In the test automation world, there are lots of open-source tools and technologies available. We can develop and customize the framework as per the client’s and application testing requirements. Majorly heard test automation frameworks are Selenium with Java, Selenium with Python, and Selenium with C#, etc. But you might have heard about one more framework called ‘Selenium WebDriver IO’ TAF.

Currently, very few folks are working on the WebdriverIO test automation framework. This article will be helpful who want to initiate working on it.

Summary:

1. WebdriverIO is a great open-source end-to-end testing automation tool.
2. It can automate web applications and native/Hybrid mobile applications.

Usage:

It allows to test multiple applications:

🌐 Modern web applications are written in React, Vue, Angular, Svelte, or other frontend frameworks.

📱  Hybrid or native mobile applications running in an emulator/simulator or on a real device

💻 Native desktop applications.

Set-Up:

Beginners can easily understand and complete the setup.

http://v4.webdriver.io/guide/getstarted/install.html

Framework Structure:

The framework structure is as follow,

WebdriverIO framework structure

Peculiarity:

Below are the WebdriverIO key features:

1. Multi-platform support: Run automation tests for both web and native/Hybrid mobile applications. For mobile test automation, it can be integrated into third-party tools such as Appium.
2. Easy to understand: Easy setup to start and Syntax are also understandable.
3. Test Runner: WebdriverIO has its own test runner which makes it easy to manage test suite execution.
4. Supports hooks: WebdriverIO supports multiple hooks so that pre/post conditions are easily managed.
5. Synchronization: Build-in waits handles the test execution. For e.g., For any reason, the application is working/responding slowly and then supports its built-in wait methods.
6. Re-play: Built-in retry mechanism. In case test execution fails, then it executes failed test cases by built-in retry mech.
7. Test Suites and Grouping: Multiple test suites can be created to execute the group of test cases.
8. Validations: WebdriverIO comes with various built-in assertion libraries that allow the application of powerful assertions. It also supports chai assertions.

Test Reporting:

WebdriverIO supports multiple reporting,

1. Allure Reporter
2. Dot Reporter
3. Spec Reporter
4. Video Reporter
5. HTML Reporter

CI/CD Integration:

The framework can be integrated into CI Systems like Jenkins, Azure, etc.

Cross-browser support:

WebdriverIO is based on Web Standards, is supported by all browser vendors, and guarantees a true cross-browser testing experience with all major browsers Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, and Safari.

Upper hand:

It also provides an edge on Customization, Multiple Tab/Window Support, iFrame Support, Parallel Testing, and multiple assertions.

Supplement:

1. Easy to automate modern world web applications.
2. Supports Mocha, Jasmin, and Cucumber Testing framework.
3. Good documentation is available.
4. Easy to manage test cases and suites.
5. WebdriverIO provides a video reporting feature.
6. WebdriverIO has good community support.

Ref link : https://webdriver.io/