Your Roadmap to Learning Selenium: 10 Essential Steps

Automation testing is integral to software development, and developers always look for efficient tools to ease the process. Of the many tools available, Selenium is currently a popular favourite. This popularity drives the demand for Selenium testers, particularly those proficient in web browser automation.

Despite its popularity, this automation framework can be challenging to master because many aspirants struggle to identify where to start and what resources to rely on. There is a roadmap to follow to learn and master everything about Selenium. This blog will lead you there!

An Introduction to Selenium

Selenium is an app-testing open-source framework that supports automation across multiple browsers. It operates with various frameworks like:

• Selenium WebDriver
• Selenium Grid
• Selenium RC
• Selenium IDE

Web testing professionals widely prefer the entire Selenium suite because it is:

• Free of licensing and downloading costs
• Test driver development
• Continuous Integration (CI)
• Continuous Testing (CT)

Another reason for its popularity is that anyone can learn Selenium. Although it is easy to learn, experts recommend:

• Proficiency in any one of the programming languages
• Consistent practice
• Skill in unit testing, Framework, and TestNG.

Let’s go into the details of mastering Selenium to fortify your career pathway in software development.

10 Steps to Kickstart Your Selenium Learning Journey

1. Programming language basics

If you are proficient in at least one programming language, you can solidify your Selenium proficiency because you can use and combine it with other languages. Of all the programming languages, Java is the most compatible with Selenium. Pursuing Java helps you understand its fundamentals like:

• Exception handling
• Collection arrays
• String class
• Inheritance
• Polymorphism

There are plenty of exciting boot camps and introductory programming classes you can enrol in to learn Java and HTML fundamentals. Once you lay this foundation., you will be well on your way to becoming tech-savvy with Selenium.

2. Core Java concepts

Learning Core Java comprises major topics such as:

• Class and Object
• Keywords, Variables, Identifiers, and Datatypes
• Operators and Methods
• Exceptions and constructors
• Type Conversion
• Selection Control Structures
• Iteration Control Structures
• Memory Management and access modifiers
• Class Diagram and String & Array
• Object and Wrapper Classes
• OOPS Concepts (Inheritance, Encapsulation, Abstraction, Polymorphism)

To have a complete understanding of Java, it's important to learn some advanced concepts along with the basics, such as:

• Collection Framework- a set of classes and interfaces constituting ready-made architecture.
• Local Date and Time display these details on the output screen.
• Lambda Expressions and Stream which are newly introduced features.
• Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) is a Java API that connects and makes the query work with the database.

3. Build tools and Integrated Development Environment

After covering both core and advanced Java concepts, it is recommended to practice using IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse as the preferred IDEs. Furthermore, your understanding of building tools like Maven will help build your Java project further.

4. HTML basics and Database management system

Before working with Selenium, it is good to have some knowledge of Database Management Systems (DBMS) like:

• SQL basics
• Keys
• Introduction to DBMS
• ER Diagram

You should also hone your skills in locating web elements like checkboxes, text boxes, radio, and links.

5. Testing basics and management

To work on a software testing project, it's important to understand some basic software testing concepts. These concepts are essential for anyone new to software testing.

6. Selenium basics

Selenium basics comprise multiple tools like Locators and Web Drivers. These tools help you locate elements like:

• Identification
• Name
• Class name
• Link text and partial link text
• CSS
• XPath

These elements are software tools to interact with web browsers. You can also brush up your knowledge on other web browsers like:

• Opera Driver
• Safari Driver
• HTML unit driver
• Internet Explorer driver
• Google Chrome Driver

7. Selenium integration

Your skills in selenium integration are the foundation for Selenium testing. Selenium can easily integrate with a host of tools like:

• TestNG
• Maven
• Autolt
• Jenkins
• Sikuli

Learning these tools is essential so you know how to integrate Selenium with any of them.

8. Learn Selenium courses

Once you have sorted your Selenium basics, you should enrol in Selenium training courses to sharpen your knowledge of various aspects of the tool. This is an essential step in taking your Selenium learning forward. Your ability to complete the course will depend on following the roadmap with focus and determination.

9. Test your skills

Test your Selenium skills with simple tests and upgrade to more complex ones as you understand the entire flow. Apply your knowledge in simple use cases to achieve the basic steps. As you progress, you can create your automation script.

10. Write the certification exam

Give your roadmap a proper conclusion. Test your learning and skills by taking a certification exam, which will add more value to your resume.

Upgrade your Selenium skills with Aimore

Aimore Technologies is the best choice for Selenium training in Chennai. Our expert trainers can help create a personal learning roadmap, mentor you, and ensure successful course completion. Studying at Aimore, the best software training institute in Chennai makes a world of difference for your career. Contact us for further details about Selenium training and other courses.