Katalon Studio is an all-in-one platform that provides testing solutions for multiple testing types. The Katalon recorder is perhaps its most useful feature. This article will explain the recorder and how to use it effectively, from setup to implementation.
Table of contents
- What is Katalon Recorder?
- Features of Katalon Recorder
- How to set up Katalon Recorder
- Record and playback using Katalon Recorder
- Export test cases from Katalon Recorder
- Difference between Katalon Recorder and Selenium IDE
- Conclusion
What is Katalon Recorder?
Katalon Recorder is a free web extension that helps you automate and test your web actions directly within your browser. It works as an alternative to Selenium IDE. Katalon Recorder allows you to record your actions or movements on a website and convert them into automated tests. Katalon Recorder is available on browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
One of the best things about Katalon Recorder is that it supports data-driven testing, which is very helpful for testers. It also has an export feature so users can export the test cases to different programming languages like C#, Java, Ruby, Python, Groovy, and Robot Framework.
Features of Katalon Recorder
- Quickly automate without needing to set up a project or URL.
- Run tests directly on your current browser tab by integrating manual and automated steps.
- Track and share test results easily with Katalon TestOps.
- Save time by automating tasks like filling out forms or generating reports.
- Monitor web performance to keep it running smoothly.
- Create and share reports to track testing activities.
How to set up Katalon Recorder
Open your preferred web browser (we used Chrome) in your system.
Using the search bar, open the Chrome Web store.
Using the search bar, search for Katalon Automation Recorder.
Once the Katalon Recorder page appears, Click the Add to Chrome button.
Click on the Extension button from the browser’s dialog and observe that Katalon automation recorder is successfully installed in the Chrome browsers.
Then, the Recorder application will open automatically.
Record and playback using Katalon Recorder
Open your web browser, where you have added the Katalon Recorder extension.
In the search bar, put the website URL that you want to record or automate. Then, open it.
Here, we have used OrangeHRM, which is an open source human resources (HR) software.
Click on the browser’s extension menu and open Katalon Recorder.
Create a new test suite by clicking on the plus (+) icon from the Test Suites tab.
Give a name to your test suite and click the Ok button.
Click the plus (+) button to add a new test case in the newly added test suite.
Give a name to your test case and click the Ok button.
Click on the Record button from the top.
Our web page will appear, and the web recording process will start. At the bottom of the page, there will be text showing Katalon recorder is recording, along with a Stop button.
Perform some actions or navigations on the web applications that you want to automate.
Once done, click on the Stop button. The user will then navigate back to the Katalon recorder page. Now, we can see multiple steps created in table format based on our recorded actions on the website.
Users can change the order of these steps by dragging and dropping. They can also create a new command or step by clicking on the + Add new row button.
Now, right-click on the test case. We will see the Play, Rename, Save, and Delete options.
Click on the Play from here option to start the playback.
The record and playback feature in tools such as Katalon Recorder or Selenium IDE helps users easily capture test steps, web elements, or commands without manual coding. It also reduces human error during test script creation and maintains accuracy during the test runs. Users can also edit or update these steps and reuse them in other projects.
Export test cases from Katalon Recorder
Locate and click on the Export option in the left context menu.
In the Select a framework dropdown menu, select a framework for export. Multiple options are available, including Katalon Studio, Java, Python, C#, Robot Framework, and Ruby.
The export window will show a preview of how the test case will be exported in both the Katalon Recorder format (in test steps) and the selected framework format (in test scripts).
Lastly, select the test case you want to export and click the Export button.
Difference between Katalon Recorder and Selenium IDE
Katalon Recorder and Selenium IDE are popular browser extensions for web automation and testing, but they differ greatly in their features and ease of use. Katalon Recorder is a handy recorder with features like a native interface, immediate test recording capability on the current tab, support for test suites and test cases, and drag-and-drop functionality for arranging test components. It also offers advanced features like skipping steps, running tests in parallel, and integrating with CI environments.
On the other hand, Selenium IDE requires more initial setup, requiring users to create a project and specify a URL before beginning test recording. It has some challenges in managing test suites and cases, and its drag-and-drop functionality is limited to arranging test steps. Lastly, the choice between these two depends on the complexity of the testing requirements and the user’s preference.
Final thoughts on Katalon Recorder
In conclusion, Katalon Automation Recorder is a powerful and lightweight web extension designed for automation testers and the testing community seeking efficiency and ease of use. Its modern methodologies, recorded commands, and advanced integration features enhance testing capacity by simplifying web automation with quick test recording and export capabilities. This tool is ideal for those looking to simplify their testing process and adopt a more efficient approach to automation. Happy testing!
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