What is Screenshot Testing?
Screenshot testing is a software testing technique that captures the visual output of user interfaces (UIs) and compares it against a baseline set of images. This method is primarily used in automated testing to identify visual regressions or discrepancies due to code changes. By leveraging automated tools, developers can ensure that the UI remains consistent across different browsers, devices, and screen resolutions.
The process typically involves taking screenshots of critical pages or components in an application and storing them as baseline images. During subsequent test runs, the automated testing framework will capture new screenshots and compare them with the stored images. Any differences are flagged for review, allowing developers to quickly identify unintended changes that may affect user experience.
Screenshot testing enhances collaboration between developers and designers by providing a clear visual reference for validating UI changes. Common tools used for screenshot testing include Percy, BackstopJS, and Applitools. Overall, this technique is an essential part of modern software development, ensuring visual integrity while speeding up the testing process.