select_by_text helper method for uitests

reduce the boilerplate associated with selecting an item
in a combobox

Change-Id: I035967d7b45c84788d67b9ab5bebf2dbfc13fdf9
Reviewed-on: https://gerrit.libreoffice.org/c/core/+/112817
Tested-by: Jenkins
Reviewed-by: Noel Grandin <noel.grandin@collabora.co.uk>

34 files changed, 139 insertions, 283 deletions

diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/cellBackgroundColorSelector.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/cellBackgroundColorSelector.py
index ec78a7530f5c..0e26d3a41a51 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/cellBackgroundColorSelector.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/cellBackgroundColorSelector.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
 
@@ -36,7 +37,7 @@ class CalcCellBackgroundColorSelector(UITestCase):
         color_selector = xColorpage.getChild("colorset")
 
         # For chart-palettes colors
-        xpaletteselector.executeAction("SELECT", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT": "chart-palettes"}))
+        select_by_text(xpaletteselector, "chart-palettes")
         # Select Color with id 2
         color_selector.executeAction("CHOOSE", mkPropertyValues({"POS": "2"}))
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["CurrColorId"], "2")
@@ -54,7 +55,7 @@ class CalcCellBackgroundColorSelector(UITestCase):
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["RGB"], "(126,0,33)")
 
         # For libreoffice colors
-        xpaletteselector.executeAction("SELECT", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT": "libreoffice"}))
+        select_by_text(xpaletteselector, "libreoffice")
         # Select Color with id 6
         color_selector.executeAction("CHOOSE", mkPropertyValues({"POS": "6"}))
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["CurrColorId"], "6")
@@ -72,7 +73,7 @@ class CalcCellBackgroundColorSelector(UITestCase):
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["RGB"], "(255,215,76)")
 
         # For html colors
-        xpaletteselector.executeAction("SELECT", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT": "html"}))
+        select_by_text(xpaletteselector, "html")
         # Select Color with id 1
         color_selector.executeAction("CHOOSE", mkPropertyValues({"POS": "1"}))
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["CurrColorId"], "1")
@@ -87,7 +88,7 @@ class CalcCellBackgroundColorSelector(UITestCase):
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["ColorText"], "Navy")
 
         # For freecolour-hlc colors
-        xpaletteselector.executeAction("SELECT", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT": "freecolour-hlc"}))
+        select_by_text(xpaletteselector, "freecolour-hlc")
         # Select Color with id 988
         color_selector.executeAction("CHOOSE", mkPropertyValues({"POS": "988"}))
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["CurrColorId"], "988")
@@ -102,7 +103,7 @@ class CalcCellBackgroundColorSelector(UITestCase):
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["ColorText"], "HLC 190 50 20")
 
         # For tonal colors
-        xpaletteselector.executeAction("SELECT", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT": "tonal"}))
+        select_by_text(xpaletteselector, "tonal")
         # Select Color with id 17
         color_selector.executeAction("CHOOSE", mkPropertyValues({"POS": "17"}))
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["CurrColorId"], "17")
@@ -117,7 +118,7 @@ class CalcCellBackgroundColorSelector(UITestCase):
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["ColorText"], "Magenta 82%")
 
         # For material colors
-        xpaletteselector.executeAction("SELECT", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT": "material"}))
+        select_by_text(xpaletteselector, "material")
         # Select Color with id 9
         color_selector.executeAction("CHOOSE", mkPropertyValues({"POS": "9"}))
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["CurrColorId"], "9")
@@ -127,7 +128,7 @@ class CalcCellBackgroundColorSelector(UITestCase):
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["ColorText"], "Gray 800")
 
         # For standard colors
-        xpaletteselector.executeAction("SELECT", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT": "standard"}))
+        select_by_text(xpaletteselector, "standard")
         # Select Color with id 3
         color_selector.executeAction("CHOOSE", mkPropertyValues({"POS": "3"}))
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["CurrColorId"], "3")
@@ -166,7 +167,7 @@ class CalcCellBackgroundColorSelector(UITestCase):
         color_selector = xColorpage.getChild("colorset")
 
         # For chart-palettes colors
-        xpaletteselector.executeAction("SELECT", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT": "chart-palettes"}))
+        select_by_text(xpaletteselector, "chart-palettes")
         # Select Color with id 2
         color_selector.executeAction("CHOOSE", mkPropertyValues({"POS": "2"}))
         self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(color_selector)["CurrColorId"], "2")
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/fillRandomNumber.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/fillRandomNumber.py
index 2f9635184e97..ee97c487a1fe 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/fillRandomNumber.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/fillRandomNumber.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_sheet_from_doc
 from libreoffice.calc.conditional_format import get_conditional_format_from_sheet
@@ -34,9 +35,7 @@ class fillRandomNumber(UITestCase):
         xdecimalplacesspin = xDialog.getChild("decimal-places-spin")
 
         xcellrangeedit.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"$Sheet1.$A$1:$A$2"}))
-        props = {"TEXT": "Uniform Integer"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xdistributioncombo.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xdistributioncombo, "Uniform Integer")
 
         xparameter1spin.executeAction("UP", tuple())
         xparameter2spin.executeAction("UP", tuple())
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/formatCells.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/formatCells.py
index 62c1e55c7e9c..2daf171e440e 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/formatCells.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests/formatCells.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.common import change_measurement_unit
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_sheet_from_doc
@@ -38,9 +39,7 @@ class formatCell(UITestCase):
         xlanguagelb = xDialog.getChild("languagelb")
         xformatted = xDialog.getChild("formatted")
         #language
-        props3 = {"TEXT": "English (USA)"}
-        actionProps3 = mkPropertyValues(props3)
-        xlanguagelb.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps3)
+        select_by_text(xlanguagelb, "English (USA)")
         #other properties
         xdecimalsed.executeAction("UP", tuple())
         xleadzerosed.executeAction("UP", tuple())
@@ -213,20 +212,14 @@ class formatCell(UITestCase):
         xcheckHyphActive = xDialog.getChild("checkHyphActive")
         xcomboTextDirBox = xDialog.getChild("comboTextDirBox")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Left"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        comboboxHorzAlign.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(comboboxHorzAlign, "Left")
         xspinIndentFrom.executeAction("UP", tuple())
         indentVal = get_state_as_dict(xspinIndentFrom)["Text"]
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "Top"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xcomboboxVertAlign.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xcomboboxVertAlign, "Top")
         xcheckVertStack.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xcheckWrapTextAuto.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xcheckHyphActive.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
-        props3 = {"TEXT": "Left-to-right (LTR)"}
-        actionProps3 = mkPropertyValues(props3)
-        xcomboTextDirBox.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps3)
+        select_by_text(xcomboTextDirBox, "Left-to-right (LTR)")
         xOK = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         xOK.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         #Verify- select cell A1
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/consolidate.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/consolidate.py
index 4798372ab059..1a854b0cd975 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/consolidate.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/consolidate.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -27,17 +28,11 @@ class consolidate(UITestCase):
         xbycol = xDialog.getChild("bycol")
         xeddestarea = xDialog.getChild("eddestarea")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Sum"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfunc.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xfunc, "Sum")
 
-        propsA = {"TEXT": "range1"}
-        actionPropsA = mkPropertyValues(propsA)
-        xlbdataarea.executeAction("SELECT", actionPropsA)
+        select_by_text(xlbdataarea, "range1")
         xadd.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
-        propsB = {"TEXT": "range2"}
-        actionPropsB = mkPropertyValues(propsB)
-        xlbdataarea.executeAction("SELECT", actionPropsB)
+        select_by_text(xlbdataarea, "range2")
         xadd.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         propsC = {"TEXT": "range3"}
         actionPropsC = mkPropertyValues(propsC)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/standardFilter.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/standardFilter.py
index e5b5d1f6ba8d..a2e10f8de951 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/standardFilter.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/standardFilter.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -29,16 +30,10 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xfield2 = xDialog.getChild("field2")
         xval2 = xDialog.getChild("val2")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "a"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "a")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"1"}))
-        propsA = {"TEXT": "OR"}
-        actionPropsA = mkPropertyValues(propsA)
-        xconnect2.executeAction("SELECT", actionPropsA)
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "b"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xfield2.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xconnect2, "OR")
+        select_by_text(xfield2, "b")
         xval2.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"3"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -86,16 +81,10 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval2 = xDialog.getChild("val2")
         xcopyresult = xDialog.getChild("copyresult")
         xedcopyarea = xDialog.getChild("edcopyarea")
-        props = {"TEXT": "a"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "a")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"1"}))
-        propsA = {"TEXT": "OR"}
-        actionPropsA = mkPropertyValues(propsA)
-        xconnect2.executeAction("SELECT", actionPropsA)
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "b"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xfield2.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xconnect2, "OR")
+        select_by_text(xfield2, "b")
         xval2.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"3"}))
         xcopyresult.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xedcopyarea.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"F1"}))
@@ -129,16 +118,10 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval2 = xDialog.getChild("val2")
         xcopyresult = xDialog.getChild("copyresult")
         xedcopyarea = xDialog.getChild("edcopyarea")
-        props = {"TEXT": "a"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "a")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"1"}))
-        propsA = {"TEXT": "OR"}
-        actionPropsA = mkPropertyValues(propsA)
-        xconnect2.executeAction("SELECT", actionPropsA)
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "b"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xfield2.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xconnect2, "OR")
+        select_by_text(xfield2, "b")
         xval2.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"3"}))
         xcopyresult.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xedcopyarea.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"$Sheet2.$F$1"}))
@@ -177,9 +160,7 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval1 = xDialog.getChild("val1")
         xcase = xDialog.getChild("case")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "first"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "first")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"a1"}))
         xcase.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
@@ -231,9 +212,7 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval1 = xDialog.getChild("val1")
         xregexp = xDialog.getChild("regexp")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "first"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "first")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"a*"}))
         xregexp.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
@@ -287,9 +266,7 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval1 = xDialog.getChild("val1")
         xregexp = xDialog.getChild("regexp")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "first"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "first")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"a*"}))
         xregexp.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
@@ -355,12 +332,8 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval1 = xDialog.getChild("val1")
         xcond1 = xDialog.getChild("cond1")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "A"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "Contains"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xcond1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "A")
+        select_by_text(xcond1, "Contains")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"cio"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -424,12 +397,8 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval1 = xDialog.getChild("val1")
         xcond1 = xDialog.getChild("cond1")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "A"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "Does not contain"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xcond1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "A")
+        select_by_text(xcond1, "Does not contain")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"cio"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -494,12 +463,8 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval1 = xDialog.getChild("val1")
         xcond1 = xDialog.getChild("cond1")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "A"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "Begins with"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xcond1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "A")
+        select_by_text(xcond1, "Begins with")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"so"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -564,12 +529,8 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval1 = xDialog.getChild("val1")
         xcond1 = xDialog.getChild("cond1")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "A"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "Does not begin with"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xcond1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "A")
+        select_by_text(xcond1, "Does not begin with")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"so"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -634,12 +595,8 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval1 = xDialog.getChild("val1")
         xcond1 = xDialog.getChild("cond1")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "A"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "Ends with"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xcond1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "A")
+        select_by_text(xcond1, "Ends with")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"s"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -704,12 +661,8 @@ class standardFilter(UITestCase):
         xval1 = xDialog.getChild("val1")
         xcond1 = xDialog.getChild("cond1")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "A"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "Does not end with"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xcond1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "A")
+        select_by_text(xcond1, "Does not end with")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"s"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/tdf104117.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/tdf104117.py
index 84ab28580461..f835d47030bb 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/tdf104117.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests2/tdf104117.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_sheet_from_doc
 from libreoffice.calc.conditional_format import get_conditional_format_from_sheet
@@ -34,9 +35,7 @@ class tdf104117(UITestCase):
         xdecimalplacesspin = xDialog.getChild("decimal-places-spin")
 
         xcellrangeedit.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"$Sheet1.$A$1:$A$2"}))
-        props = {"TEXT": "Uniform Integer"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xdistributioncombo.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xdistributioncombo, "Uniform Integer")
         xparameter2spin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"KEYCODE":"CTRL+A"}))
         xparameter2spin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"KEYCODE":"BACKSPACE"}))
         xparameter2spin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000"}))
@@ -51,4 +50,4 @@ class tdf104117(UITestCase):
         self.assertEqual(bool(get_cell_by_position(document, 0, 0, 0).getString() ), False)
         self.assertEqual(bool(get_cell_by_position(document, 0, 0, 1).getString() ), False)
         self.ui_test.close_doc()
-# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
\ No newline at end of file
+# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests3/tdf77509.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests3/tdf77509.py
index 19ae4e31640b..bd9854b866e9 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests3/tdf77509.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests3/tdf77509.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -30,9 +31,7 @@ class tdf77509(UITestCase):
         xbycol = xDialog.getChild("bycol")
         xeddestarea = xDialog.getChild("eddestarea")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Sum"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfunc.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xfunc, "Sum")
         #4. Source data ranges: $Sheet1.$A$1:$B$7
         #5. Click 'Add' so that ranges appear in "Consolidation ranges"
         xeddataarea.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"$Sheet1.$A$1:$B$7"}))
@@ -55,4 +54,4 @@ class tdf77509(UITestCase):
         self.assertEqual(get_cell_by_position(document, 0, 4, 4).getValue(), 1)
         self.ui_test.close_doc()
 
-# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
\ No newline at end of file
+# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests3/tdf80693.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests3/tdf80693.py
index f416fce81514..afd8fea164d0 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests3/tdf80693.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests3/tdf80693.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_sheet_from_doc
 from libreoffice.calc.conditional_format import get_conditional_format_from_sheet
@@ -34,9 +35,7 @@ class tdf80693(UITestCase):
         xdecimalplacesspin = xDialog.getChild("decimal-places-spin")
 
         xcellrangeedit.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"$Sheet1.$A$1:$A$2"}))
-        props = {"TEXT": "Uniform"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xdistributioncombo.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xdistributioncombo, "Uniform")
 
         xparameter1spin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"KEYCODE":"CTRL+A"}))
         xparameter1spin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"KEYCODE":"BACKSPACE"}))
@@ -55,4 +54,4 @@ class tdf80693(UITestCase):
         self.assertEqual(bool(get_cell_by_position(document, 0, 0, 0).getString() ), False)
         self.assertEqual(bool(get_cell_by_position(document, 0, 0, 1).getString() ), False)
         self.ui_test.close_doc()
-# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
\ No newline at end of file
+# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests4/tdf89958.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests4/tdf89958.py
index 8dc9ba59c2f2..223b673e8fec 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests4/tdf89958.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests4/tdf89958.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -31,12 +32,8 @@ class tdf89958(UITestCase):
         xval1 = xDialog.getChild("val1")
         xcond1 = xDialog.getChild("cond1")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Column A"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xfield1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "Does not end with"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xcond1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xfield1, "Column A")
+        select_by_text(xcond1, "Does not end with")
         xval1.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"CTORS"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -65,4 +62,4 @@ class tdf89958(UITestCase):
 
         self.ui_test.close_doc()
 
-# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
\ No newline at end of file
+# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests6/tdf107267.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests6/tdf107267.py
index 70350a15e127..57d15dff17e6 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests6/tdf107267.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests6/tdf107267.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from libreoffice.calc.document import get_column
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 
 #Bug 107267 - During a sub-total calculation or sum, the data set is not computed well.
@@ -31,9 +32,7 @@ class Subtotals(UITestCase):
         select_pos(xTabs, "0")
         # = 1st group = 3. Group by "Person Number", select "shipping time" and use the Max function.
         xGroupBy = xDialog.getChild("group_by")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Person Number"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xGroupBy.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xGroupBy, "Person Number")
         # 4. Tick 'Calculate subtotals for' -> "shipping time" - already selected
 #        xCheckListMenu = xDialog.getChild("grid1")
 #        xTreeList = xCheckListMenu.getChild("columns")
@@ -44,9 +43,7 @@ class Subtotals(UITestCase):
         #= 2nd group =5. Group by "Person Number", select "shipping time" and use the Min function.
         select_pos(xTabs, "1")
         xGroupBy = xDialog.getChild("group_by")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Person Number"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xGroupBy.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xGroupBy, "Person Number")
         # 4. Tick 'Calculate subtotals for' -> "shipping time" - already selected
 #        xCheckListMenu = xDialog.getChild("grid1")
 #        xTreeList = xCheckListMenu.getChild("columns")
@@ -57,9 +54,7 @@ class Subtotals(UITestCase):
         #= 3rd group = Group by "Person Number", select "shipping time" and use the Average function.
         select_pos(xTabs, "2")
         xGroupBy = xDialog.getChild("group_by")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Person Number"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xGroupBy.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xGroupBy, "Person Number")
         # 4. Tick 'Calculate subtotals for' -> "shipping time" - already selected
 #        xCheckListMenu = xDialog.getChild("grid1")
 #        xTreeList = xCheckListMenu.getChild("columns")
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests6/tdf118638.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests6/tdf118638.py
index 284c423fe2b2..5bc25663fcbe 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests6/tdf118638.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests6/tdf118638.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from libreoffice.calc.document import get_column
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 
 #Bug 118638 - subtotal option loses doesn't contain existing format for column
@@ -30,9 +31,7 @@ class Subtotals(UITestCase):
         xTabs = xDialog.getChild("tabcontrol")
         select_pos(xTabs, "0")
         xGroupBy = xDialog.getChild("group_by")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Store Name"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xGroupBy.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xGroupBy, "Store Name")
         xCheckListMenu = xDialog.getChild("grid1")
         xTreeList = xCheckListMenu.getChild("columns")
         xEntry = xTreeList.getChild("1")
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests8/tdf126248.py b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests8/tdf126248.py
index f633bf9bcf41..146ee8a75131 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests8/tdf126248.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/calc_tests8/tdf126248.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 
 class tdf126248(UITestCase):
 
@@ -43,7 +44,7 @@ class tdf126248(UITestCase):
         self.assertEqual("true", get_state_as_dict(asianlanguage)['Selected'])
 
         localeSetting = xDialog.getChild("localesetting")
-        localeSetting.executeAction("SELECT", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT": language}))
+        select_by_text(localeSetting, language)
 
         self.assertEqual(language, get_state_as_dict(localeSetting)['SelectEntryText'])
 
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartDataLabels.py b/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartDataLabels.py
index d581a98b1982..ebdc700eb402 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartDataLabels.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartDataLabels.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.common import change_measurement_unit
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
@@ -59,17 +60,11 @@ class chartDataLabels(UITestCase):
     category.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     legend.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     wrapText.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
-    props = {"TEXT": "Comma"}
-    actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-    separator.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+    select_by_text(separator, "Comma")
 
-    props2 = {"TEXT": "Below"}
-    actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-    placement.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+    select_by_text(placement, "Below")
     degrees.executeAction("UP", tuple())
-    props3 = {"TEXT": "Right-to-left"}
-    actionProps3 = mkPropertyValues(props3)
-    textDirection.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps3)
+    select_by_text(textDirection, "Right-to-left")
 
     xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
     self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartXAxis.py b/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartXAxis.py
index d9e9a72053c1..d169fa5d683e 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartXAxis.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartXAxis.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.common import change_measurement_unit
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
@@ -106,19 +107,13 @@ class chartXAxis(UITestCase):
     outerMinorTick = xDialog.getChild("CB_MINOR_OUTER")
     placeMarks = xDialog.getChild("LB_PLACE_TICKS")
 
-    props = {"TEXT": "Start"}
-    actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-    crossAxis.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
-    props2 = {"TEXT": "Outside end"}
-    actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-    placeLabels.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+    select_by_text(crossAxis, "Start")
+    select_by_text(placeLabels, "Outside end")
     innerMajorTick.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     outerMajorTick.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     innerMinorTick.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     outerMinorTick.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
-    props3 = {"TEXT": "At axis"}
-    actionProps3 = mkPropertyValues(props3)
-    placeMarks.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps3)
+    select_by_text(placeMarks, "At axis")
 
     xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
     self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -152,9 +147,7 @@ class chartXAxis(UITestCase):
     self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(outerMinorTick)["Selected"], "true")
     self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(placeMarks)["SelectEntryText"], "At axis")
     #change tab "positioning".
-    props = {"TEXT": "Value"}
-    actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-    crossAxis.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+    select_by_text(crossAxis, "Value")
     crossAxisValue.executeAction("UP", tuple())  #1
 
     xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
@@ -233,9 +226,7 @@ class chartXAxis(UITestCase):
     overlapCB.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     breakCB.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     stackedCB.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
-    props = {"TEXT": "Right-to-left"}
-    actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-    textdirLB.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+    select_by_text(textdirLB, "Right-to-left")
 
     xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
     self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartYAxis.py b/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartYAxis.py
index 4e5412ab3652..22c3b79329d5 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartYAxis.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/chart/chartYAxis.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.common import change_measurement_unit
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
@@ -107,19 +108,13 @@ class chartYAxis(UITestCase):
     outerMinorTick = xDialog.getChild("CB_MINOR_OUTER")
     placeMarks = xDialog.getChild("LB_PLACE_TICKS")
 
-    props = {"TEXT": "Start"}
-    actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-    crossAxis.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
-    props2 = {"TEXT": "Outside end"}
-    actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-    placeLabels.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+    select_by_text(crossAxis, "Start")
+    select_by_text(placeLabels, "Outside end")
     innerMajorTick.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     outerMajorTick.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     innerMinorTick.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     outerMinorTick.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
-    props3 = {"TEXT": "At axis"}
-    actionProps3 = mkPropertyValues(props3)
-    placeMarks.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps3)
+    select_by_text(placeMarks, "At axis")
 
     xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
     self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -153,9 +148,7 @@ class chartYAxis(UITestCase):
     self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(outerMinorTick)["Selected"], "true")
     self.assertEqual(get_state_as_dict(placeMarks)["SelectEntryText"], "At axis")
     #change tab "positioning".
-    props = {"TEXT": "Value"}
-    actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-    crossAxis.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+    select_by_text(crossAxis, "Value")
     crossAxisValue.executeAction("CLEAR", tuple())
     crossAxisValue.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"19.01.2018"}))  #19.01.2018
 
@@ -235,9 +228,7 @@ class chartYAxis(UITestCase):
     overlapCB.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     breakCB.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
     stackedCB.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
-    props = {"TEXT": "Right-to-left"}
-    actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-    textdirLB.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+    select_by_text(textdirLB, "Right-to-left")
 
     xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
     self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/chart/tdf123520.py b/sc/qa/uitest/chart/tdf123520.py
index f402f2d4d859..150467bb5990 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/chart/tdf123520.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/chart/tdf123520.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -44,9 +45,7 @@ class tdf123520(UITestCase):
     #crossAxisValue.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"KEYCODE":"TAB"}))
     #TAB doesn't works- add "a" at the end of textbox
     #workaround - edit another ui item, it should trigger leave of textbox
-    props2 = {"TEXT": "Outside start"}
-    actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-    placeLabels.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+    select_by_text(placeLabels, "Outside start")
     xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
     self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
 
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/chart/tdf93506_trendline.py b/sc/qa/uitest/chart/tdf93506_trendline.py
index 5b80202d2c98..8efd880ccbb5 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/chart/tdf93506_trendline.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/chart/tdf93506_trendline.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.common import change_measurement_unit
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
@@ -401,7 +402,7 @@ class tdf93506(UITestCase):
     yVarName = xDialog.getChild("entry_Yname")
 
     movingAverage.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())   #set polynomial
-    movingAverageType.executeAction("SELECT", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT": "Averaged Abscissa"}))
+    select_by_text(movingAverageType, "Averaged Abscissa")
     period.executeAction("UP", tuple())
 
     #Click on tab "Line".
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/conditional_format/tdf105351.py b/sc/qa/uitest/conditional_format/tdf105351.py
index 2f9d55ff5c86..53e68a343a86 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/conditional_format/tdf105351.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/conditional_format/tdf105351.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -31,14 +32,10 @@ class tdf105351(UITestCase):
         #4. In the conditional formatting window, select the dropdown on the left that says "Automatic"
         #and change it to "Value". In the text field below it enter 0.
         #5. Select the dropdown on the right that says "Automatic" and change it to "Value". In the text field below it enter 10
-        props = {"TEXT": "Value"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xcolscalemin.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xcolscalemin, "Value")
         xedcolscalemin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"0"}))
 
-        props2 = {"TEXT": "Value"}
-        actionProps2 = mkPropertyValues(props2)
-        xcolscalemax.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps2)
+        select_by_text(xcolscalemax, "Value")
         xedcolscalemax.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"10"}))
 
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/key_f4/f4.py b/sc/qa/uitest/key_f4/f4.py
index dbdbdbd5df95..ede0b2fdef9c 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/key_f4/f4.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/key_f4/f4.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 import os
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.debug import sleep
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
@@ -94,9 +95,7 @@ class keyF4(UITestCase):
 
         formulasyntax = xDialogOpt.getChild("formulasyntax")
         #Excel R1C1
-        props = {"TEXT": "Excel R1C1"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        formulasyntax.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(formulasyntax, "Excel R1C1")
 
         xOKBtn = xDialogOpt.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -128,9 +127,7 @@ class keyF4(UITestCase):
 
         formulasyntax = xDialogOpt.getChild("formulasyntax")
         #Excel R1C1
-        props = {"TEXT": "Calc A1"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        formulasyntax.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(formulasyntax, "Calc A1")
 
         xOKBtn = xDialogOpt.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/pageFormat/tdf123508.py b/sc/qa/uitest/pageFormat/tdf123508.py
index e3ec5327649a..61d53fd4187b 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/pageFormat/tdf123508.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/pageFormat/tdf123508.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -28,9 +29,7 @@ class tdf123508(UITestCase):
     spinEDSCALEPAGEWIDTH = xDialog.getChild("spinED_SCALEPAGEWIDTH")
     spinEDSCALEPAGEHEIGHT = xDialog.getChild("spinED_SCALEPAGEHEIGHT")
     #select "Fit print range(s) to width/height"  from the scale mode drop-down list
-    props = {"TEXT": "Fit print range(s) to width/height"}
-    actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-    scalingMode.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+    select_by_text(scalingMode, "Fit print range(s) to width/height")
     #define a value for the page, e.g.: width   2; height  2
     spinEDSCALEPAGEWIDTH.executeAction("UP", tuple())
     spinEDSCALEPAGEHEIGHT.executeAction("UP", tuple())
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/range_name/tdf137617.py b/sc/qa/uitest/range_name/tdf137617.py
index f0184e4ad6d9..54c458823fe6 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/range_name/tdf137617.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/range_name/tdf137617.py
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 
 class tdf137617(UITestCase):
@@ -57,10 +58,7 @@ class tdf137617(UITestCase):
         xCalcFormulaEntry.executeAction("SELECT", tuple())
 
         xFormulaSyntax = xDialogOpt.getChild('formulasyntax')
-
-        props = {"TEXT": "Excel R1C1"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xFormulaSyntax.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xFormulaSyntax, "Excel R1C1")
 
         xOKBtn = xDialogOpt.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -104,10 +102,7 @@ class tdf137617(UITestCase):
         xCalcFormulaEntry.executeAction("SELECT", tuple())
 
         xFormulaSyntax = xDialogOpt.getChild('formulasyntax')
-
-        props = {"TEXT": "Calc A1"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xFormulaSyntax.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xFormulaSyntax, "Calc A1")
 
         xOKBtn = xDialogOpt.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/search_replace/tdf35020.py b/sc/qa/uitest/search_replace/tdf35020.py
index 910c64deacb7..994bcd21a89d 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/search_replace/tdf35020.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/search_replace/tdf35020.py
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 #
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -31,9 +32,7 @@ class tdf35020(UITestCase):
         allsheets = xDialog.getChild("allsheets")
         allsheets.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         calcsearchin = xDialog.getChild("calcsearchin")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Formulas"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        calcsearchin.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(calcsearchin, "Formulas")
         replaceall = xDialog.getChild("replaceall")
         replaceall.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xcloseBtn = xDialog.getChild("close")
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/search_replace/tdf39917.py b/sc/qa/uitest/search_replace/tdf39917.py
index 1af5b9c39fab..456e4a4acf12 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/search_replace/tdf39917.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/search_replace/tdf39917.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -33,9 +34,7 @@ class tdf39917(UITestCase):
 
         formulasyntax = xDialogOpt.getChild("formulasyntax")
         #Excel R1C1
-        props = {"TEXT": "Excel R1C1"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        formulasyntax.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(formulasyntax, "Excel R1C1")
 
         xOKBtn = xDialogOpt.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -100,9 +99,7 @@ class tdf39917(UITestCase):
 
         formulasyntax = xDialogOpt.getChild("formulasyntax")
         #Excel R1C1
-        props = {"TEXT": "Calc A1"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        formulasyntax.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(formulasyntax, "Calc A1")
 
         xOKBtn = xDialogOpt.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/solver/solver.py b/sc/qa/uitest/solver/solver.py
index 80b1f5b3698d..617b2147a7cc 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/solver/solver.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/solver/solver.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -36,9 +37,7 @@ class solver(UITestCase):
         xref1edit.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"C2"}))
         xval1edit.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"C4"}))
         xref2edit.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"C4"}))
-        props = {"TEXT": "=>"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xop2list.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xop2list, "=>")
 
         xval2edit.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"0"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/sort/subtotals.py b/sc/qa/uitest/sort/subtotals.py
index 3a48cd21335a..b17dbb73cbf4 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/sort/subtotals.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/sort/subtotals.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from libreoffice.calc.document import get_column
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 
 class Subtotals(UITestCase):
@@ -62,9 +63,7 @@ class Subtotals(UITestCase):
         xDialog = self.xUITest.getTopFocusWindow()
         # Select group by: Category
         xGroupBy = xDialog.getChild("group_by")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Category"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xGroupBy.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xGroupBy, "Category")
         # Select calculate subtotals for the months -  selected by default
         # Select tab options
         xTabs = xDialog.getChild("tabcontrol")
@@ -90,9 +89,7 @@ class Subtotals(UITestCase):
         self.ui_test.execute_dialog_through_command(".uno:DataSubTotals")
         xDialog = self.xUITest.getTopFocusWindow()
         xGroupBy = xDialog.getChild("group_by")
-        props = {"TEXT": "- none -"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xGroupBy.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xGroupBy, "- none -")
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
         # 2 invoke sort menu and... crash
@@ -116,9 +113,7 @@ class Subtotals(UITestCase):
         xDialog = self.xUITest.getTopFocusWindow()
         # 3. Group by->Trans date
         xGroupBy = xDialog.getChild("group_by")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Trans Date"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xGroupBy.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xGroupBy, "Trans Date")
         # 4. Tick 'Calculate subtotals for' -> Amount  (grid1)
         xCheckListMenu = xDialog.getChild("grid1")
         xTreeList = xCheckListMenu.getChild("columns")
@@ -132,9 +127,7 @@ class Subtotals(UITestCase):
         xDialog = self.xUITest.getTopFocusWindow()
         # 7. Group by->-none-
         xGroupBy = xDialog.getChild("group_by")
-        props = {"TEXT": "- none -"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xGroupBy.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xGroupBy, "- none -")
         # 8. Untick 'Calculate subtotals for' -> Amount
         xCheckListMenu = xDialog.getChild("grid1")
         xTreeList = xCheckListMenu.getChild("columns")
@@ -148,14 +141,10 @@ class Subtotals(UITestCase):
         xDialog = self.xUITest.getTopFocusWindow()
         # 11. Sort key 1->Post Date.
         sortkey1 = xDialog.getChild("sortlb")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Post Date"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        sortkey1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(sortkey1, "Post Date")
         # 12. Sort key 2->-undefined-
         sortkey2 = xDialog.getChild("sortuserlb")
-        props = {"TEXT": "- undefined -"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        sortkey2.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(sortkey2, "- undefined -")
         # 13. Click OK
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -175,9 +164,7 @@ class Subtotals(UITestCase):
         xDialog = self.xUITest.getTopFocusWindow()
         # 4. Group by: "- none -"
         xGroupBy = xDialog.getChild("group_by")
-        props = {"TEXT": "- none -"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xGroupBy.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xGroupBy, "- none -")
         # 5. Press "OK" and watch LibreOffice crash.
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf49531.py b/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf49531.py
index de50d5880592..1d66f6a36c5a 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf49531.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf49531.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -40,9 +41,7 @@ class tdf49531(UITestCase):
         select_pos(xTabs, "0")
         xSortKey1 = xDialog.getChild("sortlb")
         xAsc = xDialog.getChild("up")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Column B"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xSortKey1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xSortKey1, "Column B")
         xAsc.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xOk = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOk)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf53482.py b/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf53482.py
index 95e2533849f0..1e6fa01b404a 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf53482.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf53482.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -37,9 +38,7 @@ class tdf53482(UITestCase):
         xDown = xDialog.getChild("down")
         xDown.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xSortKey1 = xDialog.getChild("sortlb")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Occupation"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xSortKey1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xSortKey1, "Occupation")
         #5. Click Ok
         xOK = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOK)
@@ -89,4 +88,4 @@ class tdf53482(UITestCase):
 
         self.ui_test.close_doc()
 
-# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
\ No newline at end of file
+# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf54018.py b/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf54018.py
index ea9fc2994e2e..db5085e9266c 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf54018.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf54018.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -29,9 +30,7 @@ class tdf54018(UITestCase):
         select_pos(xTabs, "0")
         xSortKey1 = xDialog.getChild("sortlb")
         xdown = xDialog.getChild("down")
-        props = {"TEXT": "Column B"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xSortKey1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xSortKey1, "Column B")
         xdown.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -47,4 +46,4 @@ class tdf54018(UITestCase):
 
         self.ui_test.close_doc()
 
-# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
\ No newline at end of file
+# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf99208.py b/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf99208.py
index f590b9f2063e..1b9680a19cb7 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf99208.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/sort/tdf99208.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict, get_url_for_data_file
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -42,9 +43,7 @@ class tdf99208(UITestCase):
         select_pos(xTabs, "0")
         xSortKey1 = xDialog.getChild("sortlb")
         xAsc = xDialog.getChild("up")
-        props = {"TEXT": "FODMAP"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xSortKey1.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xSortKey1, "FODMAP")
         xAsc.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
         xOk = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOk)
@@ -62,4 +61,4 @@ class tdf99208(UITestCase):
 
         self.ui_test.close_doc()
 
-# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
\ No newline at end of file
+# vim: set shiftwidth=4 softtabstop=4 expandtab:
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf138134.py b/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf138134.py
index 6d660019d15e..1bbdc443d60e 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf138134.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf138134.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -35,13 +36,9 @@ class DetectiveCircle(UITestCase):
         xmin = xDialog.getChild("min")
         xmax = xDialog.getChild("max")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Whole Numbers"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xallow.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xallow, "Whole Numbers")
         xallowempty.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
-        propsA = {"TEXT": "equal"}
-        actionPropsA = mkPropertyValues(propsA)
-        xdata.executeAction("SELECT", actionPropsA)
+        select_by_text(xdata, "equal")
         xmin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"5"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf53920.py b/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf53920.py
index 221922d4b2d7..e1a4fc87efaa 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf53920.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf53920.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -35,9 +36,7 @@ class tdf53920(UITestCase):
         xallow = xDialog.getChild("allow")
         xmin = xDialog.getChild("min")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Cell range"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xallow.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xallow, "Cell range")
         xmin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"$Sheet1.$C$1:$C$3"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf65686.py b/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf65686.py
index e2bc037c3837..557701b1dd7f 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf65686.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf65686.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -30,9 +31,7 @@ class tdf65686(UITestCase):
         xallowempty = xDialog.getChild("allowempty")
         minlist = xDialog.getChild("minlist")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "List"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xallow.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xallow, "List")
         minlist.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"Aap"}))
         minlist.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"KEYCODE": "RETURN"}))
         minlist.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"Noot"}))
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf96698.py b/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf96698.py
index c219e044478d..a3bd19c2f3ef 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf96698.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/validity/tdf96698.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -29,9 +30,7 @@ class tdf96698(UITestCase):
         xallowempty = xDialog.getChild("allowempty")
         xmin = xDialog.getChild("min")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Custom"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xallow.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xallow, "Custom")
         xmin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"ISERROR(FIND(\",\",B2))"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -57,9 +56,7 @@ class tdf96698(UITestCase):
         xallowempty = xDialog.getChild("allowempty")
         xmin = xDialog.getChild("min")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Custom"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xallow.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xallow, "Custom")
         xmin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"NOT(ISERROR(B3))"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -85,9 +82,7 @@ class tdf96698(UITestCase):
         xallowempty = xDialog.getChild("allowempty")
         xmin = xDialog.getChild("min")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Custom"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xallow.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xallow, "Custom")
         xmin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"ISERROR(FIND(\",\",A7))"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
@@ -113,9 +108,7 @@ class tdf96698(UITestCase):
         xallowempty = xDialog.getChild("allowempty")
         xmin = xDialog.getChild("min")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Custom"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xallow.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xallow, "Custom")
         xmin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"NOT(ISERROR(A8))"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
         self.ui_test.close_dialog_through_button(xOKBtn)
diff --git a/sc/qa/uitest/validity/validity.py b/sc/qa/uitest/validity/validity.py
index 93cd2461e7a7..dc36e96f87df 100644
--- a/sc/qa/uitest/validity/validity.py
+++ b/sc/qa/uitest/validity/validity.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 from uitest.framework import UITestCase
 from uitest.uihelper.common import get_state_as_dict
 from uitest.uihelper.common import select_pos
+from uitest.uihelper.common import select_by_text
 from uitest.uihelper.calc import enter_text_to_cell
 from libreoffice.calc.document import get_cell_by_position
 from libreoffice.uno.propertyvalue import mkPropertyValues
@@ -29,13 +30,9 @@ class validity(UITestCase):
         xmin = xDialog.getChild("min")
         xmax = xDialog.getChild("max")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Whole Numbers"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xallow.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xallow, "Whole Numbers")
         xallowempty.executeAction("CLICK", tuple())
-        propsA = {"TEXT": "valid range"}
-        actionPropsA = mkPropertyValues(propsA)
-        xdata.executeAction("SELECT", actionPropsA)
+        select_by_text(xdata, "valid range")
         xmin.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"1"}))
         xmax.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"2"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")
@@ -114,9 +111,7 @@ class validity(UITestCase):
         xerroralerttitle = xDialog.getChild("erroralert_title")
         xerrorMsg = xDialog.getChild("errorMsg")
 
-        props = {"TEXT": "Warning"}
-        actionProps = mkPropertyValues(props)
-        xactionCB.executeAction("SELECT", actionProps)
+        select_by_text(xactionCB, "Warning")
         xerroralerttitle.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"Warn"}))
         xerrorMsg.executeAction("TYPE", mkPropertyValues({"TEXT":"Warn2"}))
         xOKBtn = xDialog.getChild("ok")