How to use DevTools in Selenium 4?

Introduction

Imagine debugging your web automation tests while manipulating browser settings, intercepting network requests, or blocking pop-ups all without third-party tools. That’s exactly what DevTools in Selenium 4 makes possible.

With the latest updates in Selenium 4, automation testing has become more powerful, dynamic, and efficient. Thanks to Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP) integration, Selenium now gives testers control like never before.

Whether you’re new to automation or looking to deepen your expertise through Selenium certification online, this guide is tailored for you. By the end of this post, you’ll not only understand DevTools in Selenium 4 but also know how to apply it in real-world testing scenarios.

What Is DevTools in Selenium 4?

DevTools in Selenium 4 refers to the integration of Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP) that allows testers to interact directly with Chrome’s internal operations. This is a big leap in Selenium’s evolution, making it much more than a click-and-type automation tool.

In simpler terms, Selenium 4 lets you access Chrome’s native tools (used by developers for debugging and performance analysis) via code. This means you can go beyond UI actions and manipulate browser-level behaviors.

Why Is DevTools Integration a Big Deal?

Before Selenium 4, doing things like blocking a request or monitoring network traffic required external libraries like BrowserMob Proxy or Fiddler. Now, with DevTools in Selenium 4, everything happens natively within the same framework.

According to a 2024 survey by TestGuild, over 58% of QA teams adopting Selenium 4 cite CDP features as a primary reason for migration.

Here’s why it’s transformative:

• Faster Execution: No need for proxy setups
• Better Debugging: Access to console logs, performance metrics
• Device Emulation: Test on mobile devices without physical hardware

Key Features You Can Leverage Using DevTools

Below are some high-impact features made possible with DevTools in Selenium 4:

These features are crucial if you want to stand out with a Selenium course online or upgrade your skill set for real-world roles.

How to Set Up DevTools in Selenium 4

You don’t need complex setups to use DevTools in Selenium 4. Here’s a simple way to get started in Java:

Step 1: Add Selenium Dependencies

xml
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.seleniumhq.selenium</groupId>
    <artifactId>selenium-java</artifactId>
    <version>4.12.1</version>
</dependency>

Step 2: Initialize DevTools

java
import org.openqa.selenium.devtools.DevTools;
import org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeDriver;

ChromeDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();
DevTools devTools = driver.getDevTools();
devTools.createSession();

This opens the gateway to DevTools commands making your test automation training much more powerful.

Hands-On Examples with DevTools in Selenium 4

A. Network Monitoring

Monitor network requests made by the web page:

java
devTools.send(Network.enable(Optional.empty(), Optional.empty(), Optional.empty()));
devTools.addListener(Network.requestWillBeSent(), request -> {
    System.out.println("URL: " + request.getRequest().getUrl());
});

Use Case: Validate that specific API calls are triggered when a button is clicked.

B. Emulating Devices

Simulate a mobile view for responsive testing:

java
devTools.send(Emulation.setDeviceMetricsOverride(
    375, 812, 100, true, 
    Optional.empty(), Optional.empty(), Optional.empty(), 
    Optional.empty(), Optional.empty(), Optional.empty(), 
    Optional.empty(), Optional.empty(), Optional.empty()
));

Use Case: Test your website’s layout on an iPhone screen.

C. Reading Console Logs

Capture JavaScript errors from the browser console:

java
devTools.send(Log.enable());
devTools.addListener(Log.entryAdded(), entry -> {
    System.out.println("Console Log: " + entry.getText());
});

Use Case: Automate error reporting for client-side failures.

D. Blocking Requests

Block third-party scripts (like ads) during testing:

java
devTools.send(Network.setBlockedURLs(Arrays.asList("*.ads.com")));

Use Case: Improve test speed and reliability by blocking unnecessary scripts.

Benefits of Learning DevTools in Selenium 4

Career Growth

Mastering DevTools enhances your resume. Recruiters now prefer testers skilled in both UI automation and browser internals. It’s an essential part of online selenium training.

Efficient Debugging

No more switching between the browser and code. You can now debug network issues, JavaScript errors, and performance bottlenecks from your test scripts.

Real-World Relevance

Most modern applications are dynamic, and CDP allows testing aspects previously out of reach like lazy loading or API behavior under slow networks.

Real-World Applications in Test Automation

Let’s break down how companies are using DevTools in Selenium 4:

The integration of DevTools in Selenium 4 has empowered companies across various industries to enhance their automation strategies significantly. In the e-commerce sector, QA teams monitor API calls that fetch real-time product information, ensuring accurate data is displayed during promotions and high-traffic events. Banking and financial institutions rely on request interception to validate secure HTTPS communications and simulate different geolocations for compliance testing.

Healthcare platforms use console log tracking to debug dynamic web forms that handle sensitive patient data. In the media industry, teams emulate devices to ensure seamless video playback and content responsiveness across screen sizes and devices.

Incorporating DevTools into your test strategy gives you an edge especially if you’re aiming for advanced roles post a Selenium certification online.

How H2K Infosys Helps You Master It

At H2K Infosys, we’ve integrated advanced modules on DevTools in Selenium 4 within our Selenium course online. Here’s how we help you:

• Live Projects: Hands-on work with real-world scenarios
• Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from seasoned QA professionals
• Job-Oriented Training: Resume building and interview prep
• Lifetime Access: Revisit content anytime, anywhere

Whether you’re a beginner or a working professional, our online selenium training is tailored to get you job-ready fast.

Conclusion

DevTools in Selenium 4 is not just an update it’s a revolution. It extends the capability of Selenium beyond UI automation into browser-level control, offering performance, reliability, and greater test coverage.

If you’re aiming to upgrade your skills with in-demand, industry-relevant expertise, now is the time to dive deep into DevTools in Selenium 4.

Key Takeaways

• DevTools in Selenium 4 allows direct interaction with browser internals.
• You can now monitor network activity, block resources, and emulate devices.
• These features improve test coverage and performance significantly.
• Companies are actively looking for QA professionals with CDP expertise.
• H2K Infosys offers job-ready training in Selenium automation testing with real-world use cases.

Ready to Supercharge Your Test Automation Skills?

Join our Selenium course online program at H2K Infosys and get hands-on with DevTools in Selenium 4. Enroll today to boost your testing career!