Updated on December 10, 2024

sendKeys()

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Overview

The sendKeys() method in the Alert class in Selenium WebDriver is used to simulate typing input in JavaScript prompt alerts (i.e., popups that ask for user input). This method allows you to send text to a prompt dialog, similar to how a user would type into a text field. It’s primarily used for handling prompts where user input is required.

To learn more about the sendKeys() method in detail, check out our full guide on sendKeys() in Selenium WebDriver.

Syntax

				
					alert.sendKeys("text to enter");
    • alert: The instance of the Alert interface, representing the active alert or prompt.
    • keysToSend: The string of text to be sent as input to the prompt.

    Usage

    The sendKeys() method is mainly used in the context of prompt() alerts where the user is expected to provide a response. Here’s how you can use it:

    1. Typing Text into a Prompt Alert

				
					WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();  
driver.get("https://www.example.com/prompt");  
WebElement promptButton = driver.findElement(By.id("promptButton"));  
promptButton.click();  // Trigger the prompt

Alert alert = driver.switchTo().alert();  // Switch to the active prompt
alert.sendKeys("Test response");  // Send text to the prompt
alert.accept();  // Accept the prompt to close it
driver.quit();

In this example, we trigger a prompt alert and send the text “Test response” to it using sendKeys().

2. Using sendKeys() with a Prompt and Validating the Input

				
					WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();  
driver.get("https://www.example.com/prompt");  
WebElement promptButton = driver.findElement(By.id("promptButton"));  
promptButton.click();  // Trigger the prompt

Alert alert = driver.switchTo().alert();  // Switch to the active prompt
alert.sendKeys("User123");  // Send the input text
alert.accept();  // Accept the prompt

// Validate if the input was successfully entered and processed
WebElement result = driver.findElement(By.id("result"));
assert(result.getText().contains("User123"));
driver.quit();

This example demonstrates how to send input to a prompt alert and then validate the result after accepting the prompt.

Importance

  • User Input in Prompts: The sendKeys() method is crucial for interacting with prompt alerts, where the user is required to provide input.
  • Automation of Interactive Popups: It allows you to automate scenarios where the user’s response is needed, making it valuable in form submissions, registration tests, and more.
  • Simulating Keyboard Input: It simulates typing input into the prompt, which is helpful for automated testing of web applications that rely on user input through popups.

Limitations

  • Only Works with Prompts: sendKeys() in the Alert class works only with JavaScript prompt alerts. It cannot be used for simple alerts or confirmation dialogs, which do not require text input.
  • Handling Timing Issues: If the prompt does not appear in time, or if it’s not ready for interaction, you may need to implement explicit waits to handle timing issues and avoid exceptions.

Conclusion

The sendKeys() method in the Alert class is essential for automating interactions with JavaScript prompt alerts that require user input. By simulating the typing of text into the prompt, it provides a straightforward way to handle prompts in Selenium WebDriver automation. However, it is only applicable for prompt alerts and cannot be used with standard alerts or confirmations.

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