How to Intercept HTTP Requests in Seleniumbase

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What will you learn?

In this tutorial, you will learn how to intercept HTTP requests using Seleniumbase. You’ll discover a practical approach to manipulate and monitor network traffic for testing purposes. By leveraging the capabilities of Seleniumbase, a Python-based automation framework extending Selenium WebDriver functionalities, you can efficiently intercept and analyze HTTP requests within your test scripts.

Introduction to the Problem and Solution

When conducting web application testing, there are instances where you may need to inspect or modify the HTTP requests made by your browser. This could involve testing API responses, validating request payloads, or ensuring correct tracking calls. Traditionally, achieving this would require external tools or complex setups.

With Seleniumbase, an advanced automation framework based on Python that extends Selenium WebDriver features, you have a more integrated solution at your disposal. By utilizing Seleniumbase, you can intercept and analyze HTTP requests directly within your test scripts. This not only simplifies the process but also enhances efficiency as everything is handled programmatically.

Code

from seleniumbase import BaseCase

class MyTestClass(BaseCase):
    def test_intercept_requests(self):
        self.open("https://example.com")
        self.wait_for_ready_state_complete()

        # Start intercepting
        self.network.intercept_requests()

        # Perform actions that trigger HTTP requests here
        # Example: self.click('button#submit')

        # Stop intercepting and get the intercepted data
        all_requests = self.network.get_intercepted_requests()

        # Filtering specific request (by URL)
        specific_request = [req for req in all_requests if "api.example" in req["url"]]

        print(specific_request)


# Copyright PHD

Explanation

  • Setting up interception: Begin by calling self.network.intercept_requests() to start monitoring network traffic.
  • Triggering actions: Any action performed after enabling interception will capture associated HTTP requests.
  • Retrieving intercepted data: Use self.network.get_intercepted_requests() to fetch captured data including request details like URLs and payloads.
  • Filtering results: Filter captured data based on specific criteria such as URL substrings of interest.

This method offers flexibility and precision in monitoring network activity directly from automated tests without requiring additional tools or proxies.

  1. What is SeleniumBase?

  2. SeleniumBase is an advanced automation framework designed for browser-driven testing using Python scripts with extended functionalities of Selenium WebDriver.

  3. Can I modify intercepted requests?

  4. Direct modification of live requests isn’t supported through this method; however, examination and alternative techniques like mocking services can be used for altering responses.

  5. Does this work with asynchronous JavaScript calls?

  6. Yes, post-interception initiation captures dynamically loaded content via AJAX/fetch calls among other network activities.

  7. Is it possible to capture responses too?

  8. While focusing on request interception primarily, responses linked with transactions are also accessible providing insights into both outgoing inputs and incoming outputs during tests execution phases.

  9. How do I specify which types of network traffic should be monitored?

  10. Configuration options under network object properties/methods allow refining interception preferences (e.g., excluding images/css files).

Conclusion

Integrating HTTP request interception into test scripts using Seleniumbase provides significant advantages by simplifying tracking and analyzing relevant communications. This approach empowers testers and developers with deeper insights into web application testing processes in today’s complex digital landscape.

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