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What types of Xpath expressions can I use when automating web applications?

I need to know different ways of finding elements so that if I can't use an ID I can always locate the element I need to work with.

Note: This is intended to be a canonical question about Xpath expressions.

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    What was your problem? from your own answered question, It seems that you have just posted this question for knowledge sharing. I don't know How others will react on this post..but I think this is not a good practice here...
    – Bharat Mane ♦
    Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 10:15
  • Please refer this: stackoverflow.blog/2011/07/01/…
    – KavinduWije
    Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 10:18
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    The concept of asking a question and then answering it is fine here. These tend to be considered canonical questions to build a good knowledge base. Unfortunately, this question will need a lot of editing to make a good canonical question. I will do that next.
    – Kate Paulk
    Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 12:25
  • Nice editing @KatePaulk to avoid from closing this post.
    – Bharat Mane ♦
    Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 13:22
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    Question should mention that XPath is locator of the last resort, when name, ID, CSS class etc cannot be used, because it is fragile and flaky.
    – Peter M. - stands for Monica
    Commented Aug 23, 2017 at 14:43

2 Answers 2

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Xpath Types

•Xpath using contains text 

//div[contains(text(),'Sign up')]

•Xpath using text 

//div[ (text()='Sign up')]

•Merge Xpath (combining two Xpaths together)

Xpath=(//input[@name='email'])[2]/div/div/a

•We can use multiple attributes inside the Xpaths 

//input[@id='email'][@name='email']

•We can also use logical expressions like 'AND' 'OR' in an XPath expression

//input[@name='email' and @type='Phone']

//input[@name='email' or @type='Phone']

•Xpath using following, preceding

//table[@role='presentation']/following::input 

//table[@role='presentation']/following-sibling::input

//table[@role='presentation']/ preceding::input

//table[@role='presentation']/ preceding-sibling::input
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  • You can indeed write @value='Email or Phone' but it means something quite different from @value='Email' or @value = 'Phone'
    – Michael Kay
    Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 10:12
  • yes, you are correct. I'll change the attribute values. Thank you.
    – KavinduWije
    Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 10:15
  • @KavinduWije, Excellent, thanks for sharing the knowledge.
    – Tired Of Testing
    Commented Aug 22, 2017 at 14:39
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There are a few addons for Firefox that can make your life easier when it comes to locators.

I use Mozilla addon.

screen shot

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