Writing tests that are easy to understand, maintain, and actually tell you something when they fail?
Yes, it’s possible. And it starts here.

Here’s a no-bullshit guide to test automation best practices.

🎯 1. One test = one purpose

A test isn’t a buffet.
Keep it focused. One feature, one scenario, one outcome.

❌ Bad:

def test_login_and_change_password_and_logout():
    ...

✅ Good:

def test_login_successful():
    ...

def test_password_change():
    ...

🔍 2. Use names that actually mean something

If your test is called test1, you should feel bad.
Tests are code. And code should communicate.

Name your tests like they matter:

def test_login_fails_with_invalid_credentials():
    ...

🧪 3. Use fixtures, don’t copy-paste setup

Copy-pasting setup code is how your test suite becomes a dumpster fire.

@pytest.fixture is your cleanup crew. Use it.

🪓 4. Hardcoded values? Just don’t.

Hardcoded URLs, passwords, selectors – future-you hates this.

Use config files, environment variables, or parametrize.

🧱 5. Keep structure: Arrange – Act – Assert

Don’t write tests like you’re playing darts drunk.
Structure it.

# Arrange
driver.get("https://example.com")

# Act
login(driver, "user", "pass")

# Assert
assert "Welcome" in driver.page_source

🧼 6. Clean up (yes, really)

Leaving browser instances open is a crime.
Use yield in fixtures. Call driver.quit().

Be a decent dev.

🛠️ 7. Use waits smartly, skip the sleeps

time.sleep(5) is for amateurs.

Use WebDriverWait and proper retry logic. Your tests will thank you later.

🧙‍♂️ 8. Write tests like someone else will read them

…because someone will.
Or you, six months from now.

Readable code. Occasional comment. Don’t be cryptic.

🐍 9. Stick to conventions

test_ prefix, readable assertions, clear structure – just follow the rules. Pytest has them for a reason.

🧩 10. Test what matters

Don’t test the “OK” button just because it’s there.
Ask yourself: “What’s the risk if this breaks?”
If the answer is meh – skip it.

TL;DR

✅ One test, one purpose
✅ Names matter
✅ Setup = fixtures
✅ No hardcoded garbage
✅ Tests = readable code

Write tests you won’t curse at later.

Next up: Page Object Model – how to do it right without turning it into a hydra.

Stay sharp, test sharper 🔥