![]() |
Selenium is an open-source test automation platform that is used to verify web-based applications. It allows us to run test results across different browsers and devices.Selenium is also a stand-alone platform, that also implies that even if you write a Selenium test to say Windows OS, users can easily drive the same on Linux or Macros. Selenium tests can be run along all multiple browsers, such as Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Opera. It has a large community that is readily available for support. Simultaneous test execution is one of the key features of Selenium.
The four components supported by selenium are :Selenium IDE, Selenium RC, Selenium WebDriver and Selenium Grid.
Before moving onto selenium Webdriver installation, you need to know the basic difference that exists between the selenium RC and webdriver.
Become a master of Selenium by going through this HKR Selenium Online Training!
Selenium Webdriver is a transparent accumulation of APIs used to test software applications. The Selenium Webdriver tool can be used to automate web application tests to confirm that it operates as planned or not. It supports various browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Internet Explorer. This also allows you to perform cross-browser testing.WebDriver often allows users to use the coding language to create your test scripts. You can now use conditional operations such as if-then-else or switch-case. You can perform looping as well as do-while. The programming languages supported by the different web browsers are python, java, .net, perl, ruby, etc.
What makes Selenium WebDriver different from Selenium Remote Control?
There exists some small difference between the selenium webdriver and selenium RC in terms of execution speed, API and Interaction.
In the below image, you can find the difference between both of them from architecture point of view.
Selenium WebDriver has a streamlined architectural design particularly in comparison to Selenium RC. The WebDriver handles the web browser browser. Users only need functional programming connections and a browser driver to collaborate with WebDriver. Selenium RC, on the other hand, includes the Selenium Remote Control Server to operate even before tests are run.
If you want to Explore more about Selenium? then read our updated article - Selenium Tutorial
Each and every statement needs a long process for exc=ecution in selenium RC whereas in webdriver there are direct interactions that minimizes the lifecycle.Selenium WebDriver interacts directly with the browser and utilises its engine to regulate the same, so the speed of execution is fast. Selenium RC first transforms Selenium Core to Selenium Core, which regulates the web browser, so the speed of execution is slower.
Selenium WebDriver allows effective conversations by interacting openly with the web browser. For instance, when some web-element is concealed or disabled, the WebDriver will not be able to find it just like a normal human. Selenium RC uses Selenium Core, which would be comparable to JavaScript. This core may have access to hidden or disabled elements. So even if some textbox on the UI is disabled, use Selenium.
Selenium Webdriver APi is easy and very simple to go with when compared with selenium RC. Because selenium RC commands are very confusing to use. Selenium Webdriver provides good support for headless browsers whereas seleniumRC does not provide support for the headless browsers.
Become a master of Selenium by going through this HKR Selenium With C Sharp Training !
The below is the architectural diagram of the selenium WebDriver.
The four major components of the selenium WebDriver architecture are:
Frequently asked Selenium Interview Questions and Answers !!
Now let's go through the selenium webdriver installation part.
In order to run the selenium test automation suite, first you need to set up the test environment. Next install java, download Eclipse and then add the selenium jar files to your eclipse project. With the help of some sample code you can test the selenium WebDriver installation.
You need to follow a few steps in order to setup selenium WebDriver on your system.
Step1: Configure java on your system
You need to download the latest version of Java Development Kit i.e JDK from Oracle.com and follow the steps required for installing the JDK. We need to install the JDK because it helps in developing and running the automation scripts.
Step2: Download Eclipse or any Java IDE
Just download the latest version of java IDE of your choice and for downloading Eclipse go to the Ellipse.org. Then you need to select the right version of the Eclipse depending on your system type i.e 34 or 64 bit.
Step3: Download Selenium Webdriver jar from the Selenium.dev website
In order to download the selenium WebDriver jar, just go to the official website Selenium.dev and under “ selenium client & webdriver language bindings”, click the download link for programming language java. Then do unzip the downloaded package and place it on any directory as a library folder.
Step4: Creating a project and configuring the selenium jars
Step5: Adding Selenium jars
This is the major step required for installing selenium in Eclipse. Just do right click on the project on the left and click on the properties section. A pop up dialog box will be shown just click on the java build path on the left and libraries tab on the right and then click on the add external jars button as shown in the below image.
Now move to step 3 where the selenium libraries are placed and make sure to add all the libraries along with the libraries present in the lib folder. If you select any libraries then will appear on the screen, just click ok to add them to your project.You can verify the same in the “Referenced Libraries” section under your project in the “Package Explorer” section on the left. The libraries are selenium-java-2.39.0.jar and selenium-java-2.39.0-srcs.jar , selenium-2.39.0\libs, etc.
Related Article: Selenium vs Tosca
Step6: Creating the first project
Now you need to test the setup of your selenium WebDriver. You need to open your firefox browser and launch a website as follows.
Now, we will explore the limitations of the selenium webdriver here.
Here are some of the limitations of the selenium webdriver. They are:
Related Article: Selenium Webdriver Commands
Conclusion
We hereby can conclude that Selenium WebDriver is an evergreen platform to evaluate web applications along all different browsers utilising various programming languages. Users also are capable of performing strong tests, since WebDriver enables you to use the programming language of your selection when designing your tests.
As a senior technical content writer for HRK tainings, srivalli patchava has a greater understanding of today's data-driven environment, which includes key aspects of data management and IT organizations. She manages the task of creating great content in the areas of software testing, DevOps, Robotic process automation. Connects with her on Linkedin and Twitter.
Batch starts on 6th Dec 2023 |
|
||
Batch starts on 10th Dec 2023 |
|
||
Batch starts on 14th Dec 2023 |
|