winname

Winname is a term used in computing as a shorthand for “window name,” referring to an identifier associated with a window, tab, or browsing context that software uses to refer to and manipulate that element. The exact meaning and usage of winname vary by platform and toolkit, but the general idea is to label a window so that scripts or user interfaces can distinguish it from others.

In desktop GUI programming, many toolkits treat the window title as the visible name, while some use a separate internal identifier. In scripting and automation, winname is often the name or title used to locate a window—e.g., in Windows API or X11-based toolkits—so that a program can bring it to the foreground, send input, or perform checks.

In web browsers, the related concept is window.name, a string property attached to the browsing context. It persists across navigations within the same window and can be used to pass data between windows or frames or to reference a window when opening a new one with a specific target name.

In automation and test frameworks, winname-based selectors help identify specific windows or dialogs; scripts often combine the winname with additional attributes such as process ID, window class, or hierarchy to reduce ambiguity and improve reliability.

Limitations include the lack of a universal standard for winname across platforms; names can change with content, localization, or user customization. Best practices involve using stable, multi-attribute selectors and handling cases where the window cannot be found or the name changes.