Selenium is an open-source tool that is primarily used for automation testing. Selenium facilitates cross-browser testing. It fundamentally tests if a website performs uniformly on different browsers.
It helps you write test scripts in Java, Ruby, Python, NodeJS, C#, JavaScript, Perl, and many more. Also, if you want to use Selenium automation tool Cucumber, TestNG, JUnit, it is possible.
Significance of Testing in Selenium
As we all know, manual testing consumes time and is always vulnerable to errors. It minimizes the chances of manual error and gives guaranteed test results accurately.
It helps your development and testing team to automate web application testing on different platforms. Selenium automation tool helps create test scripts in different languages and support browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and many more.
Also, it features code reusability, scalability and offers parallel test execution which facilitates using test scripts across different test cases, cover several test cases, and allows multiple tests to run simultaneously. Further, it provides detailed logs and reports on test implementation and track results much easier to understand the areas where developers need to pay heed to. It also enables continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) to automate testing of every code change.
How to Run Selenium Automation Testing?
Depending on the test script language the requirements, configuration, and implementation changes. We have already discussed that selenium automation testing supports several test scripts Therefore, for example, if you use Java, the QA testing process would be different from that of Python. As a result, you need to stick to the steps relating to the language you choose to run Selenium automation test.
Requirements for automation testing in Selenium
Language and Environment
- You need to select a programming language. As given above, the most common choices for developers include Ruby, Python, Java, C#, and JavaScript to write test scripts in Selenium.
- Install and download the development platform for a programming language and the tools required.
- Download and install Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for writing Selenium test scripts. These include Visual studio, Eclipse, IntelliJ.
- Install Selenium WebDriver: You need to set up WebDriver for the chosen programming language to implement test automation services.
- Set up Browser Driver: Download the browser drivers needed, and the common drivers supported in Selenium include Chrome Driver, EdgeDriver, SafariDriver, and GeckoDriver.
- Install Web Browser: Download and set up Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox browsers that go with the respective browser drivers you selected.
- Set up Libraries and Dependencies: You can download and set up the libraries for example, testing frameworks such as TestNG, JUonit, and NUnit or any additional libraries.
- Create Dependency Management Tools: Even though it is optional, it is recommended. You can use tools such as Gradle, Maven, NPM to handle project dependencies and to create configurations.
Future of Selenium Testing
Technology evolves every single day. It is applicable for Selenium automation testing process as well. Let’s take a look at some future trends that will happen in the Selenium automation testing process.
Headless and Mobile Applications
The future of Selenium automation testing will emphasize the significance of headless browsers, and the trends show that the focus will be in this environment. Headless browsers are synonymous with fast implementation and support testing scenarios in graphical environments.
Used with CI/CD
Selenium testing will become useful in CI/CD and DevOps. It will focus on optimized integration and rapid test implementation.
Focus on AI and ML
The adoption of AI and ML helps improve test generation, better data analysis, and optimize tests. Also, AI-enabled algorithms help recognize patterns in test failures, give suggestions, and adjust test scripts in accordance with the changes in application automatically.
Parallel and Distributed Testing
Parallel testing and Selenium Grid will become more advanced and user-friendly. It is also possible to run tests on several configurations in cloud-based solutions. Further, it offers scalability as well.
User Experience Testing
Selenium testing will incorporate user experience related testing to make sure that the applications operate accurately and provides the best experience for its users.
Operating System and Browser Support
In the future, Selenium WebDriver will expand its support for evolving browsers and operating systems to help with the development process.
Focus Towards Security Testing
Security testing will become the most important part of Selenium automation testing. It will use advanced libraries and tools to facilitate automation in security tests.
Final Thoughts
Selenium automation testing will help developers and testers in future with its great features. Further, there are new trends evolving which only increase its popularity. Explore the merits of using Selenium testing to keep the testing process hassle-free!
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