
16 July 2024 Leave a comment QA
When conducting automated tests using Selenium WebDriver, a common requirement is to verify the persistence of session data, such as login credentials, across browser instances. However, by default, Selenium clears all session data when a browser is closed, which can pose a challenge for these types of tests. This article provides a practical guide to preserving session data between browser instances in Selenium WebDriver.
Understanding the Challenge
The issue arises because Selenium WebDriver, by design, deletes all session data upon closing the browser. This default behavior ensures a clean state for each test run, but it complicates scenarios where you need to verify the persistence of cookies or session data across sessions.
Solution: Storing and Reusing Cookies
One effective approach to overcoming this challenge is to manually store the cookies from an active session before closing the browser and then reapply these cookies in a new browser instance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to implement this solution:
Saving Cookies
Set<Cookie> allCookies = driver.manage().getCookies();
Before closing the browser, save the cookies using the above code. This will store all the cookies from the current session.
Reapplying Cookies
driver = new FirefoxDriver();
for (Cookie cookie : allCookies) {
driver.manage().addCookie(cookie);
}
In the new browser instance, reapply the saved cookies. This will restore the session data, allowing you to proceed with your test logic as if the browser had never been closed.
Alternative Approach: Using a Specified Profile Path
Another method to maintain session data is to use a specified profile path. This approach ensures that all data saved during the session is retained across browser instances.
options.addArguments("--user-data-dir=" + PROFILE_PATH);
By specifying a user data directory, you can simulate a real-life scenario where the browser retains all session data, including cookies, even after being closed and reopened.
Conclusion
Preserving session data across browser instances in Selenium WebDriver is crucial for verifying the persistence of login credentials and other session information. By either storing and reapplying cookies or using a specified profile path, you can effectively manage session data in your automated tests.
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