If working on a web-based app, it should run flawlessly across different devices and browsers. To ensure the features function smoothly, you need to test the software before releasing it. If you use human testers, checking the same features on multiple browsers takes a long. But you can speed up the process with automated testing tools.
Test automation doesn’t require a human workforce to execute the test but only to prepare the script. Skilled engineers can create tests with different tools, but Selenium is the most popular option. Many types of testing in Selenium are a considerable advantage which is not the only benefit offered by this test automation tool. Here’s an overview of why software specialists should consider using Selenium!
1. It’s Open-Source
Selenium was first released in 2004, indicating it’s been on the market for over 15 years. From day one, it has had an open-source status. That means it’s available for free, and you can download it from the official website. There aren’t any upfront costs, but the tool does come with a demanding learning curve. You can use tutorials to set everything up, but actual support is non-existing. If you need help, you can rely on the large community ready to assist.
2. You Can Customize It to Your Company’s Needs
The open-source concept means you can download and adjust the code to your requirements. It ensures endless customization to your company’s or team’s needs. You can adjust the pre-defined code, and the only condition is you can’t monetize it later. But the developers can still benefit from changing the pre-set classes and functions to fit their specific requirements.
3. Excellent Compatibility with Other Programming Languages
Selenium has a scripting language only this framework uses. However, that doesn’t affect the engineer writing automated testing scripts. They can use Perl, JavaScript, Java, Ruby, C#, or Python to write the script. Selenium will do the job of converting the code into the language the tool understands. It allows engineers to choose their preferred programming language, which is a huge bonus.
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4. Suitable for Various Operating Systems
Selenium has admirable cross-platform compatibility and supports all popular operating systems. While we expect support for Windows, developers will appreciate compatibility with Mac OS, Linux, Unix, etc.
The trick is you can run Selenium and design tests on any of the mentioned operating systems. Thanks to the impressive versatility, the framework will work on OSs. That simplifies test creation since there’s no need to think about the operating system’s specifics.
5. Versatility in Support for Multiple Browsers
The entire point of automated testing is to save as much time as possible. Selenium and similar testing tools focus on cross-browser support to accelerate the process. You can run a test script on any browser, and there’s no need for rewriting. Instead, you prepare one test and run it for popular programs like Chrome, Safari, Opera, Edge, etc.
This feature makes Selenium an excellent pick for web-based applications. Developers want their software to work flawlessly across different browsers. Selenium speeds up the automatic testing and ensures you can run a single test on multiple programs and versions.
6. Integration Capabilities
Test repeatability is the primary advantage of automated testing tools. You can create the test once and run it unlimited times. Apart from reusability, Selenium also has impressive integration potential.
If you want to manage test cases and deliver reports, you’ll need Junit or TestNG to integrate with Selenium. Maven or similar CI/CD solutions are necessary for continuous testing. And if you need to perform picture-based tests, it’s necessary to use Sikuli. Selenium has impressive integration capabilities, especially with management software solutions.
7. Speeding Up the Testing Process
Computers can process data and execute tests 24/7. That makes them faster than the human workforce, primarily since they can process large information volumes per second. But the specific thing about Selenium is that it allows parallel test execution.
Thanks to Selenium Grid, you can run multiple tests simultaneously. The cloud grids can test no less than hundreds of different browser versions and deliver results quickly.
8. A Long-Term Solution That’s Constantly Improving
Selenium is reasonably easy to implement into any company’s software development process. After establishing how you’d test with Selenium, you’ll have a long-term solution. And the best part is you can expect future improvements.
Selenium has a huge tradition, and the tool receives updates constantly. You can join the community and exchange opinions to get new ideas on how to improve your use of this automated testing tool.
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Final Thoughts – Is Selenium the Best Automated Testing Solution?
Automated testing tools don’t fall into a one-size-fits-all category. A suitable solution depends on your company’s size and team’s needs. Selenium is a popular and powerful test automation tool. It’s versatile and suitable for different browser tests, and it has a generous range of extensions, plug-ins, and add-ons. Some don’t appreciate the lack of tech support and a steep learning curve. It’s why they resort to alternatives offered by software testing platforms suitable for different skill levels. Ultimately, it’s best to consider your specific preferences and pick a test automation tool accordingly!