When it comes to writing efficient code in Protractor, understanding the differences between `isElementPresent`, `element.isPresent`, and `element.isElementPresent` can make a big difference in how you approach your test automation scripts. These methods may seem similar, but behind the scenes, they perform distinct functions that can impact the reliability and performance of your tests.
1. isElementPresent:
`isElementPresent` is a method that checks if an element is present in the DOM without interacting with it. This method returns a promise that resolves to a Boolean value, indicating whether the element exists on the page or not. It is important to note that `isElementPresent` does not wait for the element to be present and can lead to false negatives if used inappropriately.
You can use `isElementPresent` when you need a quick check to verify if an element is part of the DOM structure before performing any actions on it. However, keep in mind that this method does not handle waits or synchronization, so you may need to combine it with explicit waits to ensure the element is fully loaded before proceeding.
2. element.isPresent:
On the other hand, `element.isPresent` is a method provided by Protractor that is used to check for the presence of an element in the DOM within a specific timeout. This method returns a promise that resolves to a Boolean value, indicating whether the element is present within the specified timeout period.
Unlike `isElementPresent`, `element.isPresent` includes built-in waiting capabilities, making it a more robust option for synchronizing your tests with the actual state of the application. By using `element.isPresent`, you can ensure that your test scripts wait for the element to become available before interacting with it, reducing the likelihood of flaky tests due to timing issues.
3. element.isElementPresent:
`element.isElementPresent` is not a built-in method in Protractor. If you encounter references to `element.isElementPresent` in your code base or online resources, it may be a custom or extension method implemented by a specific testing framework or library. In such cases, you should refer to the documentation or source code of the framework to understand its behavior and usage.
In summary, `isElementPresent`, `element.isPresent`, and `element.isElementPresent` serve distinct purposes in Protractor automation testing. When deciding which method to use in your test scripts, consider the level of synchronization required, the need for explicit waits, and the framework-specific conventions in play. By choosing the right method for the task at hand, you can write more reliable and efficient test scripts that help you validate your application's behavior with confidence.