When developing automation for an application on a client machine without direct access, which targeting method can be used to identify the required UI element?

Using images as a targeting method for identifying UI elements in an application on a client machine without direct access is effective because it allows automation tools to recognize visual components based on their appearance on the screen. When direct access to the underlying code or structure of the application is unavailable, relying on screenshots or visual representations becomes a practical alternative. This method allows automation scripts to interact with elements visually, rather than having to depend on properties, selectors, or identifiers typically used in environments with direct access.

This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where UI elements might not have unique identifiers, or where the application itself is a black box, meaning you cannot easily inspect its underlying details. By capturing the visual characteristics of the UI elements, the automation framework can simulate human-like interactions based on the displayed interface.

In contrast, while selectors and anchors work best when the structural aspects of the UI are known, they may not be applicable in scenarios lacking access. Therefore, relying solely on images can bridge the gap in those cases, allowing for effective automation despite access limitations.