Web Element Path Locator for Dynamic Pages

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using static web elements as reference points or mediators between the testing system and dynamic web elements. Instead of directly locating dynamic elements through their changing attributes (ID, class, absolute paths), the system uses stable static elements as intermediaries to establish relative paths. This mediator approach allows the system to adapt to dynamic content changes while maintaining reliable path determination through the stable reference framework provided by static elements.

The system implements self-service by automatically parsing web pages, identifying static and dynamic elements, and generating relative paths without requiring manual intervention. The automated process includes: parsing the web page to identify elements, determining which elements are static versus dynamic, automatically calculating relative paths from static to dynamic elements, and maintaining the path database. This self-service automation eliminates the labor-intensive manual path determination process while significantly reducing the time required for path determination.

The patent applies dynamics by creating a hybrid path determination system that combines static reference points with dynamic element targeting. The system dynamically adapts to web page changes by: continuously parsing web pages to identify updated elements, maintaining a database of static elements as stable references, and dynamically generating relative paths that can accommodate structural changes. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high productivity in web testing while ensuring path reliability even when page structures change, as the relative paths from static to dynamic elements remain valid despite dynamic content updates.