Testing is essential while creating applications. It makes sure that the code functions as planned and aids in finding any flaws or problems before they are released for use. It is a complex process, though. Writing effective tests is the first step in creating an efficient automation testing process, but even experienced developers can make mistakes that result in ineffective or inefficient tests.
So, to aid developers, this article aims to guide and enhance their testing abilities as well as the information required to create better Selenium JavaScript tests and guarantee that the code functions as intended. Although there are many other web automation solutions accessible worldwide, Selenium is the most well-liked tool among testers and developers for running automated tests on the web.
Selenium is a free, open-source automated testing tool that enables cross-browser testing functionality across a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, and browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, IE, and Safari. Several programming languages, including Ruby, Perl, C#, Python, Java, and JavaScript, are supported by Selenium. Here, we'll focus on using Selenium and JavaScript to automate the web. Let's first understand the basics of JavaScript before going on to the topic.
JavaScript
When it comes to scripting, JavaScript is one of the most popular options and the most often-used computer language. Because of its sizable community and simple learning process, it is incredibly desired and popular. Because JavaScript is open-source, lightweight, and simple to combine with other frameworks and languages, the majority of developers favor using it.
It is simple to perform automated testing for applications when test scripts are created using JavaScript and Selenium web automation. This is particularly helpful when short development cycles and frequent feature additions are required to meet user demand. Yet, there are a few frequent mistakes that every developer must stay away from when using it.
Why do developers favor JavaScript when creating scripts for Selenium tests?
It is crucial to comprehend why the Selenium and Javascript
combination makes perfect sense and is appropriate for automation testing
before moving on to the Selenium Javascript testing. Let's explore.
As the majority of developers are already familiar with JavaScript, which is at the foundation of almost all modern web apps, it is simple for them to design automation tests in JavaScript and receive timely feedback.
JavaScript makes the test script more compact and efficient because of its carefully constructed and organized patterns and functionalities. It provides security and enjoys strong support from a large developer community.
Both Selenium and JavaScript are open-source and cost-free, which lowers the overall cost of testing.
Common mistakes to avoid when executing selenium JavaScript testing
As we have discussed Selenium and JavaScript, and why JavaScript is the most preferred over other programming languages for creating scripts for Selenium tests. Now let's move to discuss the top 7 mistakes that every tester must avoid while using Selenium JavaScript tests.
By avoiding the below-mentioned typical errors, developers can maintain the code functioning as intended. Thus, they can ensure the tests are efficient and effective and find problems before they are used in production.
DOM-related Errors
DOM, or DocumentObjectModel, is another name. It is one of the key components of JavaScript which manages the website interface portion, which makes HTML-based websites friendlier, more engaging, and more responsive. Because DOM controls the majority of the website's content, structure, and appearance, developers should use it carefully. So, if developers make mistakes when working with DOM, it might cause a variety of defects and faults during web application testing.
Mistakes based on Syntax
When a developer uses JavaScript to test a web application using Selenium, syntax errors such as missing parentheses, mismatched brackets, or other syntax issues are common because of an improper line of code.
To avoid syntax-based issues, developers must concentrate on writing the code using the accepted JavaScript syntax.
Writing Assertions inside the Page Objects
Writing tests inside the classes that make up the page object is interesting. Unfortunately, when adopting the page object paradigm to write Selenium JavaScript testing, doing so results in excessive complexity in the page objects, forcing developers to write several methods to address both positive and negative events on a given page.
Therefore, instead of using highly nested layers of abstraction, keep the assertions outside of the page objects and mainly in the Test files or Test helpers. This makes it easier to reuse the same function to check various results by treating the page object as an abstraction for a certain page or component.
Not doing a cross-browser compatibility check
Websites today must have a modern interface, a quick response, and interactive aspects. To offer all of these, a website must be compatible with many browsers. While developing these using Selenium and JavaScript are crucial components.
One of the main problems when integrating Selenium with JavaScript is cross-browser compatibility. Modern JavaScript features are frequently not supported by older browsers or earlier versions of those browsers. This occurs because developers who use modern JavaScript features to create websites or web applications don't test their work on outdated browsers.
Testing JavaScript-based websites and web applications on various browsers with LambdaTest can help solve this problem and find issues. It is a one-stop cloud-based platform for testing cross-browser compatibility that offers testers a full testing environment and access to more than 3000 real devices and browsers with various versions.
Using the Return Statement incorrectly
The return statement prevents JavaScript's executing functions from receiving the output. When building any application using JavaScript and Selenium, developers can encounter an invalid return statement problem. The use of return statements incorrectly or improperly has a significant negative influence on web application performance.
However, the Chrome developer console displays an unknown message when developers break the return statement. The developers need to stop modifying the JavaScript code's return statements as a result of this.
Using Undefined/Null Keywords Inadequately
When developing websites and web apps, many developers are unaware of how to use undefined and null keywords.
The null keyword is an assignment value that often indicates a value that does not exist. It is a JavaScript object as well. An undefined Keyword is a variable or property that has already been declared with an assigned value indicated by the undefined keyword.
Therefore while creating a website or online application that uses JavaScript, developers must be aware of both keywords and how to use them to avoid issues or errors in JavaScript applications.
Changing selectors location
As developers move the selectors on a responsive website's web page, the size of the resulting web page changes. As a result, test cases that depend on the size of the web page fail. To fix such failure developers can use a selector that does not change when the size changes. For example, they can consider utilizing unique names or user interface identifiers as selectors.
Recommendations for utilizing JavaScript and Selenium
It is essential to handle various strategies to write test scripts successfully and efficiently. The following practices should be used while creating test automation scripts using JavaScript and Selenium to speed up execution.
Use Page Object Model (POM)
Use PageObjects to improve overall maintenance and lessen duplication and redundancy. A Page Class is constructed for each web page, and the various elements are defined as variables, with methods used to implement user interaction.
The benefits of employing the Page Object Model include less maintenance work, less duplication of code, and improved script readability and dependability.
Use the Right Locators
The correct locators must be used to improve object navigation within the DOM as the Selenium framework is designed to communicate with browsers (Document Object Model).
Perform Data-Driven Testing
To complete functional testing more quickly and for reliable results, ensure the testing is data-driven.
Frameworks for JavaScript automation should be used
For automation testers, several JavaScript-based testing frameworks provide several advantages in terms of script maintenance, third-party tool integration, reporting, etc.
Running parallel tests
Several tests can be executed simultaneously in various situations because of parallel testing. This directly leads to faster execution, shorter execution times, and earlier issue detection. Parallel testing is supported by Selenium Grid.
Create a CI/CD pipeline
The practice of CI/CD is receiving a lot of attention in the context of application development supported by Agile and DevOps.
Many CI/CD tools are available, including Jenkins, Bamboo, GitLab, etc. Creating a CI/CD pipeline for Selenium web automation enables early bug identification through rapid execution and consistent results, and also provides enough space for parallel testing capability, and increased scalability.
Test across browsers to increase test coverage
Make sure the application functions as expected across various browser versions, platforms, and devices to stay competitive in the market and win over users.
Run automation scripts with JavaScript on LambdaTest cloud-based Selenium Grid
One of the most popular languages for Selenium automation testing is JavaScript. It is advised to use a cloud-based Automation Selenium Testing platform like LambdaTest for better, secure, scalable, and reliable automation testing and to get the most out of the automation tests created using Selenium and JavaScript.
Using a cloud-based platform like LambdaTest requires no setup, deployment, maintenance, or scaling up of internal infrastructure, thus it includes low investment costs. This platform gives users access to hundreds of browser and platform combinations and expands its support for old and outdated ones.
LambdaTest is a complete framework for test automation for mobile and web applications that works with Selenium and JavaScript. It is a cross-browser testing platform with a cloud Selenium Grid allowing users to test across over 3000 real device, browser, and operating system combinations. A smooth cross-platform testing experience is provided by testing on real devices in the cloud, supporting a variety of browsers and devices.
Conclusion
When automating the web with Selenium, JavaScript integration, and cloud-based Selenium Grid execution help to achieve the best test coverage with the minimal possible code modification. Therefore, to make the most of the automation tests using Selenium and JavaScript and to stay up with the rising demand for modern websites and web apps, it is advised to run Selenium JavaScript tests on LambdaTest.
