In today’s digital landscape, the time to market the product determines its success. The world of software development has been revolutionized by automated testing. It has become an integral part of the software development life cycle because it produces reliable test results. Consequently, It leads to improved quality of the software. Apart from this, automated testing seamlessly integrates CI/CD principles into the software testing. It enables frequent updates in the codes and fosters innovation. Often, test engineers need a screenshot while testing an application because it facilitates communication and bug reporting.
With several testing tools available in the market, Selenium is the most preferred testing tool. What makes this tool popular among developers is it allows them to take screenshots of the testing process. But if you are new to Selenium and must learn to capture your screen while automating your task. Then we are here to help you. This blog will provide the step-by-step process of capturing your screen the way top automation testing companies do, like a pro tester.
Prerequisites Needed For Setting Up Selenium For Screenshot
To successfully capture your screen in this automation tool, there are specific prerequisite settings that you have to consider. All the essential settings we have discussed below.
Selenium WebDriver Setup: Firstly, you need to set Selenium WebDriver up to manipulate web browsers.
JDK, or Java Development Kit: Your Selenium scripts will only function properly if the most recent JDK for Java is installed.
Integration Development Environment, or IDE: To write and run your Selenium code, use your preferred code editor, such as Eclipse, IntelliJ, or Visual Studio Code.
Get the appropriate browser driver (such as GeckoDriver or ChromeDriver) and configure it to communicate with Selenium and the web browser of your choice.
Dependencies: Include the required files for WebDriver and Selenium in the setup of your project. Included should be components such as WebDriver and Selenium for Java.
Where Are Selenium Screenshots Needed?
Difficulty Locating an Element: On occasion, it can be challenging to find an element on a webpage.
Timeout While Identifying Elements: You may experience a timeout if it takes too long to identify web elements on a page.
System/Application Error: You will encounter an error or issue if there is a problem with the system or application you are evaluating.
Assertion Failure: An assertion failure occurs when one of your validations or checks is unsuccessful.
Why Are Screenshots Important In Test Automation Tool Selenium?
In Selenium, screenshots are crucial for a few main reasons.
They serve as a visual representation of a web application or website at a particular time, first and foremost. They are handy while debugging because they can be used to identify problems or mistakes in the way the application displays.
Second, visual regression testing can benefit from the use of screenshots. Selenium automation companies entail snapping images both before and after the application is changed. After that, you compare them to ensure that the appearance of your adjustments was not unintentionally altered.
are also helpful for reporting faults and recording test findings. They make it simpler for developers and testers to identify and address issues by displaying an image of the issues you’ve encountered.
Ultimately, screenshots are crucial in this automation tool because they greatly improve software problem-solving, testing, and troubleshooting.
How To Capture A Screenshot In Selenium?
Selenium provides a way to take different types of screenshots while running your scripts. Here’s how it’s done:
Current Open Window
This code captures a screenshot of the currently open browser window. It opens the OrangeHRM test page and saves screenshots as a .png file.
WebDriver driver = new FirefoxDriver();
driver.manage().window().maximise();
driver.get("https://opensource-demo.orangehrmlive.com/");
File screenshotFile = ((TakesScreenshot) driver).getScreenshotAs(OutputType.FILE);
FileUtils.copyFile(screenshotFile, new File("C:/Users/Chait/Desktop/Screenshots/screenshot01.png"));
The Entire Web Page
This code captures a screenshot of the complete web page using the Ashot library. It opens the SoftwareTestingHelp website and takes a screenshot of the entire page.
WebDriver driver = new FirefoxDriver();
driver.manage().window().maximise();
driver.get("https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/");
WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.linkText("JMeter"));
element.click();
// Capture the entire page using Ashot
Screenshot screenshot = new AShot().take screenshot(driver);
ImageIO.write(screenshot.getImage(), "PNG", new File("C:/Users/Chait/Desktop/Screenshots/entirepage.png"));
A Web Element
This code captures a screenshot of a specific web element on the page. It interacts with the OrangeHRM test page, enters login details, and takes a capture of the “Maintenance” link.
WebDriver driver = new FirefoxDriver();
driver.manage().window().maximise();
driver.get("https://opensource-demo.orangehrmlive.com/");
WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.linkText("Maintenance"));
// Capture screenshots of the specified element using Ashot
Screenshot screenshot = new AShot().shootingStrategy(ShootingStrategies.viewportPasting(100)).takeScreenshot(driver, element);
ImageIO.write(screenshot.getImage(), "png", new File("C:/Users/Chait/Desktop/Screenshots/element.jpeg"));
Comparing Screenshot With Original Image
This code captures a screenshot of the naukri.com logo and compares it with an original logo image. If differences are found, it indicates that the logo images are different.
WebDriver driver = new FirefoxDriver();
driver.manage().window().maximise();
driver.get("https://www.naukri.com/nlogin/login");
WebElement logo = driver.findElement(By.xpath("//a[@class='nLogo fl']/img"));
// Capture a Screen snap of the logo
Screenshot logoScreenshot = new AShot().take screenshot(driver, logo);
BufferedImage expectedImage = ImageIO.read(new File("C:/Users/Chait/Desktop/naukri_Logo.png"));
BufferedImage actualImage = logoScreenshot.getImage();
ImageDiffer image differ = new ImageDiffer();
ImageDiff difference = imageDiffer.makeDiff(actual image, expected image);
if (difference.hasDiff()) {
System. out.println("The logo images are different");
} else {
System. out.println("Both logo images matched");
}
These examples help you understand how to capture different types of screenshots in Selenium for various testing and validation purposes.
What Benefits You Can Get From Screenshots In Test Automation Tool Selenium
In software testing, screenshots are crucial, mainly when using Selenium. It is why they are so precious:
Visual Confirmation
Using Selenium screenshots, testers may verify visually that the web application they are testing appears as intended. To ensure the user interface and design elements are displayed correctly, testers might snap screenshots at different phases of the testing process and compare them to the intended outcomes.
Debugging and Issue Reporting
If a test fails, a Screen snap can give essential details about the application’s condition. Screenshots are a valuable tool for testers to pinpoint UI irregularities, error messages, or unexpected behaviors. Selenium testing companies facilitate the replication and resolution of problems.
Documentation and Reporting
Screenshots serve as a visual record of test cases, facilitating the communication of test findings to relevant parties. A Screenshot adds clarity and serves as proof of test results and coverage in test reports. Team members’ communication is enhanced by it.
Testing on Different Browsers and Platforms
Selenium enables testing on various browsers and platforms. Taking screenshots makes it easier to confirm that the online application appears the same in multiple settings. Testers can ensure a consistent user experience by using screenshots to compare the application’s visual appearance across different browsers.
UI/UX Improvement
By displaying the UI as it is currently, screenshots encourage communication between developers and designers. Their valuable feedback on the application’s visual appearance and user experience is appreciated, and QA Automation testing assists in identifying areas that require improvement.
Regression Testing
Screenshots taken at baseline and subsequent test runs can be compared in regression testing. With this visual comparison, testers can detect visual differences—such as modifications to the layout or absence of elements—that may point to unanticipated consequences of code changes.
Screenshots are an excellent tool for sharing knowledge within a team and training new testers. They can be used to produce tutorials, walkthroughs, or step-by-step documentation that will help novices comprehend challenging test scenarios and draw lessons from previous mistakes.
Final Thoughts
For web developers and testers, using code to take screenshots in Selenium is essential. With this capacity, you can:
Visually Confirm: Examine the web application to ensure it appears as intended.
Effective Debugging: When tests fail, effectively debug problems by providing visual context.
Documentation: To improve reporting and clarity, include visual evidence in test case documentation.
Cross-Browser and Regression Testing: Use screenshot comparison to verify consistency across various environments.
Training and Knowledge Transfer: Screenshots facilitate team training and knowledge exchange.
UI/UX Enhancement: Work together with developers and designers to make the user interface and experience of the application better.
You can increase user satisfaction, software reliability, and testing efficiency by incorporating screenshots into your process.
You should become proficient with test automation frameworks such as TestNG or JUnit to improve your Selenium skills even more. These frameworks assist you in managing test data, arranging and structuring tests, and producing thorough reports.
You can also take your automated testing skills to the next level by mastering advanced Selenium techniques like handling dynamic web elements, putting synchronization strategies into practice, and integrating Selenium with other test automation frameworks.
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