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Selenium is one of the most popular open-source automation tools available on the market. This framework consists of various tools designed for automated web browser testing. Automated testing with Selenium involves an interface where users can develop test cases for different browsers and operating systems. In addition, Selenium is entirely adaptable and can be customized to suit any project, browser, or operating system, making it the go-to automation framework for developers around the world.
Within this blog post, we’ll be looking at the many benefits of Selenium for application test automation. These include:
- Open-source freeware
- Language support
- Support for multiple operating systems
- Support across different browsers
- Integration for programming languages and framework
- Testing across different devices
- Continuous updates and upgrades
- Numerous Selenium suites and tools
- User-friendly interface and implementation
- Reusable scripts and add-ons
If you’d like to know more about these benefits, check out the rest of the article below.
10 Benefits of Selenium Testing
- Open-Source
Without a doubt, one of the biggest pros of using Selenium is that it is open-source freeware. As such, you do not have to pay any upfront costs. Selenium is available to download and users can access community-based support for free online.
- Language Support
Selenium supports a range of programming languages. These include: Java, Python, Perl, Ruby, JavaScript, C#, Groovy, and more. Selenium has its own script, but is not hampered by that language. Essentially, developers can develop Selenium test cases in a language that suits their requirements.
- Support for Different Operating Systems
Selenium testing can be done across different operating systems, such as Mac, Windows, UNIX, and Linux. One of the key benefits of Selenium’s suite of automated solutions is that you can create a customized testing suite on one operating system, then execute it on another one without any issues. For example, you can use Selenium to develop test cases on Mac and then run them on a Windows-based operating system.
- Supports Multiple Browsers
Selenium provides in-depth support over numerous browsers, including the most popular browsers. This becomes a major attribute for developers when executing tests simultaneously on the likes of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
- Support and Integration with Programming Languages and Frameworks
Another benefit of Selenium testing is that the suite integrates with different frameworks and programming languages. For example if you require source code compilation, Selenium can integrate with a framework like ANT or Maven. Additionally, Selenium can also integrate with TestNG for application testing. Developers can also use Selenium to integrate with Hudson or Jenkins for continuous integration (CI) and can also integrate with numerous other open-source programs to support other app testing functions.
- Tests Across Different Devices
Selenium testing can also be implemented across different devices. For example, developers can test on Android, iPhone, and Blackberry. By doing so, Selenium helps generate more accurate results regarding app performance on various devices and platforms, addressing issues continually to ensure the application runs smoothly, regardless of how a user chooses to access it.
- Continuous Updates and Upgrades
As aforementioned, Selenium support is entirely community-based, which enables regular upgrades and updates. Selenium upgrades are available to all users with no training required. As such, Selenium testing is cost-effective and reliable.
However, because Selenium is community-based, it does mean there is no official tech support if you encounter any issues.
- Many Selenium Tools Available
Selenium is not a single tool, it is a comprehensive package filled with numerous testing tools. As such, developers will refer to Selenium as a suit. All included tools are designed to facilitate different testing requirements.
Selenium supports many tools in the Selenium ecosystem. These include: Selenium Grid, Selenium IDE, and Selenium Remote Control (RC).
- User-friendly and Easy to Implement
Selenium is both user-friendly and simple to implement, letting developers create and execute test cases with minimal fuss. The suite’s open-source features let users script extensions, customize actions, and develop new protocols at an advanced level. There are also plenty of guides and tutorials to help new Selenium users find their feet.
Selenium testing runs across browsers and developers can watch in real-time while those tests are carried out. Also, Selenium has excellent reporting capabilities, allowing users to see results clearly and take appropriate actions.
- Add-ons and More
The Selenium framework utilizes scripts that can be executed directly over multiple browsers. However, developers can also execute multiple tests using the suite, as it covers a huge range of functional testing aspects, thanks to available add-on tools, broadening the developer’s reach when it comes to testing automation.
Final Thoughts
While there are some developers who believe Selenium is not an all-inclusive framework for automated testing (as the general hype around the product would suggest), there are many advantages to using Selenium, chiefly the open-source nature of the framework, integration opportunities and more. While some simple features like automatic reporting require third-party tools, the benefits of Selenium far outweigh the drawbacks.
