Understanding the Difference Between Selenium 3 & Selenium 4

Over the past many years, selenium has gained huge momentum for carrying out test automation activities efficiently. Hence, it is time and again coming up with new versions. These latest versions are helping organizations carry out software testing and test automation activities in a more detailed and strategic manner. This in turn not only solves the complex challenges pertaining to automation testing activities but also helps the team to streamline their testing activities effectively and rewardingly. The latest version is Selenium 4, which is considered to be a lot better (exclusive value- added features) compared to the older selenium 3 version. In this article, you will get to know the differences between Selenium 3 and Selenium 4.

The architecture of Selenium 3:

The selenium architecture is an important aspect that explains the core functioning. Selenium 3 supports JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) Wire Protocol. The information is transferred by JSON Wire protocol from the client to the server over HTTP. HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol.

The request is secured by the Browser Driver. In the end, the “Response” is returned by the “Server” and “Client” receives the same.

The architecture of Selenium 4:

Selenium does not have JSON Wire Protocol. The information is transferred directly between the client and the server. Selenium client and WebDriver Language Bindings are the two major elements of Selenium 4. The browsers drivers are the server.

WebDriver Language Bindings is a code library that has been designed specifically to carry out the actions that have been generated. The selenium client sends the request as a command. The browser drivers receive the request. The responses are generated once an automated test script runs on the Web Browser.

Selenium client and WebDriver Language Bindings, which are the major elements of Selenium 4, have their unique bindings.?

Usage of WebDriver Manager:

In selenium 3, the browser’s driver executable binary file should be explicitly downloaded and the properties or JVM path should be set forth so that selenium commands can be executed

In Selenium 4, the driver executables for individual browsers need not be downloaded. One line code can be simply added so that the latest version for a specified driver can be downloaded automatically.

The screenshot of a specific web element needs to be captured:

In selenium 3, the entire page screenshot was captured. With Selenium 4, the screenshot of a specific web element is captured. In selenium 3, the screen’s screenshot had to be taken and then cropped using desired element’s coordinates.

With Selenium 4, the screenshot can be taken with just a few lines of code.?

Difference between Selenium 3 and Selenium 4:

Selenium 3

• The chrome driver is extended directly to the RC driver?
• The major mode of communication between the browser and the test code is the JSON Wire Protocol
• In order to perform automation testing on the Grid, the testing process needs to be initiated from the hub and node jars?
• When a new window or new tab needs to be opened for the tests, there is a need to run certain JavaScript commands with JavaScript being executed??

Selenium 4

• The class of the driver is extended, which has some predefined methods so that the dev tool can be accessed
• WebDriver W3C protocol is used by Selenium 4
• The problem of initiating the testing process from the hub and node jars is resolved
• A simple command can be given to the driver to switch to a new tab

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing selenium testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a premium software testing services company that will provide you with comprehensive testing solutions that will justify your project specific requirements.

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