Investigating Automated Software Testing in Terms of Efficiency: A Comparative Study of Selenium and Playwright

Abstract

This study compares the performance of Selenium and Playwright, two popular automated software testing tools, based on performance metrics such as response time, load time, and throughput. The tests measure their performance based on varying operating conditions, including different system loads and hardware configurations. Selenium's response times were more erratic and had slower average speeds, especially in the case of heavy traffic, where it was unable to cope with stability. On the other hand, Playwright demonstrated quicker and steadier response times, particularly during low-traffic conditions, with low variability. Further, the study identifies the involvement of hardware configurations, with Dell laptops outperforming HP laptops in all the parameters measured, thereby underlining the significance of properly optimized hardware in improving testing tool performance. The findings present a trade-off between the popularity of Selenium and the improved efficiency of Playwright, providing guidance for testers seeking to maximize stability, speed, and system compatibility in automated testing pipelines.