Introduction to StaleElementException

StaleElementException is a common exception that occurs when working with web elements in Selenium automation testing. In this guide, we will explore what causes this exception, how to identify it, and how to handle it.

What is StaleElementException?

StaleElementException is a run-time exception in Selenium that occurs when a previously located web element is no longer attached to the current DOM (Document Object Model). This means that the web element's location in the DOM has changed, causing the reference to the web element to become stale.

What causes StaleElementException?

StaleElementException can be caused by several factors, including:

• The web page has been refreshed or updated after the test script has already located the web element.
• The web element has been modified or deleted dynamically by Javascript or AJAX calls.
• The web element was located using a locator strategy that is no longer valid.

How to identify StaleElementException?

To identify StaleElementException, look for the following stack trace in your test script:

org.openqa.selenium.StaleElementException

Sometimes, StaleElementException may also be accompanied by other error messages, depending on the cause of the exception.

How to handle StaleElementException?

There are several ways to handle StaleElementException, depending on the specific case. Here are some general strategies:

• Use explicit waits to wait for the web element to become stale before interacting with it again.
• Re-locate the web element using a valid locator strategy.
• Refresh the web page and re-locate the web element.
• Avoid using stale web elements and always re-locate the web element before interacting with it.

Conclusion

StaleElementException is a common exception in Selenium automation testing that occurs when previously located web elements become stale. To avoid this exception, it is important to always use valid locator strategies and re-locate web elements before interacting with them. With these strategies, you can handle StaleElementException effectively and ensure the reliability and stability of your automated tests.