Spring '25 Release 2
Executive Summary
We’re excited to announce the latest enhancements to the Provar product suite with our Spring ’25 Release 2. You can download and install Spring ’25 Release 2 directly from the Provar Success Portal.
Important Notice: Java 21 Upgrade
As we have notified in our previous communications, Provar has completed our upgrade to Java 21 and it is now available. This is part of our continuous efforts to utilize the latest technology. This upgrade ensures we can release ongoing updates as part of our regular long-term support compatibility commitment.
This change will impact you, as necessary changes must be implemented to ensure seamless running of Provar Automation. To find out more, check out our Java 21 help page which contains more details. We will keep you updated as we progress with this upgrade.
Note: All the latest build tags will now point to the latest 2.15.2 Automation release, which requires Java 21 setup for CI/CD execution.
Provar Automation Features and Enhancements
Support for Querying Tooling Objects in SOQL Query Step
Our SOQL query API is now more powerful, with the ability to query tooling objects. Users will see a Use Tooling API checkbox, allowing them to seamlessly include tooling objects in their SOQL queries. This enhancement enables direct use of tooling object query results within test cases while supporting aliases used in SOQL queries at present. The result format remains unchanged, ensuring consistency. Legacy scripts and existing SOQL queries will continue to function without impact, maintaining smooth compatibility. Learn more here.
Key Changes:
- Querying Tooling Objects:
With the checkbox selected, users can now query tooling objects using SOQL. This provides access to objects that were previously inaccessible in SOQL query steps, enabling them to be used in automation test cases. - Clear Segregation of Object Types:
A clear segregation is established between regular objects and tooling objects. The query will target tooling objects when the checkbox is selected; otherwise, the standard query method will be used. - Legacy Tests Compatibility:
For legacy tests, the checkbox will be deselected by default, ensuring backward compatibility with existing queries. - Preserved SOQL Capabilities:
All SOQL capabilities (e.g., aliases) will remain fully functional, with results consistently displayed in list form, whether querying tooling or regular objects.
Addition of Permission Set Information in Layout Extraction
The Extract and Assert Layout feature has been enhanced with Permission Set support. The Extract and Assert Layout APIs now include an option to extract Permission Sets for users. By selecting the Include Permission Set checkbox, users can obtain a comprehensive view of field details influenced by both the profile and permission set, ensuring a complete and accurate representation of Record Layout and DF Layout. Learn more here.
Key Changes:
- Field Details Enhanced:
When the checkbox is enabled, the extracted layout information will include fields that are impacted by both the profile and permission set, giving users a complete view of the layout. This enhancement applies to both Record Layout and DF Layout. - Comprehensive Layout View:
The new functionality ensures that users can see a fuller representation of the Layout that includes both Profile and Permission sets information. - Legacy Compatibility:
Existing test steps and scenarios will continue to work as they did before the release. No changes to existing functionality are required for users who do not enable the “Include Permission Set” checkbox.
SLDS2 Compatibility and Support
This release focuses on ensuring compatibility with the new Salesforce Lightning Design System 2 (SLDS2 currently in beta). The goal is to ensure that existing test cases continue to work as expected without requiring modifications, while also enabling the smooth creation and execution of new test cases and implementations using SLDS2.
Key Changes:
- Seamless Functionality for Existing Test Cases:
All existing test cases will function as expected, without requiring any code changes. This ensures that the transition to SLDS2 does not disrupt previously created test cases or automation scripts. - Support for Fresh Test Case Creation:
New test cases can be created and executed successfully using SLDS2, ensuring that the updated design system works seamlessly for both new and existing implementations.
NitroX
Disabled NitroX Mapping for Generic Websites (HTML5)
To enhance clarity and streamline NitroX usage, we have removed support for generic website testing. Going forward, NitroX will be dedicated to component-based testing, with a primary focus on Salesforce components. While NitroX performs well with Lightning Web Components (LWCs), it will no longer support Experience Cloud websites and Salesforce Page Objects (PO).
Key Changes:
- Hybrid Mode Enhancement: We are reimagining the integration of NitroX and Page Objects to improve usability, ensuring seamless transitions and easy debugging when switching between the two on the same page.
- Page Objects will now be used for all generic web testing.
- Legacy Test Case Support: Execution of existing test cases for Experience Cloud and generic websites will remain unaffected, ensuring smooth test execution.
This update improves the consistency of the NitroX mapping system and ensures it is used only with supported components. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our support team.
Optimized Component Overrides with Inheritance in NitroX
Previously, manually modifying or overriding a standard component copied the entire file to the workspace under the NitroxPackages folder, giving it a higher priority and blocking Provar’s latest package updates. With this new functionality, only the modified changes are applied, ensuring users receive the latest updates along with their changes.
For example, if a user adds an attribute while overriding a component from the Test Builder, only that attribute is added to the component file, with a parentID referencing the original component. This ensures that the Test Builder receives the new attribute while retaining the standard definition of the Lightning Text Input.
Editable Locator for Page Structure Nodes in NitroX
Users can now edit locators for page structure nodes, providing more flexibility in managing locators, and attributes. A new edit icon allows quick modifications, with changes reflected in the mapping file. The updated UI ensures a seamless and intuitive experience.
Integration of PO XPath Editor for NitroX
Users can now leverage the existing PO XPath editor in NitroX to create custom XPath selectors when the adaptive locator is disabled. This enhancement provides greater flexibility in selecting unique elements on the DOM by allowing manual XPath creation based on attributes not included in the standard JSON. When the adaptive locator is turned off in Test Builder, the PO XPath editor will be available for custom XPath modifications, ensuring better control over element selection.
For example, the standard component mapping file includes only four attributes for adaptive locators. However, when the adaptive locator is turned off, a broader set of attributes becomes available, allowing users to create custom XPaths beyond the standard file.
Enable “Find Usage” Context Menu for NitroX
Users can now quickly locate the usage of custom components in NitroX with the new “Find Usage” context menu option in the studio. This functionality, replicated from PO, helps identify associated test cases and components, improving efficiency and workflow.
Provar Manager
Java 21 Support for Grid Execution
Provar Manager now seamlessly handles Java 21 changes, ensuring smooth Grid execution.
Key Updates:
- Users upgrading to version 2.15.2 will automatically use Java 21 for Grid execution.
- No manual action required – Provar Manager intelligently manages the Java version for Grid execution.
- Users on older builds can continue using Java 11 without any changes, as Grid supports both Java 11 and 21.
- Starting March 20, all latest tags will default to Java 21 for Grid execution.
- For Custom ANT URL, users can choose the Java version based on their setup.
This update ensures compatibility with the latest Java versions with Provar Grid execution, while maintaining support for previous versions for flexibility.
Platform Updates
Operating System Updates
Provar now officially supports MacOS Sequoia, ensuring full compatibility and optimal performance on the latest macOS version.
Browser Compatibility Updates
As part of our pre-release testing, we have confirmed that Automation v2.15.2 is fully compatible with Chrome version 134.
Why is this important?
Including ChromeDriver 134 in Automation v2.15.2 and ensuring compatibility with Chrome 134 helps eliminate the risk of incompatibility issues that could otherwise impact the proper functioning of test cases.
How can I use this?
If you plan to use Chrome 134, we recommend upgrading to Provar Automation v2.15.2, which includes ChromeDriver 134 by default.
Automation will automatically attempt to download the correct ChromeDriver if it detects a driver exception. If your organization’s security protocols prevent the automatic download, you can manually override the ChromeDriver.
To downgrade or use a different version of ChromeDriver, refer to this support article, which explains how to configure a ChromeDriver other than the default one provided in your Provar Automation installation.
Browser and Driver Combinations Recommended for Provar Automation v2.15.2
For a comprehensive guide, please refer to the Browser and Driver Recommendations.
Education
We offer a variety of courses and articles to support you along your journey with us! The University of Provar is available for comprehensive learning and training, while Provar Documentation provides the technical details and step-by-step guidance necessary for effective use and troubleshooting of our products. We value your input—please share your feedback via the end-of-course surveys and helpful article feature, respectively.
Support
We are committed to providing continuous support. Please contact us If you have any questions about this release; we’re happy to assist you. To get in touch, log into the Provar Success Portal and select ‘Raise a Case,’ or contact your dedicated Customer Success Specialist.