Cypress Error: “cy.visit() failed because you are attempting to visit a second unique domain”

Hari Mahesh

When using Cypress for end-to-end testing of a web application, you might encounter the error “cy.visit() failed because you are attempting to visit a second unique domain“. This error surfaces when the test script attempts to navigate to a different domain than the one originally accessed in the test. Cypress adheres to a single-origin policy, which limits interactions to one domain to mitigate potential risks during testing.

Let us break it down to get a clearer picture of this error:

• cy.visit() failed: This segment of the error denotes that the cy.visit() function ran into a problem and couldn’t execute as intended.
• because you are attempting to visit a second unique domain: This part of the error message provides the reason for the failure. It’s telling you that you are trying to visit a different domain. Cypress considers this problematic because it expects you to interact with a single domain or web application within a test.

Alright, let us dig into what might be causing this error and how we can fix it:

Causes of the Error

• Jumping Between Domains in the Middle of a Test: One of the main culprits for this error is hopping over to a different domain using the cy.visit() function while a test is still running. Think of it like changing lanes without signaling first.
• Juggling Multiple Test Scripts: This error can also pop up if you are working with a bunch of Cypress test scripts and you are trying to bounce between domains without properly coordinating them.

How to Resolve the Error

To tackle the “cy.visit() failed because you are attempting to visit a second unique domain” error, consider these approaches:

• Keep Your Tests Tidy: Make sure your Cypress tests are neatly set up, each test script focusing on just one web app or domain.
• Use beforeEach or before Hooks: If you need to visit a different domain within the same test file, use Cypress hooks like beforeEach or before to set up the initial state of your test. For example:

  beforeEach(() => {
    // Visit the initial domain or web application
    cy.visit('https://example.com');
  });
  
  it('should do something on the first domain', () => {
    // Your test steps on the first domain
  });
  
  it('should navigate to a second domain', () => {
    // Perform actions to navigate to the second domain
    cy.visit('https://another-example.com');
  });
  
  it('should do something on the second domain', () => {
    // Your test steps on the second domain
  });

• Use cy.visit() to Reset: If you need to switch back to the original domain after visiting a different one, make sure to use cy.visit() again to reset the visited domain. Cypress will automatically wait for the new page to load. For example:

  it('should navigate to a different domain and then come back', () => {
    // Visit the first domain
    cy.visit('https://example.com');
  
    // Perform actions on the first domain
    // Navigate to a different domain
  	cy.visit('https://another-example.com');
  
    // Perform actions on the second domain
    // Return to the first domain
    cy.visit('https://example.com');
  
    // Perform more actions on the first domain
  });

• Use cy.request() for Cross-Domain Testing: If you need to interact with APIs or perform actions that involve multiple domains, consider using cy.request() to make HTTP requests to the other domains. It lets you reach out to other domains without changing the page you are on.
• Understand Cross-Origin Limitations: Be aware of the same-origin policy and the limitations it imposes. If you genuinely need to test cross-origin interactions, you might need to use cy.request() to stub network requests or use the cy.server() and cy.route() commands to control network behavior explicitly.
• Manage the Initial Domain: Should your test necessitate engagement across multiple domains, such as logging into one and subsequently redirecting to another, it is essential to adequately address the activities on the initial domain prior to progressing to the subsequent one.
• Use Cypress Aliases: Use Cypress aliases to save references to elements or data you must interact with on the first domain. You can access them even after navigating to a different domain.

Automation Evolution: From Basic to Brilliant

While Cypress offers value, it does come with its constraints. Being bogged down by framework-related issues detracts from the primary goal: focusing on test coverage and the overall testing process. This is partly why Cypress doesn’t often top the charts as a contemporary automation tool among newer web frameworks.

On the other hand, modern tools, such as testRigor, leverage AI-driven techniques to mitigate timeout issues. Highlighting some of testRigor’s notable features:

• Cloud Integration: testRigor operates as a cloud-based automation tool, streamlining the often complicated process of tool setup, environment establishment, and dependency configuration. With testRigor, just get the license; all needed is a login to begin, thus saving significant time and effort.
• Automatic Test Generation – Utilizing generative AI, testRigor facilitates the automatic creation of test scripts. Provide the test case title in the description; test steps are generated automatically in seconds through testRigor’s generative AI engine.
• Quick Test Script Creation/Maintenance – testRigor allows the crafting of test cases in plain English, eliminating the need for learning programming languages. This approach empowers everyone in the team to create, execute, and maintain test cases, eradicating the need for script debugging.
• Broad Browser and Platform Compatibility: With testRigor, testing across an array of browsers, their respective versions, and different platforms. The tool manages these tasks without entangling users in intricate dependencies or configurations.
• Smart Element Locators: testRigor is not tied down by the inconsistent XPaths or CSS selectors. It harnesses an innovative AI-driven approach for pinpointing elements. You can use UI text that you see on screen or refer to an element’s position:

  click "Cart"
  click on button "Delete" below "Your Orders" to the right of "Shopping Cart"

Discover how testRigor can serve as a compelling replacement for Cypress.

Summing Up

The choice of a test automation tool can profoundly influence your testing workflow, budgetary considerations, software quality, business outcomes, and even brand reputation. Hence, selecting an automation testing tool that stands at the pinnacle of innovation and resonates with current tech trends is imperative.

testRigor shines brightly in this context, enhancing test scripts with self-repair capabilities and streamlining test script development with its no-code methodology. To embark on your journey, consider registering for a free trial here.

“We spent so much time on maintenance when using Selenium, and we spend nearly zero time with maintenance using testRigor.”

Keith Powe VP Of Engineering - IDT