The data-testid attribute is a custom attribute commonly used in testing to uniquely identify elements in the HTML markup. Unlike standard attributes like id, class, or name, which are typically used for styling or JavaScript interactions, the data-testid attribute is specifically intended for testing purposes.
When writing tests, using data-testid allows you to target elements without relying on their structure or other attributes that might change. It provides a stable and clear way to select elements in your tests, making your test suite more robust and easier to maintain.
Here’s an example of how you might use data-testid in your component:
<button data-testid="submit-button">Submit</button>
In this example, the data-testid attribute is added to a button element with the value "submit-button". In your test code, you can then query this button using getByTestId:
const submitButton = screen.getByTestId('submit-button');
Using data-testid helps decouple your tests from the implementation details of your components, making them less likely to break due to changes in your component's structure or other attributes. It's a best practice to use data-testid judiciously, focusing on elements that are critical for testing scenarios and might be subject to change.