One YAML to rule them all

This talk presents a novel approach to testing where YAML configuration files drive both application structure and automated tests. Instead of spending time building boilerplate and figuring out test structure, tests are generated automatically from the same YAML file that defines the frontend. YAML is a human-readable, structured data format ideal for defining hierarchical application configurations. The YAML file acts as a single source of truth, powering both the frontend UI and test selectors, ensuring consistency and eliminating guesswork.

This approach delivers faster testing processes, reduces complexity (from O(n²) to O(1) in test maintenance), improves team alignment and onboarding, and provides living documentation that captures both product and testing logic. The main trade-off is the need for careful initial design of the YAML structure, as later changes require refactoring. Overall, YAML-driven testing transforms testing into a proactive, streamlined process where tests exist alongside the product blueprint making releases faster, smoother, and more reliable.