Introduction to headless browsers
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Headless browsers are tools without a graphical user interface that have gained popularity for testing and scraping websites, especially since Google's endorsement in 2009. They offer benefits such as fast performance, support for multiple browsers on a single machine, and automation capabilities for testing web applications. Notable examples include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, PhantomJS, and HtmlUnit, each with unique features to enhance development and testing efficiency.
Introduction to headless browsers
- 1. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 Introduction to Headless browsers www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
- 2. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 • It is simply a name given to the browser, which doesn’t have any graphical user interface. • The evolvement of website development in few decades have given way to this technology. • This technology is gained popularity since 2009 when Google announced that headless browsers could help search engine index AJAX websites . Introduction www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
- 3. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 • Fast • Easy scraping of websites • Time saver • Simulate multiple browsers on single machine • Retrieve and render pdf files Why headless browsers?
- 4. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 • Automate testing in modern web applications • To run automated tests for JavaScript librarieS • Scraping data from websites • Automate the interaction of the web pages • Taking Screenshots of the web pages Common use cases
- 5. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 Some popular headless browsers Chrome Mozilla Firefrox Phantom JSHtmlUnit SimpleBrowser
- 6. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 1. Google Chrome The headless mode of Google chrome is provided in the version 59 or higher. • It is lightweight • Saves lot of memory. • Available options are similar to Chrome & Blink • Innumerous tools to help developers
- 7. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 Benefits of Chrome Headless Chrome provides innumerous tools helping developers do a variety of tasks such as: • Multiple level Navigation testing • Collection of information from web pages • Take essential screenshots • Creating PDF files • Collect reports on website performance
- 8. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 2. Mozilla Firefox Headless features are available with the version of 56 of Firefox. • Various tools to test website • Easy connection of API to run firefox in fireless mode • Perform test on different use cases • Headless firefox can be driven with the help of – Selenium – Slimmer JS – W3C WebDriver
- 9. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 3. Phantom JS The webkit of Phantom JS is built specifically to deal with different types of complexities. It is updated regularly by different dedicated developers. • Open source • Complexities can be easily dealt using command line testing • Easily scriptable using JavaScript API • For testing, it uses CsaperJS • Simulate complete navigation • Easy identification of loopholes • Highly flexible • Supports multiple web standards
- 10. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 4. HtmlUnit It is written in Java. It allows developers to automate ways in which users interact with the website. One can easily test the following: • Filling and submitting form • Links that user interact with • Website redirects • HTTP Authentication HTTPS Page and Header Performance
- 11. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 Benefits of HtmlUnit • Simulate several browsers • Easy creation of scripted use cases in Chrome, Firefox v.38 & above, Edge, IE8 & IE11. • Ensuring unique experience for every user • Seamless testing of site security, navigation, etc. • Help developers make UI interactive, enhancing UX • Help build business site having extraordinary performance
- 12. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 Conclusion Choosing a Headless Browser can be a tedious task. But with the help of headless browser, the developers can be benefitted in many ways. Talking about the various trends, Phantom JS is the most popular headless browser among the developers. Still, there are other options to choose from.
- 13. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121 Multidots Solutions Pvt. Ltd. C-202, Ganesh Meridian, Nr. Sola Over Bridge, S.G. Highway, Sola Ahmedabad – 380060, Gujarat, INDIA +91-79-2970-8121 Multidots Inc. 2301 Gallows Road Suite 205, Dunn Loring,Virginia – 22027, United States +1-646-568-5447 inquiry@multidots.com inquiry.multidots Thank You ...