Codeception vs Selenium: What are the differences?

Codeception vs Selenium

Codeception and Selenium are both popular automation testing tools used for web applications. While they both serve the same purpose, there are key differences that set them apart.

1. Programming Language Support: Codeception supports multiple programming languages such as PHP, Python, and Ruby, allowing developers to use their preferred language for test automation. On the other hand, Selenium primarily supports Java, although it does have limited support for other languages through third-party extensions.

2. Test Execution Speed: Codeception generally executes tests faster compared to Selenium. This is because Codeception utilizes the WebDriver protocol which offers faster and more efficient interactions between the tests and the browser. Selenium, on the other hand, has a relatively slower test execution speed due to its architecture and dependencies.

3. Built-in Test Framework: Codeception comes with a built-in test framework that provides various testing utilities and features out of the box. Selenium, on the other hand, is more of a standalone tool and requires the use of additional frameworks like TestNG or JUnit for organizing and executing tests effectively.

4. Browser Support: Codeception supports a wide range of browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer, by leveraging Selenium WebDriver. Selenium itself supports all major browsers but requires the additional setup of browser-specific drivers to interact with them.

5. Ease of Use: Codeception has a simplified and intuitive syntax, making it easier for beginners to get started with test automation. It provides high-level methods and clear test scenarios, allowing for easier test creation and maintenance. Selenium, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve, especially for those new to Java or object-oriented programming.

6. Parallel Execution: Codeception provides easy parallel test execution, allowing multiple tests to be run concurrently. This feature enables faster test execution and improved efficiency when running tests in parallel. Selenium, on the other hand, requires additional setup and configuration to achieve parallel test execution.

In Summary, Codeception provides support for multiple programming languages, offers faster test execution speed, has a built-in test framework, supports a wide range of browsers, has an easier learning curve, and provides parallel test execution out of the box, setting it apart from Selenium.