Maximize and minimize window in Selenium Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the purpose of maximizing a browser window in Selenium?

Maximizing a browser window ensures the web page is fully visible, which helps tests interact with all elements without layout issues.

beginner

How do you maximize a browser window using Selenium in Python?

Use driver.maximize_window() to make the browser window fill the screen.

beginner

How do you minimize a browser window using Selenium in Python?

Use driver.minimize_window() to reduce the browser window to the taskbar or dock.

intermediate

Why might minimizing a browser window be useful in automated tests?

Minimizing can help when running multiple tests or browsers to save screen space and system resources.

intermediate

What happens if you do not maximize the window before running Selenium tests?

Some page elements might be hidden or not interactable, causing tests to fail or behave unexpectedly.

Which Selenium Python command maximizes the browser window?

A driver.fullscreen_window()

B driver.minimize_window()

C driver.maximize_window()

D driver.set_window_size()

The correct command to maximize the window is driver.maximize_window().

What does driver.minimize_window() do?

A Closes the browser

B Refreshes the page

C Maximizes the browser window

D Reduces the browser window to the taskbar or dock

driver.minimize_window() reduces the window size to the taskbar or dock.

Why is maximizing the window important before running tests?

A To ensure all page elements are visible and interactable

B To close pop-ups automatically

C To speed up test execution

D To clear browser cache

Maximizing ensures all elements are visible, preventing interaction issues.

Which of these is NOT a Selenium window management command?

A driver.maximize_window()

B driver.refresh_window()

C driver.fullscreen_window()

D driver.minimize_window()

driver.refresh_window() is not a valid Selenium command.

If a test fails because an element is not clickable, what window action might help?

A Maximize the window

B Minimize the window

C Close the window

D Open a new tab

Maximizing the window can make hidden elements visible and clickable.

Explain how to maximize and minimize a browser window in Selenium using Python and why these actions matter in testing.

Think about how window size affects what the test can see and interact with.

Describe a scenario where minimizing the browser window during automated tests could be beneficial.

Consider running many tests at once on your computer.

Practice

1. What does the maximize_window() method do in Selenium WebDriver?

easy

A. It minimizes the browser window to the taskbar.

B. It closes the browser window.

C. It refreshes the current page.

D. It makes the browser window full screen.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of maximize_window()

   The method is designed to enlarge the browser window to fill the screen.

2. Step 2: Compare with other window methods

   Unlike minimize_window() which hides the window, maximize_window() expands it fully.

3. Final Answer:

   It makes the browser window full screen. -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   maximize_window() = full screen [OK]

Hint: Maximize means full screen, minimize means hide [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing maximize with minimize
• Thinking maximize closes the window
• Assuming maximize refreshes the page

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to minimize the browser window using Selenium in Python?

easy

A. driver.minimizeWindow()

B. driver.minimize()

C. driver.minimize_window()

D. driver.window.minimize()

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall Selenium WebDriver method names

   The correct method to minimize the window is minimize_window() called on the driver object.

2. Step 2: Check syntax correctness

   Options A, B, and C use incorrect method names or wrong casing.

3. Final Answer:

   driver.minimize_window() -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Correct method name = minimize_window() [OK]

Hint: Use exact method names with underscores in Selenium [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using camelCase instead of snake_case
• Calling minimize() without _window
• Trying to access window as a property

3. What will be the output of the following code snippet?

from selenium import webdriver

driver = webdriver.Chrome()
driver.maximize_window()
size = driver.get_window_size()
print(size)

medium

A. {'width': 0, 'height': 0}

B. A dictionary with the current window width and height after maximizing

C. An error because get_window_size() is not a valid method

D. None

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand maximize_window() effect

   This method makes the browser window full screen, so the size will reflect the screen dimensions.

2. Step 2: Check get_window_size() output

   This method returns a dictionary with keys 'width' and 'height' showing current window size.

3. Final Answer:

   A dictionary with the current window width and height after maximizing -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   maximize_window() + get_window_size() = size dict [OK]

Hint: get_window_size() returns dict with width and height [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Expecting get_window_size() to return None or error
• Thinking maximize_window() does not affect size
• Confusing method names

4. Identify the error in the following Selenium Python code that tries to minimize the browser window:

from selenium import webdriver

driver = webdriver.Firefox()
driver.minimize()

medium

A. The method minimize() does not exist; should use minimize_window()

B. Firefox driver does not support window operations

C. Missing parentheses after webdriver.Firefox

D. minimize() should be called before creating the driver

Solution

1. Step 1: Check method name correctness

   The method to minimize the window is minimize_window(), not minimize().

2. Step 2: Verify driver and method compatibility

   Firefox driver supports window operations, so the error is due to wrong method name.

3. Final Answer:

   The method minimize() does not exist; should use minimize_window() -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Correct method = minimize_window() [OK]

Hint: Use full method names exactly as in docs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using minimize() instead of minimize_window()
• Assuming Firefox driver lacks window methods
• Forgetting parentheses on driver creation

5. You want to test how your website behaves when the browser window is minimized and then maximized again. Which sequence of Selenium Python commands correctly achieves this?

hard

A. driver.minimize_window()
driver.maximize_window()

B. driver.maximize_window()
driver.minimize_window()

C. driver.set_window_size(0, 0)
driver.maximize_window()

D. driver.minimize()
driver.maximize()

Solution

1. Step 1: Minimize the window first

   Use minimize_window() to hide the browser window.

2. Step 2: Maximize the window after minimizing

   Use maximize_window() to restore it to full screen.

3. Step 3: Verify method correctness

   Options A, C, and D use incorrect methods or order; A reverses the intended test flow.

4. Final Answer:

   driver.minimize_window() driver.maximize_window() -> Option A

5. Quick Check:

   Minimize then maximize = B [OK]

Hint: Minimize first, then maximize to test window state changes [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Reversing the order of minimize and maximize
• Using incorrect method names like minimize()
• Trying to set size to zero instead of minimizing