Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting in the world of test automation, this article aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the powerful tool that is the Browser Library. We will cover its strengths, weaknesses, and also provide some practical tips for using the tool.
Before diving into the Browser Library, let’s quickly recap what the Robot Framework is. The Robot Framework is an open-source automation framework used for acceptance testing, acceptance test-driven development (ATDD), and robotic process automation (RPA), and is very strong for end-to-end (E2E) testing. It is keyword-based, making it highly readable and easy to use. If you’re eager to start using this tool, this article serves as my guide to best practices.
Are there other test automation tools besides Robot Framework? Yes! Cypress, for example, is one of them. Learn more about the tool in this article.
Introduction to the Browser Library
This library is a modern alternative to SeleniumLibrary, built on the Playwright framework. It was designed to provide better performance, more reliable execution, and enhanced browser automation capabilities. But enough introductions, let’s see what makes it so special!
Strengths of the Browser Library
1. Speed and Performance
One of the biggest advantages of using the Browser Library is its speed. Thanks to its Playwright foundation, it can run tests faster and more reliably than its predecessors. This is especially beneficial when dealing with large test suites where execution time can become a bottleneck.
In less than 1 minute, the tests in this example were performed across 3 environments. This is a significant time-saving gain.
2. Multi-Browser Support
The Browser Library supports multiple browsers out of the box, including Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit. This ensures that your tests are robust and can run smoothly across different environments, providing comprehensive coverage.
Here are some examples of personal code used for study:
3. Modern Web Features
As web technologies evolve, so do the requirements for testing them. The Browser Library is equipped to handle modern web features, such as single-page applications (SPAs) and shadow DOM.
This makes it a versatile tool for contemporary web applications, keeping pace with the latest technologies in the market.
4. Built-in Waiting Mechanisms
Unstable tests are a nightmare for any QA. The Browser Library comes with built-in waiting mechanisms to handle dynamic content and asynchronous operations, which helps a lot with tests that depend on specific conditions to validate each step. Say goodbye to fragile tests that break with the slightest change!
5. Easy Debugging
Debugging is a crucial part of the testing process, and the Browser Library offers excellent debugging tools, including the ability to capture screenshots—who doesn't love that convenience? You can also record videos and inspect the DOM state. These features make it much easier to identify and quickly resolve issues.
*Start Tracing path=${VIDEO_DIR}/test_video.zip screenshots=true snapshots=true *( Complete code that failed to appear on the line, in the image above).
Weaknesses of the Browser Library
1. Learning Curve
Switching from SeleniumLibrary to the Browser Library can be challenging, especially for those already familiar with the former. It introduces new concepts and syntax, which may take some time to get used to. In my case, since I started the other way around, it’s been quite comfortable; I hadn’t worked with Selenium before, so it was easy to understand how the Browser Library works.
2. Community Support Still Developing
Although the Robot Framework community is active and supportive, the Browser Library is relatively new. This means fewer resources, tutorials, and third-party integrations compared to SeleniumLibrary. However, this is expected to improve as the library gains popularity. I’ve seen some quality influencers talking about this library, as well as instructors promoting it more in trainings and bootcamps available in the market. This is fantastic because the more widespread it becomes, the more innovations will appear.
3. Integration Challenges
Integrating the Browser Library with existing test suites and CI/CD pipelines may present some challenges, such as compatibility issues and the need to update existing tests. These can be obstacles for teams looking to make the switch.
Practical Tips for Using the Browser Library
1. Start Small
If you’re new to the Browser Library, start with a small test suite with as manageable content as possible. This will help you become familiar with its features and quirks without feeling overwhelmed.
Running one test at a time makes it easier to spot issues and fix them! This worked very well for me. I started with one test, and within two days, I had more than five suites created. Learning new things excites us, and seeing tests work makes us want to go even further, but starting with the basics is always important. Don’t skip these initial steps; they will be essential for the next ones you want to take.
A good foundation ensures sustainable progress!
2. Leverage the Documentation
Documentation is your best friend. It provides comprehensive guides, examples, and API references to help you navigate the library effectively. Here you can access it, as well as the Robot Framework documentation.
I usually leave the documentation page open while I study or work, there is always something to consult there.
3. Join the Community
Engage with the Robot Framework community through forums, Slack channels, and GitHub. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can accelerate your mastery of the Browser Library.
Robot Framework Using the Browser Library: Final Thoughts
The Browser Library has proven to be a robust and modern tool for web automation. Its speed, multi-browser support, and modern web features make it an excellent choice for contemporary web testing needs. While it comes with a learning curve and some integration challenges, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.
Ready to give the Browser Library a try? Experiment and see how it can transform your test automation efforts. And remember, patience and persistence are key in the world of testing.
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Article written by Paula Schunck, and originally published at https://kwan.com/blog/robot-framework-using-the-browser-library-advantages-disadvantages-and-practical-tips/ on September 25, 2024.
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