Selenium offers two distinct functions, get() and Maps(), for loading web pages. While both serve the fundamental purpose of directing the browser to a URL, they possess unique advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for different scenarios. This article will delve into a detailed comparison of these two functions.
What is the get() function in Selenium?
The get() function in Selenium WebDriver is used to open a specified URL in the browser. Its primary purpose is to initiate a new browser session and navigate directly to the given web address. This method is straightforward and efficient for simply loading a web page from a URL.
What is the Maps() function in Selenium?
In Selenium WebDriver, the Maps() method is part of the WebDriver.Navigation interface. It offers more advanced capabilities for managing browser history and navigation compared to the get() method. The Maps() method allows users to move forward and backward through the browser's history, refresh the current page, and also navigate to a specific URL. Its purpose is to provide more granular control over browser navigation, extending beyond just loading a URL.
Difference Between get() and Maps() in Selenium
The following table highlights the key differences between the get() and Maps() functions in Selenium:
| Factors | get() | Maps() |
|---|---|---|
| Interface Part | Part of the WebDriver interface. | Part of the Navigation interface. |
| Wait for Webpage Load | Waits until the webpage is fully loaded and available before returning control. | Does not inherently wait for the webpage to be fully loaded. |
| History Tracking | Does not have a history tracking feature, thus preventing users from going back to previous pages via the browser's history. | Has a history tracking feature, allowing users to go back to previous web pages. |
| Refresh Feature | Does not support the refresh feature. | Supports the refresh feature, allowing the current page to be reloaded. |
| Forward Feature | Does not support the forward function to move to the next page in browser history once the user has moved back. | Supports the forward function, allowing the user to move to the next page in browser history after navigating back. |
