Selenium is an accessible source test execution automation platform. It is used for web applications. It enacts itself through a browser-specific driver that allows and transfers commands to the browser. You can create test scripts in several computer languages like, Ruby, Java, PHP, Perl, Python, JavaScript, NodeJS, and C#. Now, let us explore more on Selenium Framework, its advantages and disadvantages, and more.
What is Selenium Framework?
Selenium framework is a chain of automation testing tools. It is based on the JavaScript framework. It can run tests directly on the target web browser. It can also drive the interactions on the needed web page and rerun them with no need of manual input.
Selenium is a famous automation testing chain in which you can easily run your automation scripts to automate testing of an application or procedure. This framework is not only one framework, but it is a set of frameworks bundled in a chain. It is a toolbox which makes the life of a software tester easier. It is an important part when developing a strong, web-based regression automation chain and tests. Now, let us explore the Selenium tools, as it is the key interface when running a browser.
1. Selenium IDE
It is only accessible for two browsers, for Firefox and Chrome. This addition makes it easier to record and playback tests on the web page. The recorded script can also be changed and viewed in other languages.
2. Selenium RC(Remote Control)
It is a server/client system. It permits you to manage web browsers locally or on other computers. It uses almost any programming language and testing framework. There are multiple tools and versions out there. Selenium RC can be shown as Selenium 1, then RC mixed with WebDriver which makes Selenium 2.0 and then Selenium 3. It is an enhancement on Selenium 2.
3. Selenium Grid
With this tool, you can run parallel tests by driving many servers at the same time with a Hub and Node Architecture. One can look at it as scaled-up Selenium Remote Control. Selenium grid also holds up RC and WebDriver scripts. These scripts will make contact through the Hubs out to the Nodes and then execute.
4. Selenium WebDriver
It is a web-based driver which aids in launching and accessing the multiple browsers whether it is a desktop browser or mobile browser. This means that it does not support example Windows applications. It offers an interface to write and drive automation scripts. Each browser has different drivers to run tests. WebDriver can test modern and dynamic websites, sites, where content is evolving dynamically with a single click.
What is Selenium Automation Testing?
Selenium is an open source test implementation platform for judging web applications. This platform implements itself through a browser-specific driver that accepts and transmits commands to the browser. Testers can assess the user experience and ensure the application is clear and easy to use. They use Selenium to mimic user interactions and behavior.
The major component of the Selenium automation tool is Selenium WebDriver. It uses client libraries and JSON wire standard to start direct communication with browsers. It helps testers in ensuring the website works as expected across multiple browsers. WebDriver engages closely with Selenium Grid and the IDE to allow dependable test execution at scale and speed.
Why Use Selenium Framework for Automated Browser Testing?
Now, as we are familiar with the makeup of Selenium and the tools at hand. Let us explore the main points of Selenium and why it is a good tool for automation testing.
-Open Source: It is an open source, so no licensing or cost is needed. It is completely free to download and use.
-Mimic User Actions: As we read earlier, Selenium WebDriver can mimic user input. In real situations, you can automate events like key presses, mouse clicks, drag and drop, click and hold, selecting and more.
-Easy Implementation: It is well-known for being a user-friendly automation tool.
-Tool for every scenario: Selenium is a chain of tools, and you can find something that fits your needs and your way of working.
-Language Support: Selenium supports many browsers like Chrome, FireFox, Opera, Internet Explorer, Edge, and Safari.
-Reusability: Testers can run various testing scenarios with the same base.
-Advanced User Input: It is possible to request clicking of the browser back and front buttons with WebDriver.
The Good and the Bad of Selenium
As we read about the benefits of using Selenium, every technology has its own advantages and disadvantages. Now, let us take a look at some pros and cons of Selenium:
Pros:
- Selenium supports numerous systems, languages, and browsers.
- It is free and is accessible to anyone.
- Selenium allows you to run tests concurrently
- It is combined with CI/CD.
- The Selenium community is pretty active and open. Thus, there is a lot of information and help available when required.
Cons:
- This platform supports web applications only.
- Selenium does not have an image comparison. It does not have built-in image comparison functionality.
- Selenium can not create reports. It does not have a basic functionality called reports.
Final Words
Selenium is used for automating tests over many web browsers, like Chrome, Mozilla, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. This platform is popular, supports many systems, browsers, and languages, and integration with CI/CD platforms. It can test mobile devices as well.
If you want to develop strong, browser-based regression automation suites and tests, and more than this then selenium course online is the best platform for it.