In software testing services, test automation has come a long way. From basic concept initiation in the 2000s to hundreds of software testing tools now. With so many alternatives available, it is important to decipher which set or option best fits your needs and skills. While we cannot give you a full rundown of each tool for automation testing, let’s tackle this bit by bit, just like you did when you first started your QA journey.
Today, we will be focusing on contrasting two of the most popular automation testing (AT) tools – Sahi Pro and Selenium.
Overview of Sahi Pro
Sahi Pro has 10+ years of active usage under its belt. The tool boasts of its user-friendliness and universally valuable features.
- Sahi Pro supports web, desktop, and mobile testing, as well as API automation.
- The tool is script-based, i.e., you need to write scripts to create automated tests.
- The scripts can be created in the tool’s native language – Javascript, but it also works with Java.
- Sahi Pro has a very intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) and a steep learning curve.
- It also includes a number of powerful features that support data-driven testing, cross-browser testing, and integration with popular test frameworks, such as Git or Jenkins.
Overview of Selenium
Selenium is an open-source automation testing tool with a versatile community. In fact, there is a myriad of extensions built around it called Selenium Ecosystem.
- Selenium was created for web testing, but the amount of supporting software testing tools and integrations allows you to test desktop and mobile applications too.
- It is also script-based and works with a variety of languages, from top players like Java, Python, and C# to niche variants, e.g., Scala and Kotlin.
- You can run test scripts directly in the browser or use test frameworks, such as JUnit or TestNG.
- Selenium is highly flexible and extensible – you can integrate it with a wide range of testing frameworks and tools. And its modular architecture lets you create custom drivers and plugins to advance its functionality.
- Some of Selenium’s most popular features are Selenium IDE, Selenium Grid, and Selenium WebDriver, which allow for record/playback, parallel testing, and cross-browser testing.
Key Comparison Points Between Sahi Pro and Selenium
When we compare Selenium Automation vs Sahi Pro, it is important to note that they serve distinct purposes. So let’s break down the main differences between the two.
- Licensing. Sahi Pro is a commercial, i.e., it requires a fee to use. Selenium is open-source, i.e., it is free to use.
- Language support. Sahi Pro primarily works with more common PLs, such as Java, Javascript, and Python. Selenium has a wider support spectrum, e.g., Ruby, PHP, Perl, etc.
- User interface. Sahi Pro’s GUI is well-known for its intuitive nature; it also offers a visual test creation feature. Selenium’s GUI is simpler, it also requires more coding knowledge to create tests, but Selenium IDE resolves this drawback.
- Features. Both tools have plenty of worthy features. Yet, Sahi Pro includes additional capabilities, such as a JavaScript debugger, error handling, and support for web services.
Pros and Cons of Sahi Pro
While we all want a perfect, all-inclusive, god-sent test automation tool, such a miracle is infeasible. The level of complexity and resources that such a project would require is too much to handle. So, it is no surprise that every truly good software testing tools have their demerits anyway. But we shall focus on the good first.
Sahi Pro Advantages
While the list of pros is not exhaustive, these are the main aspects worthy of attention.
- Ease of use. Sahi Pro is beginner-friendly thanks to its intuitive interface.
- Cross-browser testing. Sahi Pro supports cross-browser testing, allowing users to test their web applications across multiple browsers.
- Object recognition. The tool relies on a unique element identification algorithm. With it, you can effortlessly locate and interact with web elements, even in complex applications.
- Compatibility. Sahi Pro supports a variety of web technologies, among which are Flash, AJAX, and HTML.
- Support. Sahi Pro offers online support during business hours. It also provides training via webinars, knowledge base, forums, and emails.
Sahi Pro Drawbacks
You should consider that Sahi Pro is still developing, and its ‘fan base’ is growing. So you can definitely expect more fixes and additions.
- Cost. Sahi Pro requires a paid license, and the cost ranges from $500 to $3000 (for one user/year), depending on what you need.
- Limited community. Compared to other prevalent AT tools, Sahi Pro has a smaller community. Hence, when it comes to troubleshooting or support, there may be limited resources available online.
- Limited integrations. The tool has a ‘younger’ integration base, thus, fewer integrations (for now).
- Scripting language. Sahi Pro uses its own scripting language, which is actually easier to learn. But to already experienced users, this translates to unfamiliar territory and extra studying hours.
Pros and Cons of Selenium
Selenium can be perceived as a national phenomenon in QA services. It is widely used and loved by many. And rightfully so.
Selenium Advantages
- Open-source. Something that each developer and QA engineer appreciates is that Selenium is free.
- Flexibility. Selenium supports an array of PLs, hence, which language to work with is fully up to you.
- Extensibility. Thanks to Selenium’s extensive community, there is an impressive number of plugins and extensions. This means that users can broaden the tool’s functionality to no limit.
- Cross-browser testing. Selenium has a powerful cross-browser system that works with all major browsers, e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.
- Continuous integration. You can easily integrate Selenium with various Continuous Integration (CI) tools, making an effective choice for those using DevOps and Agile practices.
Selenium Drawbacks
Even developers and QA engineers’ favorites have some troubles. And while these are not deal-breakers, you still should be familiar with what issues may await you.
- Shallow learning curve. Selenium can be complex to set up and use, especially if you are not well-versed in programming or AT.
- Fragility. Selenium tests are somewhat delicate and may require frequent updates due to modifications in the web app or environment.
- Object identification. The tool may struggle with complex web applications/dynamic content since it relies on a basic identification algorithm.
- Lack of support. Instead of official customer support, Selenium depends on its community who, logically, may not always be available to offer advice.
So Which Should You Pick?
So, who wins in Sahi Pro vs Selenium? Frankly, we cannot surely say which would suit you best. Simply because selecting a tool for automation testing depends on too many factors. But, overall, if you are looking for an easy-to-use tool for testing web applications, Sahi Pro may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you need a more flexible tool that can handle multiple types of applications and has a larger community and ecosystem of integrations/plugins, then Selenium is your go-to.
To Sum Up
Choosing an automation testing tool is like choosing a friend. You need to get to know them, spend some time together, maybe have a couple of quarrels. It can be difficult, but if you are truly meant for each other, you will resolve your issues and become partners (in QA). Whether you decide to pick Sahi Pro or Selenium, you should consider your options carefully and simply find out what works best for you.
Good luck, and keep learning.