I’m working on a project using Playwright and need to implement a delay for certain actions. I found the waitForTimeout method but I’m not quite sure how it works or how to properly and efficiently integrate it into my code, especially within Playwright’s internal framework. Could someone explain how to use this method and perhaps share an example or common pitfalls to avoid?
Hi! To use waitForTimeout in Playwright, simply call await page.waitForTimeout(timeout) where ‘timeout’ is the number of milliseconds you want the script to wait. It’s as straightforward as adding it in your script where you want the action to pause, like between navigation steps. Remember, it’s generally better to use more precise Playwright wait methods like waitForSelector or waitForResponse for more stable scripts. Direct timeouts should typically be a last resort when these aren’t appropriate.
I’ve used waitForTimeout to insert delays during testing. For instance, during slow-loading pages, I drop in await page.waitForTimeout(3000) for a 3-second pause. Note that it’s a bit of a blunt tool; for precise waits, consider using specific wait methods such as waitForSelector. This way, your tests won’t break if the page’s loading speed varies. Just be cautious not to overuse it as it could lead to longer test runs without real necessity.
In my projects, waitForTimeout serves as a great temporary solution for quick fixes. Suppose you’re facing intermittent issues with page loads, dropping in a await page.waitForTimeout(2000) can help diagnose if timing is the issue. However, for long-term stability, I’d suggest identifying specific conditions with waitForNavigation or other similar methods. This ensures your testing strategy remains robust and efficient. Over-dependence on timeouts can mask underlying problems and lead to flaky tests.