What is the difference between Selenium WebDriver and Selenium IDE?

What is the difference between Selenium WebDriver and Selenium IDE?

When it comes to automation testing with Selenium, two popular tools that are commonly used are Selenium WebDriver and Selenium IDE. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Selenium WebDriver:
   • WebDriver is a powerful automation tool that allows testers to write and execute automated tests for web applications across different browsers and platforms.
   • It provides a programming interface for creating and executing test scripts in various programming languages such as Java, Python, C#, etc.
   • WebDriver offers more flexibility and control over the automation process compared to Selenium IDE.
   • Tests created with WebDriver can be run on different browsers and devices, making it suitable for cross-browser testing.
2. Selenium IDE:
   • Selenium IDE is a simpler and more user-friendly tool for creating automated tests through record and playback functionality.
   • It is a browser plugin that allows testers to quickly create test cases without the need for programming knowledge.
   • Selenium IDE is limited to Firefox and Chrome browsers and lacks the advanced features and flexibility of WebDriver.
   • It is suitable for quick and simple test automation tasks but may not be ideal for complex testing scenarios.

In summary, Selenium WebDriver is more robust and versatile for automation testing, while Selenium IDE is easier to use but limited in functionality. The choice between the two tools depends on the complexity and requirements of the testing project.