Using Tosca XScan for Object Identification

In the world of automated testing, accurately identifying and interacting with user interface (UI) elements is critical to building reliable and maintainable test cases. Tricentis Tosca, a popular test automation tool, offers a unique and powerful feature for this purpose: Tosca XScan. XScan stands for "eXtended Scanner," and it enables testers to scan applications and create reusable modules by identifying UI objects efficiently.

In this blog, we will explore how to use Tosca XScan for object identification, discuss its key features, and outline best practices for working with it.


What Is Tosca XScan?

Tosca XScan is a component of the Tosca Commander that allows testers to scan the interface of applications under test (AUT) and identify UI elements such as buttons, input fields, checkboxes, and tables. These identified objects are then converted into modules, which serve as reusable building blocks for automated test cases.

  • XScan supports a wide range of technologies, including:
  • Web applications (HTML/JavaScript-based)
  • Desktop applications (Windows, Java, SAP, etc.)
  • Mobile apps
  • APIs (with Tosca’s API Scan)


Launching Tosca XScan

To start XScan:

  1. Open Tosca Commander.
  2. Navigate to the Modules section.
  3. Right-click and select Scan → choose the appropriate technology (e.g., "Scan Application" for desktop or web).
  4. The XScan window will open and attempt to connect to the target application.


Scanning the Application

Once XScan is launched and connected to your application:

  • Hover your mouse over UI elements.
  • XScan highlights the elements it can recognize.
  • Press Ctrl + Left Click or click the "Scan" button to capture the selected element.
  • The element appears in the XScan panel with its technical attributes (e.g., ID, name, type).

You can capture multiple elements in a single session, organizing them logically into a module.


Customizing Object Properties

XScan provides the option to view and customize the identification parameters for each object. These parameters include:

  • Technical ID
  • Control type (e.g., TextBox, Button)
  • Visible text
  • Index (if multiple similar elements exist)

Tosca uses a weighting mechanism to prioritize certain properties for object recognition. You can modify these weights to improve reliability, especially for dynamic UIs.


Saving and Reusing Modules

After scanning, click Finish Scan to save the module. It will now appear in the Modules section of Tosca Commander. You can then:

  • Drag and drop module attributes (e.g., “Username field”, “Login button”) into test cases.
  • Reuse modules across multiple test cases, improving efficiency and maintainability.
  • Parameterize values for data-driven testing.


Best Practices for Using XScan

  • Use Stable Identifiers: Prefer stable attributes like unique IDs or labels over dynamic properties such as positions or index values.
  • Group Logically: Group scanned elements based on screen or functionality (e.g., “Login Page Module”).
  • Rename Elements Clearly: Use descriptive names for easier recognition in test cases.
  • Rescan When Needed: If the UI changes, use the “Rescan” option to update the module without creating a new one.
  • Validate Object Recognition: Always test object recognition using Tosca’s “Highlight” feature to ensure accuracy.


Conclusion

Tosca XScan streamlines the process of identifying and interacting with UI objects in test automation. With its intuitive interface and robust scanning capabilities, it allows testers to quickly build reusable, maintainable modules that enhance the reliability of test suites. By mastering XScan, QA teams can dramatically reduce effort spent on object maintenance and ensure high coverage across complex application landscapes. Whether you're testing web, desktop, or mobile apps, XScan is an essential tool in your Tosca automation toolkit.

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