TestComplete attempts to simulate user actions as close to real user actions as possible. In most cases, instead of calling respective events programmatically, TestComplete really moves the mouse pointer, performs clicks and dragging operations, etc.
However, there is a number of aspects that differ simulated actions from those of an actual user. Keep them in mind when creating tests.
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By default, TestComplete uses the
SetText
action to input text in edit boxes. This action sets text programmatically (without typing it character-by-character) to improve the test execution speed. However, some controls rely on the events fired when the user enters text. Such events are not fired when theSetText
action is used. If you need an event to fire, use theKeys
action instead - it simulates typing text as a user would do this.You can define whether to use the
SetText
orKeys
action via the TestComplete Record text input into simple editors as option. -
TestComplete uses the
ScrollIntoView
method to scroll a web page and make the needed control visible on screen. This is not what a user would do, but this is what the web browser is expected to handle correctly. -
When recording a test with a web application, TestComplete may record extra
ToUrl
method calls. They are not needed when navigation is performed programmatically or when the test actually clicks a link. ExtraToURL
calls are recorded because TestComplete “does not know” if they are actually needed. So, review the recorded test and remove redundant method calls to avoid unneeded navigation.