Selenium WebdriverIO Tutorial: A Comprehensive Guide, with Examples & Best Practices

Learn WebdriverIO for web automation and empower yourself with in-depth knowledge for smooth execution.

OVERVIEW

WebdriverIO is an open-source JavaScript-based automation testing framework for mobile and web applications. WebdriverIO allows you to write unit, component and even end-to-end tests directly within the browser to simulate user behavior and interactions.

With 8.6k Stars and 2.4k Forks on GitHub, it is one of the most popular JavaScript testing frameworks.

most-popular-javascript-testing-frameworks

Statistics of usage according to State of JS 2022 Source: https://2022.stateofjs.com/en-US/libraries/testing/


WebdriverIO allows you to run tests based on WebDriver, WebDriver BiDi, Chrome DevTools protocol, and Appium. It extends support to Behavior-Driven Development (BDD) and Test-Driven Development (TDD) frameworks, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with your workflow.

Selenium supports multiple languages like Java, Python, C#, etc., and WebdriverIO is tailored for JavaScript. This makes WebdriverIO a go-to choice for those familiar with JavaScript frameworks. Both frameworks have strengths, and the choice depends on the project's specific needs and the team's expertise.

1. Selenium WebdriverIO Tutorial with Example

WebdriverIO is a JavaScript-based test automation framework for browser and mobile applications, offering simplicity, flexibility, and extensive features. In this blog, we will delve into the core concepts of WebdriverIO, exploring its functionalities, features, architectures, and practical applications through examples.

2. Cross Browser Testing With WebdriverIO

WebdriverIO is a top choice for cross-browser testing due to its versatility, reliability, and comprehensive feature set. With WebdriverIO, testers can effortlessly execute tests across multiple browsers, ensuring consistent functionality and user experience across different platforms. This blog will discuss why WebdriverIO is the preferred choice for cross-browser testing and learn effective implementation techniques.

3. Run Your First Automation Script

Do you know the WebdriverIO setup is easier to follow than the Selenium testing configuration? You can configure many features manually, which is very beneficial for automation testing. In this blog, we'll cover the steps you need to follow to execute your first Test Automation Script using WebdriverIO, guiding you through its straightforward setup, from prerequisites to configuration.

4. Browser Commands For Selenium Testing

WebdriverIO browser commands are used to perform specific actions on the browser directly. In this blog, we will cover the ‘browser’ object and learn to effectively manage browser windows and page loads using WebdriverIO commands. We will also focus on the significant challenges you might face while working on your Selenium automation scripts in WebdriverIO.

5. Handling Alerts & Overlay In Selenium

Alerts and pop-ups are common on websites nowadays. They can be efficiently handled in Selenium with the help of WebdriverIO. In this blog on alert handling in Selenium, we'll show you how to handle alerts & pop-ups and overlay modals in WebdriverIO. We will also cover the alerts you will face during automation and the key points you must follow for alert handling in Selenium using WebdriverIO.

6. How To Use Selenium Locators?

In any automation testing framework, finding elements is the most fundamental activity. We must choose web elements carefully so that automation script execution can handle static and dynamic elements for stable test results. This blog will help you learn how WebdriverIO uses Selenium locators most uniquely.

7. Deep Selectors In Selenium WebdriverIO

Traditional selectors only have visibility into the main document's DOM structure and cannot penetrate the boundaries of the shadow DOM. So, to access elements within modern web applications built with technologies like Polymer or Angular, where shadow DOM encapsulation is commonly used, we use specialized selector strategies like deep selectors.

Follow this blog to learn how to use Deep Selectors in Selenium WebdriverIO.

9. How To Generate HTML Reports With WebdriverIO?

In test automation frameworks, robust reporting capabilities are indispensable for comprehensive project assessment. A well-rounded framework not only facilitates test case execution but also automates report generation, enabling a holistic view of project implementation. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of reporting in WebdriverIO, exploring its types, including Non-HTML Reporting and HTML Reporting.

10. Cypress vs WebdriverIO: Which One To Choose

Cypress and WebdriverIO are the top contenders in automated testing frameworks. While both offer robust functionalities, understanding their nuances is crucial for making an informed decision. This comprehensive blog will delve into Cypress and WebdriverIO, evaluating their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you determine their suitability for diverse web applications.

Join us as we explore Cypress vs. WebdriverIO and navigate the intricacies of selecting the right automation testing solution for your needs.

11. WebdriverIO Appium Tutorial

WebdriverIO offers the ability to test both web and mobile applications. It is a plug-and-play framework that can be used with Selenium WebDriver for web automation testing and Appium for mobile automation testing. In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the process of automating tests for iOS mobile applications by harnessing the combined capabilities of WebdriverIO and Appium.

12. Certifications

You can unlock the power of automation testing with our comprehensive certification courses! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, we offer a range of options such as Selenium 101, Selenium Java 101, Selenium Advanced, and many more.

These courses are designed to test your automation testing skills and propel your career forward. Explore these certifications today to elevate your expertise!

13. Automated Monkey Testing with Selenium & WebdriverIO

We use a testing strategy called Monkey testing to ensure software resilience against unexpected inputs and usage patterns. In monkey testing, software systems are subjected to random, unpredictable inputs, mimicking the behavior of a "monkey" randomly pressing keys or clicking buttons. In this blog, we will learn about monkey testing along with the implementation.

14. JavaScript Testing with Selenium and WebdriverIO

To expedite JavaScript testing execution, testers employ various methods to optimize the performance by speeding up the test and reducing debugging, execution, and maintenance time. Some optimization techniques include parallel testing, comprehensive error logging, utilization of headless browsers and drivers, etc. In this blog, we will learn about these techniques in detail.

15. Component Testing with WebdriverIO

As technology progresses, the landscape of web development continues to evolve, leading to the emergence of web components as a fundamental building block. With this evolution comes the necessity to refine testing methodologies to ensure robustness and reliability. In this context, WebdriverIO offers a potent solution for component testing to enhance stability and extend test coverage efficiently.

Let's explore how WebdriverIO enables effective testing practices tailored to the dynamic requirements of modern web development.

Frequently asked questions

  • General ...
What is WebdriverIO?
WebdriverIO is a robust automation framework that allows software testers and developers to write and execute browser-based tests using the WebDriver protocol. With its comprehensive API and seamless integration with popular test frameworks, WebdriverIO empowers professionals to deliver high-quality software products efficiently.
What is WebdriverIO used for?
Being an open-source testing automation tool, WebdriverIO helps test iOS-enabled web and native mobile applications. The WebdriverIO framework is written in JavaScript, and it runs on NodeJS. As it simplifies your interaction with the app you built, WebdriverIO also helps create a stable and scalable test suite by offering the right plugins.
How do I run a WebdriverIO test?
Here’s how you can run a WebdriverIO test: Install Node.JS and npm, create a project workspace, initialize package.json, install WebdriverIO CLI, create a WebdriverIO Config file. create a Test Folder and Test Script File and verify the wdio Test Runner.
What is the difference between WebdriverIO and Protractor?
Protractor focuses on testing for Angular projects, whereas WebdriverIO focuses on testing React applications. Also, WebdriverIO has a built-in mechanism to allow pages to load in Angular. Additionally, WebdriverIO provides IOS and Android OS support, whereas Protractor does not offer any for mobile platforms.
Which is better, WebdriverIO or Selenium?
Both WebdriverIO and Selenium are powerful tools for web automation. WebdriverIO offers a simpler syntax and built-in test runner, making it user-friendly. Selenium, on the other hand, is more mature and widely adopted, providing extensive language support.
What are the benefits of WebdriverIO?
WebdriverIO offers numerous benefits for software testing professionals. Its powerful automation capabilities streamline test execution, ensuring faster and more efficient testing cycles. Its extensive browser and device compatibility facilitates comprehensive cross-browser and cross-platform testing. WebdriverIO's robust API simplifies test scripting, enhancing code reusability and maintainability.
Can we use Java in WebdriverIO?
No, WebdriverIO does not support the use of Java for test automation. WebdriverIO is primarily based on JavaScript and Node.js, providing an extensive API for web testing.
What is the difference between WebDriver and WebdriverIO?
WebDriver is a browser automation framework that provides a set of APIs to interact with web browsers. On the other hand, WebdriverIO is a JavaScript-based test automation framework built on top of WebDriver. It enhances WebDriver's capabilities by adding features like a fluent API, improved error handling, and support for various testing frameworks.
How to select the active element in WebdriverIO?
To select the active element in WebdriverIO, you can utilize the activeElement method. This method retrieves the currently focused element on the page. By invoking it, you can easily interact with the active element and perform desired actions. It provides a convenient way to navigate different elements and efficiently automate web interactions.

Author's Profile

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Hari Sapna Nair

Sapna works as a Content Writer at LambdaTest. An avid reader and passionate developer, she embraces the role of a tech blogger who loves to share her wealth of knowledge. Firmly believing in personal growth through uplifting others, she has chosen blogging as her medium for this purpose. Always eager to learn more and connect with new people, she remains ready to explore new horizons and engage with diverse audience.

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Mohammed Afzal

Afzal, a growth strategist, brings over six years of comprehensive expertise in software development, teaching, content creation, and leadership to LambdaTest. With a commendable 4+ year stint at Coding Ninjas, where he was an integral member from the early bootstrap phase, Afzal played a pivotal role in launching and overseeing the Blog Platform. His leadership steered a content team that delivered blogs across a diverse range of topics, including Data Structures, Algorithm Design, SQL, Database Management, Full Stack Web Development, AI, Machine Learning, etc. Having served as a Software Developer for an early-stage startup and an Instructor at UpGrad early in his career, Afzal has honed his skills across various facets of the tech industry.

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