Selenium vs mabl: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this markdown, we will discuss the key differences between Selenium and mabl, two popular testing frameworks for web applications.

1. WebDriver-based vs AI-driven Testing: Selenium is a WebDriver-based testing framework that requires manual script creation and maintenance. On the other hand, mabl is an AI-driven testing platform that uses machine learning to create and maintain tests automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention.

2. Cross-browser and Cross-platform Compatibility: Selenium supports testing across different web browsers and operating systems, ensuring cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility. Meanwhile, mabl provides built-in cross-browser and cross-platform testing capabilities, enabling seamless testing across various environments without extra configuration or setup.

3. Test Script Creation: Selenium requires manual test script creation using programming languages such as Java, C#, or Python. Testers need to have programming skills to create and maintain the test scripts. In contrast, mabl provides a no-code interface where testers can create tests using a visual interface without writing any code, making it more accessible for non-technical users.

4. Test Automation Maintenance: Selenium requires regular test script maintenance to keep up with changes in the application and the testing environment. Test scripts need to be updated manually to accommodate any changes in the application's UI or functionality. In mabl, test maintenance is automated as the platform adapts to changes in the application automatically, reducing the effort required for maintenance.

5. Testing Speed and Efficiency: Selenium executes tests sequentially, which can be time-consuming for large test suites. On the other hand, mabl leverages parallelization to run tests concurrently, significantly reducing the overall testing time and improving efficiency. This parallel execution capability enhances speed and scalability in mabl.

6. Integrations and Ecosystem: Selenium has a vast ecosystem with support for various testing frameworks, plugins, and integrations with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, etc. Mabl also provides integrations with popular CI/CD tools, but its ecosystem may be comparatively smaller than Selenium. However, mabl offers dedicated integration with tools like Slack and JIRA for seamless collaboration and bug tracking within the testing workflow.

In summary, Selenium requires manual scripting and maintenance, relies on programming skills, and offers a broader ecosystem, while mabl leverages AI for automation, provides a no-code interface, and excels in automated maintenance and parallel execution.