As the demand for software applications has increased over the past couple of years, software developers and businesses leaders are struggling to deliver efficient software solutions on time. Because of the sudden outburst in the demand for software, several companies have adopted automation of testing as an integral part of the software development life cycle (SDLC). Selenium is one such automation tool that has been widely accepted because of its significant advantages in software development and testing. It is a free (open-source) automated testing framework used to validate web applications across different browsers and platforms. Selenium is well-known among developers because multiple programming languages including Java, C#, and Python can be leveraged to create Selenium Test Scripts. 

What is Selenium Testing?

The Selenium Software consists of a suite of software tools with each tool catering to different QA testing and test automation needs of an organization. The tools are feature-packed and significantly equipped to meet the demands of testing for web applications of all types. The processes enabled by Selenium are known to be highly flexible, enabling many choices for the location of UI elements and contrasting forecasted test results against actual application functioning. One of the best features of Selenium is its ability to allow testing on various browser platforms. More importantly, it enables testers to record and playback while testing web applications and can run several number of scripts across various browsers. 

Why Should Businesses Use It for Automation

1. Open-Source: 

As mentioned earlier, Selenium is an open-source free tool and that is one of its biggest advantages. This freeware, portable tool requires no upfront direct costs and can be freely downloaded from the internet. This is why Selenium can work as the most relevant test automation tool for even startups or businesses with less testing budget. Also, if developers and QA testers find it difficult to get adapted to the Selenium suite, they can also get help for free from the Selenium communities and online forums.

Also Read: Why Do More Businesses Adopt Automation Testing Over Manual Testing Nowadays

2. Language support: 

Another advantage for businesses using Selenium is that it supports a wide range of programming languages, including Java, C#, Perl, Python, Ruby, Groovy, JavaScript, and more. This makes Selenium much more beneficial for businesses because the developers or testers can work with any language that they are comfortable with. Also, the consistency offered by the Selenium WebDriver API across languages simplifies the process of porting test knowledge of one language to another.

3. Supports operating systems: 

Even though Linux is the most popular Operating System (OS) with developers, there are several occasions when Windows, Mac, and UNIX are also required to run applications. For comprehensive application testing, a software development company will have to run test cases across these diverse platforms with ease. The Selenium suite can operate and support multiple OS like Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it even helps testers create a tailored testing suite on any platform and then execute it on another one. For example, QA teams can create test cases using Windows OS and then seamlessly run them on a Linux–based system or Mac OS. 

4. Tests across devices & browsers

As we initially mentioned, most businesses are striving to meet the time to market demands for their software solutions. With selenium, testers can leverage the power of parallelization to reduce the execution time of the test suite from hours to just minutes. With the help of a Selenium grid, the QA team can run hundreds of tests in parallel, across multiple devices and browsers. Performing cross-browser testing by utilizing Selenium is of utmost importance as it makes sure that the web app is cross-browser compatible and provides a robust user experience across the board.

Also Read: What Are The Latest Trends In Test Automation That Businesses Should Utilize in 2022

ThinkPalm Test Automation Services

At ThinkPalm, our test automation services leverage continuous verification, validation, and quality assurance services to bring great advantages to all our clients. Testing services at ThinkPalm span the entire product life cycle. We have acquired deep domain knowledge in the fields of Datacom or Telecom, Networking, Wireless, CRM, Logistics, Web Applications, Custom Windows Applications, and Mobile Applications. If you are looking for a comprehensive range of test automation services that help in reducing testing time with significant cost savings, thus enhancing application quality, then contact us today.

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Ricky Philip is a content strategist, who has an unparalleled dedication to building productive and engaging website content that attracts traffic and increase search engine rankings. If not typing furiously on his keyboard, Ricky is constantly learning ways to enhance search traffic acquisitions.