In web-based Applications File upload and download are common scenarios. To perform automation testing effectively on web-based applications, achieving Selenium automation testing services with comprehensive test coverage and ensuring proper interaction with the apps requires automation of file upload and download scenarios. In this blog post, we explore handling file download and file upload by Auto-IT, and Java Robot class in Selenium webdriver.
Table of Contents
- Handling file downloads in Selenium WebDriver
- Handling File Uploads with AutoIt
- Managing File Downloads with AutoIt
- Handling File Uploads with Robot Class
- Managing File Downloads with the Robot Class
- Conclusion
Handling file downloads in Selenium WebDriver
The common approach to handling file downloads in Selenium WebDriver with Java is to use browser settings to specify the download directory, and then manage the downloaded files from there. Here's a general outline of how you can achieve this:
Set up WebDriver with desired browser options: Configure your WebDriver instance with options to set the download directory and handle downloads.
Interact with the app: Go to a web page which includes a link or button to download a file.
Trigger file download: Simulate a click or any action that initiates the file download.
Wait for Completing Download File: To wait up to completing the download file need to implement logic like using WebDriverWait with expected conditions for file presence in the download directory.
Verify/downloaded file: Optionally, you can verify the downloaded file's existence or perform further actions with it.
Example -
Handling File Uploads with AutoIt
AutoIt is a scripting language designed for automating Windows GUI and general scripting. It's particularly useful for automating file uploads, as it can interact with file dialogs and windows effectively. Let's see how we can integrate AutoIt with Selenium Java for handling file uploads:
1. Install AutoIt: Begin by downloading and installing AutoIt from the official website.
2. Write AutoIt Script: Write an AutoIt script to handle the file upload dialog. This script should simulate the steps a user would take to select a file.
Below is an example script named `upload_script.au3`:
Example:
WinWaitActive("File Upload")
Send("path_to_your_file")
Send("{ENTER}")3. Compile the Script: Compile the AutoIt script into an executable (.exe) file using the AutoIt compiler.
4. Invoke AutoIt Script from Selenium: In your Selenium Java code, invoke the compiled AutoIt script using the `Runtime.getRuntime().exec()` method. Here's an example:
WebElement uploadButton = driver.findElement(By.id("uploadButton"));
uploadButton.click();
Thread.sleep(2000); // Wait for the file upload dialog to appear
Runtime.getRuntime().exec("path_to_compiled_autoit_script.exe");5. Continue with Selenium Automation: After uploading the file, continue with your Selenium test automation as usual.
Managing File Downloads with AutoIt
AutoIt, a scripting language for Windows GUI automation, proves invaluable for handling file downloads. Let's outline the process:
1. Install AutoIt: Begin by downloading and installing AutoIt from its official website.
2. Write AutoIt Script: Create an AutoIt script to handle the file download dialog. This script should mimic user actions to specify the download location. Here's a basic example script named download_script.au3:
WinWaitActive("Save As")
Send("path_to_save_location")
Send("{ENTER}")3. Compile the Script: Compile the AutoIt script into an executable (.exe) file using the AutoIt compiler.
4. Trigger File Download: Use Selenium to click on the download link/button on the web page.
5. Execute AutoIt Script: Once the download starts, execute the compiled AutoIt script to handle the save dialog. Here's a sample code snippet:
WebElement downloadButton = driver.findElement(By.id("downloadButton"));
downloadButton.click();
Thread.sleep(2000); // Allow time for the download to start
Runtime.getRuntime().exec("path_to_compiled_autoit_script.exe");6. Continue Automation: After initiating the download, continue with your Selenium automation as required.
Handling File Uploads with Robot Class
Mouse and Keyboards event is also handled by using the Robot class of Java, so we use this logic in the file uploads scenario. Let's follow below steps:
1. Locate the Upload Button: Use Selenium to find and interact with the upload button on the web page.
2. Initiate File Selection Dialog: Clicking on the upload button usually triggers a file selection dialog. Simulate this action using Selenium.
3. Simulate File Selection: Once the dialog appears, use the Robot class to input the file path into the dialog. Below is an example snippet:
WebElement uploadButton = driver.findElement(By.id("uploadButton"));
uploadButton.click();
Thread.sleep(2000); // Wait for the file upload dialog to appear
Robot robot = new Robot();
StringSelection fileSelection = new StringSelection("path_to_your_file");
Toolkit.getDefaultToolkit().getSystemClipboard().setContents(fileSelection, null);
robot.keyPress(KeyEvent.VK_CONTROL);
robot.keyPress(KeyEvent.VK_V);
robot.keyRelease(KeyEvent.VK_V);
robot.keyRelease(KeyEvent.VK_CONTROL);
Thread.sleep(1000); // Wait for file to be selected
robot.keyPress(KeyEvent.VK_ENTER);
robot.keyRelease(KeyEvent.VK_ENTER);4. Continue Automation: After selecting the file, proceed with your Selenium automation as usual.
Managing File Downloads with the Robot Class
The Robot class in Java allows you to simulate keyboard and mouse events. This can be leveraged to handle file downloads in Selenium. Here's how to use the Robot class for managing file downloads:
1. Navigate to the Download Page: Use Selenium to navigate to the web page from which you want to download a file.
2. Click Download Button: Use Selenium to click on the download link or button.
3. Simulate Keyboard Events with Robot: Once the download starts, use the Robot class to simulate keyboard shortcuts (e.g., CTRL + S) to trigger the save dialog. Then, simulate keyboard inputs to navigate the save dialog and specify the download location. Finally, press Enter to initiate the download.
Below is an example code snippet:
WebElement downloadButton = driver.findElement(By.id("downloadButton"));
downloadButton.click();
Thread.sleep(2000); // Allow time for the download to start
Robot robot = new Robot();
robot.keyPress(KeyEvent.VK_CONTROL);
robot.keyPress(KeyEvent.VK_S);
robot.keyRelease(KeyEvent.VK_S);
robot.keyRelease(KeyEvent.VK_CONTROL);
Thread.sleep(1000); // Wait for the save dialog to appear
// Set file name and location and press Enter to save
StringSelection stringSelection = new StringSelection("file_name_to_save");
Toolkit.getDefaultToolkit().getSystemClipboard().setContents(stringSelection, null);
robot.keyPress(KeyEvent.VK_CONTROL);
robot.keyPress(KeyEvent.VK_V);
robot.keyRelease(KeyEvent.VK_V);
robot.keyRelease(KeyEvent.VK_CONTROL);
Thread.sleep(1000);
robot.keyPress(KeyEvent.VK_ENTER);
robot.keyRelease(KeyEvent.VK_ENTER);Conclusion
Automating file upload and download scenarios is important for smooth web-based testing. When you use Selenium with third-party tools like AutoIt and Java's Robot class, things become much easier. These tools allow you to perform tasks such as downloading or uploading files to a website. The combination allows you to create powerful automation code that works seamlessly with your web testing framework. So, if you want to manage your web application files more efficiently, try these techniques in your automation scripts!!!
After reading this post, if you're planning to boost your software's reliability and performance, then partner with a dedicated software testing company and excellent automation testing services for bug-free solutions. Connect with PixelQA and elevate your product quality!
About Author
With experience of 5+ years as a QA Executive, Gajanan Kolase aspires to rise to a leadership position and become a QA Lead. Started with manual testing, he gradually gained experience in automation testing and advanced quality assurance methodologies. Enjoys learning about new technologies and embracing futuristic trends to stay updated.