Rod

What Rod is

Rod is a free driver for the DevTools Protocol used to automate web browsers and scrape web content. Its documented applications include taking page screenshots, collecting content from client-rendered pages, filling forms, end-to-end testing, and request hijacking. Rod can locate or download a browser, wait for page elements, and chain contexts to set time limits or cancel work. It supports nested iframes and shadow DOMs, and can simulate mouse, keyboard, and touch actions such as clicks, typing, key combinations, checkboxes, and file inputs. The APIs are thread-safe, including when multiple browsers are controlled from multiple Go routines. Input tracing and remote monitoring of headless browsers are also supported. Documentation covers both high- and low-level use, with lower-level packages and functions available for customization. Rod is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with API and web options and self-hosting listed. It is free under the MIT License, which permits use, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale; the software comes without warranty. Maintainers direct questions to GitHub issues or discussions and link to a chat room.

Who it suits

Rod may suit developers automating browser tasks, scraping pages, or building end-to-end tests. Its high- and low-level approaches support both direct use and customization by senior developers.

Getting started

1. Open the Rod website
2. Use the MIT-licensed software in your project
3. Choose an API or supported platform environment
4. Let Rod find or download a browser automatically
5. Build automation with high-level APIs or low-level packages
6. Use GitHub issues, discussions, or the chat room for questions

Verdict

Rod combines browser automation and scraping with support for page interaction, testing, and customization. It is free under the MIT License, but is provided without warranty.