Python Selenium: send_keys() Method

The send_keys() method in Python Selenium allows you to automate text input in web forms. It's used to simulate typing into input fields, text areas, and more.

What is the send_keys() Method in Python Selenium?

The send_keys() method is a way to send keystrokes to a specific web element, such as input fields or text areas. It mimics user input for automation tasks.

Before using send_keys(), you must locate the target element using methods like find_element() with By locators such as By.ID, By.NAME, or By.XPATH.

Why Use the send_keys() Method?

Using send_keys() is crucial for automating form filling, entering login credentials, or interacting with any input fields on a webpage. It’s a key part of many automation scripts.

For navigating to a new page before entering text, use the get() Method or to interact with buttons after input, use click().

How to Use send_keys() Method

Make sure you have imported the necessary modules and initialized the WebDriver. Here’s an example using the new Selenium syntax:

from selenium import webdriver
from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By
from selenium.webdriver.common.keys import Keys

driver = webdriver.Chrome()
driver.get("https://example.com")

# Locate the input field and send keys
input_field = driver.find_element(By.ID, "username")
input_field.send_keys("my_username")

In this example, the browser navigates to "https://example.com", finds an input field by its ID, and types "my_username" into it using the send_keys() method.

Using Special Keys with send_keys()

The send_keys() method can also simulate special keys like Keys.RETURN or Keys.TAB. This is useful for submitting forms or navigating fields.

input_field.send_keys("my_password", Keys.RETURN)

This sends the password and hits the Return key, simulating form submission.

Common Issues with send_keys()

Make sure the input field is visible before using send_keys(). If not, you may encounter errors like "ElementNotInteractableException". Using WebDriverWait can help.

If an element isn't interactable, check out refresh() to reload the page or use back() and forward() for navigation.

Related Methods

For closing the browser after input, refer to the close() Method or quit() Method. These help manage browser sessions.

Learn more about configuring Browser Profiles for different scenarios when using send_keys() for testing.

Conclusion

The send_keys() method in Python Selenium is a powerful tool for automating text input, allowing you to mimic user interactions accurately and effectively.

For further details, refer to the official Selenium WebDriver documentation.