Selenium Introduction, Advantages and Disadvanatges

 

 

Automation Testing:

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Def:

  Checking functionality of application with help of automation tool by writing some lines of code

 

ex:  login functionality

 

Steps :

·        open browser -->  code

·        enter url in browser --> code

·        enter user name in 'user name' text box --> code

·        enter pwd in 'password' text box --> code

·        click 'login' button  --> code

·        Verify home page is displayed successfully or not--> code

 

What is Selenium?

Selenium is an open-source automation tool that is freely available for anyone to download and use. You do not need to pay any money or purchase any tool to use Selenium.

 

Commercial Tools/Paid Tools:

·       QTP/UFT (by Microfocus): Requires purchasing a license. Offers a 20 or 30-day trial period.

·       Test Complete

·       Katalon Studio

·       IBM RFT

 

-Technically Selenium is distributed as a .jar file (Java Archive file, similar to a .zip file).

·       The .jar file contains packages that include classes and interfaces.

·       These classes and interfaces contain methods.

·       These methods can be used to automate browser actions.

 

 

- Selenium can only be used to automate web-based applications, not desktop applications.

 

Web Application:

A web application is any application that can be accessed via a web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Internet Explorer.

Examples:

• amazon.com
• facebook.com
• redbus.com

• Multi-User Access: Multiple users can access the web application simultaneously.
• Internet Connection: Requires a Wi-Fi or network connection to function.

Desktop Application:

 A desktop application is any application that can be opened and run directly from a desktop, typically via an executable file (.exe).

Examples:

• VLC Media Player
• Zoom Desktop Client
• Microsoft Teams (available as both desktop and web applications)

·        Single User Access: Typically, only one user can access the application at a time.

·        No Internet Requirement: It is not necessary to have a Wi-Fi or network connection to use the application, although some features may require internet access.

 

FAQ Difference between web application and Desktop application?

 

Feature	Web Application	Desktop Application
Accessibility	Through web browsers	Installed and run locally on a computer
Examples	amazon.com, facebook.com, redbus.com	VLC, Zoom Desktop, Microsoft Teams (Desktop)
User Access	Multiple users simultaneously	Typically single user
Internet Connection	Required for access	Not necessary, though some features may need internet

 

·        Supports multiple programming languages such as Java, C#, Python, JavaScript, Perl, Ruby, etc.

 

UFT (Unified Functional Testing):

• Uses only VBScript for scripting.
• Does not support languages like Java, C#, etc.

 

·        Selenium supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac (only on Apple laptops).   

 

UFT Supports only Windows operating system and does not support Linux or Mac OS.

·       Selenium supports multiple browsers:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Edge

·        Safari (only on Mac OS)- not available in windows o/s

• Internet Explorer (no longer supported or enhanced)

 UFT :

·       Initially supported only Internet Explorer.

·       Later added support for Firefox and Chrome.

·        Does not support Safari.

 

UFT:

• Known as Unified Functional Testing, it is a functional automation tool.
• Evolved from Mercury Interactive’s QTP, which was acquired by HP, and then became UFT under MicroFocus.
• Performs functional testing as well as web service testing/API testing  
• ex:  3 laks 

Differences in Types of Licenses:

1.     Seat License:

• Assigned per person.
• Each individual user requires a separate license.

2.     Concurrent Licenses:

• A fixed number of licenses (e.g., 4 or 5) that can be used by multiple users.
• Any user can install and use the software, but only up to the licensed number of users can access it simultaneously.

Disadvantages of Selenium:

1.     Cannot Automate Desktop Applications:

• Selenium is designed for web applications only and cannot automate desktop applications.
• Note: Third-party tools like AutoIT can be used to automate desktop applications.

2.     No Default Test Results Generation:

• Selenium does not generate test results by default.
• Note: Third-party tools such as ExtentReports and TestNG can be used to generate detailed test reports.
• UFT: Generates test results by default after test case execution.

3.     Cannot Automate Bar Code Scanning and ReCaptcha:

• Selenium is not equipped to handle bar code scanning applications or ReCaptcha text testing.

4.     No Inbuilt Object Repository Mechanism:

• Selenium does not have an inbuilt object repository to store object properties and values.
• Object Repository: A place to store all object properties and values.
• UFT: Includes an inbuilt object repository concept, making it easier to manage object properties.

FAQ: Disadvantages of Selenium?

1.     Can Selenium automate desktop applications?

·        No, Selenium cannot automate desktop applications. It is designed for web applications only.

2.     Does Selenium generate test results by default?

·        No, Selenium does not generate automation test results by default. You can use third-party tools like ExtentReports and TestNG to generate test reports.

3.     Can Selenium automate bar code scanning applications and ReCaptcha text testing?

·        No, Selenium cannot automate bar code scanning applications or ReCaptcha text testing.

4.     Does Selenium have an inbuilt object repository mechanism?

·        No, Selenium does not have an inbuilt object repository mechanism. You need to manage object properties and values manually or use additional tools.