A Summary of Element Search Methods in React Testing Library (getByText / getByRole / getByLabelText)

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Kazutora Hattori

Introduction

When writing tests using React Testing Library, I encountered some difficulty locating elements, so I’ll organize the necessary points here.

1. getByText

screen.getByText(“Hello”);

Use getByText when searching for elements that match specific text.
It’s useful when you know that text “definitely exists” on the screen.
For example, use it when you want to verify simple text like fixed text displayed in headings or buttons.

2. getByRole

screen.getByRole(“button”, { name: /Submit/i });

getByRole is a method for locating elements by specifying their “role” (e.g., button, link, heading).

3. getByLabelText

screen.getByLabelText(“Username”);

getByLabelText is used to find input forms based on their labels.

Summary

• Find by text → getByText

• Find by role → getByRole

• Find forms by label → getByLabelText

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Kazutora Hattori