Selenium Element Interactions

Once Selenium locates an element, it needs commands to act on that element. These commands mimic a real user typing, clicking, and reading text on a page.

Diagram: Interaction Flow

Locate Element
     |
     v
Perform Action (click, sendKeys, clear)
     |
     v
Read Result (getText, isDisplayed)

click()

Clicks a button, link, checkbox, or any clickable element.

WebElement loginButton = driver.findElement(By.id("login-btn"));
loginButton.click();

sendKeys()

Types text into an input field or text area.

WebElement emailField = driver.findElement(By.id("email"));
emailField.sendKeys("student@estudy247.com");

clear()

Removes existing text from an input field before typing new text.

emailField.clear();
emailField.sendKeys("newuser@estudy247.com");

Skipping clear() often appends new text to old text, creating an invalid value.

getText()

Reads the visible text inside an element, useful for checking messages or labels.

WebElement message = driver.findElement(By.id("welcome-msg"));
String text = message.getText();
System.out.println(text);

getAttribute()

Reads the value of a specific HTML attribute, like href, value, or class.

WebElement link = driver.findElement(By.id("home-link"));
String url = link.getAttribute("href");

isDisplayed(), isEnabled(), isSelected()

isDisplayed()

Returns true if an element is visible on the page.

isEnabled()

Returns true if an element accepts user interaction, useful for checking disabled buttons.

isSelected()

Returns true if a checkbox or radio button is currently checked.

WebElement checkbox = driver.findElement(By.id("agree-terms"));
if (!checkbox.isSelected()) {
    checkbox.click();
}

This script checks a terms and conditions box only if it starts unchecked, avoiding an accidental un-check.

submit()

Submits a form directly, similar to pressing Enter inside a text field.

WebElement searchForm = driver.findElement(By.id("search-form"));
searchForm.submit();

Practical Example: A Login Flow

driver.get("https://www.estudy247.com/login");
driver.findElement(By.id("email")).sendKeys("student@estudy247.com");
driver.findElement(By.id("password")).sendKeys("mypassword");
driver.findElement(By.id("login-btn")).click();
String welcomeText = driver.findElement(By.id("welcome-msg")).getText();
System.out.println(welcomeText);

This script fills a login form, submits it, and reads the welcome message that confirms a successful login.