How to Test with Playwright with Debbie O'Brien

Published 19 Jan 2026

Show Notes: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spidey1944/episodes/How-to-Test-with-Playwright-with-Debbie-OBrien-e3drnfk

Duration: 00:31:36

This podcast delves into Playwright's features and AI-powered tools for end-to-end testing and automation, covering topics such as integration, debugging, and strategies for effective test maintenance.

Episode Description

In this episode of "How to Test This," we are joined by Debbie O'Brien, Global Community Lead and key contributor to the Playwright framework.For over...

Overview

The podcast explores Playwright, an end-to-end testing and browser automation framework, focusing on its features such as auto-waiting, test isolation, parallel execution, and tools like the Trace Viewer and UI mode which aid in debugging. The discussion highlights Playwright's integration with AI to support test creation and maintenance, including tools like CodeGen and AI-powered agents that help plan, generate, and update tests. The episode also addresses common pitfalls in test automation, such as overusing timeouts and ineffective locators, and offers strategies to minimize flaky tests.

Additionally, the conversation touches on best practices like using TypeScript for test automation, integrating Playwright with CI/CD pipelines such as GitHub Actions, and the changing role of testers as AI becomes more integrated into testing processes. The importance of practical experience, community involvement, and a genuine passion for test automation is emphasized as essential components for success in the field.

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