Headless browsers are simply a name given to the browser without any identifiable GUI. They gives you a fast, lightweight way to automate high-level user actions for testing. Read their popular features, which makes them popular among developers.

1. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
Introduction to Headless
browsers
www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121

2. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
• It is simply a name given to the
browser, which doesn’t have any
graphical user interface.
• The evolvement of website
development in few decades have
given way to this technology.
• This technology is gained
popularity since 2009 when
Google announced that headless
browsers could help search engine
index AJAX websites .
Introduction
www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121

3. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
• Fast
• Easy scraping of websites
• Time saver
• Simulate multiple browsers on single machine
• Retrieve and render pdf files
Why headless
browsers?

4. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
• Automate testing in modern web applications
• To run automated tests for JavaScript librarieS
• Scraping data from websites
• Automate the interaction of the web pages
• Taking Screenshots of the web pages
Common use
cases

5. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
Some popular headless
browsers
Chrome Mozilla Firefrox Phantom JSHtmlUnit SimpleBrowser

6. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
1. Google Chrome
The headless mode of Google chrome is provided in the version 59 or
higher.
• It is lightweight
• Saves lot of memory.
• Available options are similar to Chrome & Blink
• Innumerous tools to help developers

7. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
Benefits of Chrome
Headless Chrome provides innumerous tools helping developers do a
variety of tasks such as:
• Multiple level Navigation testing
• Collection of information from web pages
• Take essential screenshots
• Creating PDF files
• Collect reports on website performance

8. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
2. Mozilla Firefox
Headless features are available with the version of 56 of Firefox.
• Various tools to test website
• Easy connection of API to run firefox in fireless mode
• Perform test on different use cases
• Headless firefox can be driven with the help of
– Selenium
– Slimmer JS
– W3C WebDriver

9. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
3. Phantom JS
The webkit of Phantom JS is built specifically to deal with different
types of complexities. It is updated regularly by different dedicated
developers.
• Open source
• Complexities can be easily dealt using command line testing
• Easily scriptable using JavaScript API
• For testing, it uses CsaperJS
• Simulate complete navigation
• Easy identification of loopholes
• Highly flexible
• Supports multiple web standards

10. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
4. HtmlUnit
It is written in Java. It allows developers to automate ways in which
users interact with the website.
One can easily test the following:
• Filling and submitting form
• Links that user interact with
• Website redirects
• HTTP Authentication
HTTPS Page and Header Performance

11. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
Benefits of HtmlUnit
• Simulate several browsers
• Easy creation of scripted use cases in Chrome, Firefox v.38 & above,
Edge, IE8 & IE11.
• Ensuring unique experience for every user
• Seamless testing of site security, navigation, etc.
• Help developers make UI interactive, enhancing UX
• Help build business site having extraordinary performance

12. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
Conclusion
Choosing a Headless Browser can be a tedious task. But with the help
of headless browser, the developers can be benefitted in many ways.
Talking about the various trends, Phantom JS is the most popular
headless browser among the developers. Still, there are other options
to choose from.

13. www.multidots.com | 91-79-2970-8121
Multidots Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
C-202, Ganesh Meridian, Nr. Sola Over
Bridge, S.G. Highway, Sola Ahmedabad
– 380060, Gujarat, INDIA
+91-79-2970-8121
Multidots Inc.
2301 Gallows Road Suite 205, Dunn
Loring,Virginia – 22027,
United States
+1-646-568-5447
inquiry@multidots.com inquiry.multidots
Thank You ...