delivering valuable content.
1. Enhancing Engagement with Professional Transitions
QA training videos can sometimes feel dry, especially when explaining complex concepts like test automation frameworks, regression testing, or debugging techniques. Instead of presenting raw screen recordings, I use custom transitions from My FCPeffects to add smooth scene changes and keep the video visually appealing.
A few transitions I frequently use:
Zoom & Pan Transitions - Great for focusing on specific parts of the screen.
Fade & Cross Dissolve - Helps create a natural flow between sections.
Slide-in Annotations - Useful for drawing attention to key points.
2. Recording and Editing Voiceovers for Clarity
A well-structured voiceover can guide viewers through complex QA concepts without overwhelming them. Final Cut Pro allows me to record and fine-tune my voiceover directly in the timeline.
Compression & Limiting - Ensures a balanced audio level throughout the video.
Reverb & Audio Effects - Adds depth, making the voiceover sound more natural.
With these audio tweaks, my videos feel more polished and professional, helping viewers focus on the content rather than struggling to hear the explanations.
3. Adding Background Music for Engagement
Music can make a big difference in keeping viewers engaged. In Final Cut Pro, I add subtle background music to prevent dead air and enhance pacing. I select royalty-free tracks that complement the training video's tone without being distracting.
Some good places to find background music:
YouTube Audio Library
Artlist.io
Epidemic Sound
4. Exporting QA Training Videos in Multiple Formats
Once the video is complete, I need to share it in different formats depending on the audience:
YouTube & Vimeo - For public or internal training repositories.
Slack & Microsoft Teams - Quick sharing with remote teams.
MP4/DVD - For offline viewing or onboarding packages.
Final Cut Pro makes exporting to multiple formats quick and efficient, ensuring my training videos are accessible across various platforms.
Why This Matters for QA Professionals
Creating high-quality QA training videos is more than just recording a screen. It's about making software testing education accessible, engaging, and effective. With Final Cut Pro, I can:
Improve knowledge retention with professional visuals and audio.
Make complex testing concepts easier to follow.
Demonstrate my communication and technical skills - both valuable for a QA career.
As I continue my QA career journey, these skills show my ability to train, document, and communicate software testing knowledge effectively, making me a strong candidate for QA leadership and automation roles.
If you're looking for a QA Engineer who combines technical expertise with clear communication and training skills, let's connect!
I have been writing automation for PyTest for a couple of years now. One of the cool features of Pytest is fixtures - which gives developers the ability to reuable test resources efficiently.
In this blog post, we'll explore how to write efficient test cases using Python and Pytest fixtures, with practical examples to boost your testing game.
Whether you're a beginner looking to streamline your testing process or a seasoned developer aiming to optimize your workflow, this post will show you how to leverage Pytest fixtures for faster, more effective tests.
Why Use Pytest Fixtures for Test Cases?
Before diving into the how-to, let's clarify why Pytest fixtures matter. Writing test cases without proper setup can lead to repetitive code, slow execution, and hard-to-maintain tests. Pytest fixtures solve these problems by:
Reducing Redundancy: Share setup and teardown logic across multiple tests.
Improving Readability: Keep your test cases focused on the logic being tested.
Boosting Efficiency: Minimize resource usage with scoped fixtures.
For Python developers, combining Pytest fixtures with clean test case design makes automation really work well. Let's see how it works in practice.
What Are Pytest Fixtures?
Pytest fixtures are functions that provide reusable data or resources to your tests. They're defined using the @pytest.fixture decorator and can be injected into test functions as arguments. Fixtures can handle setup (e.g., creating a database connection) and teardown (e.g., closing it) automatically.
Run this with pytest test_example.py, and you'll see the test pass. The sample_data fixture provides consistent input for the test, keeping the test case concise.
Wouldn't it be great if all test were that easy-
Writing Efficient Test Cases with Fixtures
To make your test cases truly efficient, follow these best practices with Pytest fixtures:
1. Scope Fixtures Appropriately
Fixtures can be scoped to control how often they run:
function (default): Runs once per test function.
class: Runs once per test class.
module: Runs once per test file.
session: Runs once per test session.
For example, if you're testing a database connection, use a session scope to avoid reconnecting for every test:
@pytest.fixture(scope="session")
def db_connection():
conn = create_db_connection()# Imagine this connects to a DB
yield conn
conn.close()# Teardown after all tests
def test_query(db_connection):
result = db_connection.query("SELECT * FROM users")
assert len(result) > 0
2. Keep Fixtures Lightweight
Avoid heavy setup in fixtures unless necessary. For instance, don't load a full dataset if a small mock will do:
Here, api_client is a reusable session, and mock_response uses Pytest's monkeypatch to fake an API response. This setup is efficient, reusable, and easy to maintain.
Conclusion
Pytest fixtures are a powerful tool for writing efficient, maintainable test cases in Python. By scoping fixtures wisely, keeping them lightweight, and using parameterization, you can streamline your testing process and catch bugs faster. Start small with the examples above, and scale up as your project grows. Ready to level up your Python testing? Experiment with fixtures in your next test suite and see the difference for yourself!
I'm always on the lookout for ways to sharpen my automation skills and make testing more efficient and reliable. Recently, I came across DummyAPI.io - and it's a game-changer for API testing and automation practice!
This free mock API service provides realistic data (users, posts, comments, and more), making it an excellent resource for honing REST API testing skills. Whether you're using Playwright, Postman, or Python Pytest's requests library, this API lets you:
Practice API validation with real-world-like endpoints
Simulate CRUD operations for automation testing
Refine Playwright's APIRequestContext for fast, reliable tests
Debug and optimize API workflows before hitting production
For those QA Engineers diving deeper into API automation with Playwright, DummyAPI.io is a great sandbox to experiment with mock responses, authentication, and error handling - without worrying about backend infrastructure.
I was watching a VHS tape dated January 22, 2001, which contained six hours of recorded shows. While reviewing it, I discovered some great classic commercials worth sharing:
Now Playing
Featuring
Hostess - Rino sees a Hostess Cupcake
Heinz EZ Squirt - The mess on the guys car.
The Jetta - Cool feature to open all the windows
1-800-Collect - Save a Buck or Two
Suzanne Sommers - Ultra Track Workout machine.
Ruffles - Bigger Ridges! Better for Dipping
Michelob light - "That's why he put Michelob light in his resume."
Today's Carnival - "We can shop"
Jack in the Box - Liquid Sandwiches & You can't stop progress.
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