DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
World desk5 min

How to Write Your First Test Automation Script

Learn the basic browser-test loop with a runnable Python Selenium example, stable locators, an explicit wait, a readable assertion, cleanup, and troubleshooting.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Your first browser test needs to do six things: start a browser, open a page, locate an element, interact with it, assert the expected result, and close the browser. This beginner example uses Python and Selenium to submit Selenium’s sample form, then checks the confirmation message. The same basic loop applies in other frameworks, though their setup and APIs differ.

What a test automation script does

A browser test automates a user-visible check. It opens a page, performs an action such as submitting a form, and verifies an observable outcome. The assertion is what makes the script a test: clicking a button without checking the result does not show that the intended behavior succeeded.

For this first test, the behavior is: submit a name in the sample form and confirm that the page displays a response containing that name.

Choose a framework and prepare the browser

Use the language you already know or the one your project uses. Selenium and Playwright both publish beginner-oriented documentation, but they have different setup steps and APIs. Selenium’s setup involves a language binding, a browser, and browser-specific WebDriver support; follow its current guide for your language and system. Playwright provides its own test-writing and browser setup guidance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

This walkthrough assumes Python, Selenium, and Chrome are set up according to Selenium’s current official instructions. Installation details can vary with the operating system, browser version, and framework release, so use those instructions rather than relying on a copied, potentially stale driver command.

Write and run the first Selenium test

Save this as first_test.py. It uses Selenium’s public sample form, finds controls by their IDs, submits a name, checks the displayed result, and quits the browser even if an earlier step fails.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
from selenium import webdriver
from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By
from selenium.webdriver.support.ui import WebDriverWait
from selenium.webdriver.support import expected_conditions as EC


driver = webdriver.Chrome()

try:
    driver.get("https://www.selenium.dev/selenium/web/web-form.html")

    name_field = driver.find_element(By.NAME, "my-text")
    submit_button = driver.find_element(By.CSS_SELECTOR, "button")

    name_field.send_keys("Ada")
    submit_button.click()

    message = WebDriverWait(driver, 10).until(
        EC.visibility_of_element_located((By.ID, "message"))
    )
    assert "Received!" in message.text, f"Unexpected confirmation: {message.text!r}"
finally:
    driver.quit()
  1. Start and navigate. webdriver.Chrome() starts a Chrome session, and get() opens the sample form.
  2. Locate controls. Selenium uses the input’s name and a CSS selector for the submit button. Prefer meaningful IDs, names, or dedicated test attributes over selectors tied to layout or styling.
  3. Interact. send_keys() enters the test value and click() submits the form.
  4. Wait for and assert the result. The explicit wait checks for the response element for up to 10 seconds. The assertion fails with the unexpected text if the confirmation does not contain “Received!”.
  5. Clean up. The finally block calls quit() whether the test passes or raises an error.

Run it from a terminal with python first_test.py (or the Python command used on your system). A successful run exits without an assertion error. If the expected message never appears, Selenium raises a timeout; if the page appears but its text differs, the assertion reports the text it found.

Make the example reliable as your page changes

Use stable locators

Choose a locator that expresses which control you mean, such as an ID, a name, or a test-specific attribute. Avoid selecting an element only because it is the third button or happens to occupy a particular position; layout changes can break those selectors without changing the behavior under test.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Wait for the result, not an arbitrary pause

Pages often update asynchronously after a click. The example waits for the result element to become visible instead of sleeping for a fixed interval. On your own site, wait for the condition that signals success: a confirmation message, a changed URL, or another meaningful state. Choose a timeout that fits the test environment rather than adding a long delay to every run.

Keep the first test small

One scenario and one clear assertion make failures easier to understand. Once this loop works, you can explore broader test organization, additional browsers, parallel execution, or continuous integration using your framework’s documentation and your project’s needs.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Troubleshooting the first run

  • Chrome or its driver cannot start: confirm that Chrome is installed and follow the current Selenium setup instructions for Python and your browser. Setup and driver support depend on the installed versions and operating system.
  • The browser opens but the element cannot be found: check that the page loaded the expected form and that the locator matches the page. A changed page, typo, or locator that depends on layout can cause this error.
  • The wait times out: inspect whether the submit action happened and whether the expected response element appeared. The page may not have completed the action, or the locator/condition may not match its actual result.
  • The assertion fails: read the reported confirmation text. The page may have returned a different outcome than expected; adjust the assertion only if that new outcome is the behavior the test should accept.
  • The process is left running after a failure: retain the try/finally structure so driver.quit() runs when navigation, lookup, waiting, or assertion fails.

Or skip the browser setup

If your goal is to capture a page image or PDF rather than test an interactive behavior, ScreenshotNeo offers a one-request screenshot API. This does not replace an assertion-based browser test; it is an alternative for producing captures without managing a browser session yourself.

For example, save a screenshot as WebP with cURL:

curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://www.selenium.dev/selenium/web/web-form.html -o shot.webp

See the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options. Cookie banners, popups, and chat widgets are removed before the shot; bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are not billed. An MCP server lets AI agents take screenshots. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card, and paid plans start at $5 for 3,000.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Sign up for ScreenshotNeo’s free plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this Selenium script test my own website?

Not as written: it opens Selenium’s sample form. To test your site, change the URL, locators, action, and assertion to match a real behavior and expected result on your page.

Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

Can a screenshot prove that a browser test passed?

A screenshot can show what a page looked like, but it does not by itself verify the expected behavior. A test should assert a result that expresses the behavior it is meant to check.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. Shenzhen desk3 min
    HONOR Expands Beyond Smartphones With Humanoid Robot RevealHONOR said it unveiled its first humanoid robot at MWC 2026 and named shopping assistance, workplace inspections, and supportive companionship as intended uses. Later Robotics D1 claims and a reported…
  2. Cupertino desk5 min
    Apple Unveils AirPods Max 2: The Upgrade That Should Have Happened Years AgoAirPods Max 2 adds H2-powered audio features and Apple claims up to 1.5× more effective ANC, but its design, Smart Case, and 20-hour battery rating are unchanged. Wired lossless audio…
  3. Cupertino desk4 min
    Apple’s OLED Touch MacBooks Are Coming—but the Dynamic Island Is the Real GambleApple has not announced an OLED touchscreen MacBook, but reports point to high-end models arriving in late 2026 or early 2027. The reported Mac Dynamic Island could be useful, but…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.