Typing text (send_keys) in Selenium Python - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the send_keys() method do in Selenium?

The send_keys() method types text into an input field or element on a web page, simulating keyboard input.

beginner

How do you locate an input field and type 'hello' using Selenium in Python?

Use a locator like <code>find_element</code> to get the input field, then call <code>send_keys('hello')</code> on it. Example:<br><pre>from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By
element = driver.find_element(By.ID, 'input-id')
element.send_keys('hello')</pre>

intermediate

Why is it important to clear an input field before using send_keys()?

Clearing ensures no old text remains, so the new text is typed fresh. Use element.clear() before send_keys() to avoid mixing old and new text.

intermediate

Can send_keys() be used to send special keys like Enter or Tab?

Yes, Selenium provides special keys via selenium.webdriver.common.keys.Keys. For example, send_keys(Keys.ENTER) simulates pressing Enter.

beginner

What happens if you use send_keys() on a non-input element?

Usually, nothing happens or an error may occur because send_keys() works on elements that accept text input, like text boxes or text areas.

Which Selenium method types text into an input field?

A get_text()

B send_keys()

C click()

D clear()

send_keys() types text into input fields.

Before typing new text with send_keys(), what should you do to avoid old text mixing?

A Use clear() method

B Use click() method

C Use get_text() method

D Use refresh() method

Use clear() to remove old text before typing new text.

How do you send the Enter key using send_keys()?

A send_keys(Keys.ENTER)

B send_keys('Enter')

C send_keys('\n')

D send_keys('Return')

Special keys like Enter are sent using Keys.ENTER.

What will happen if you use send_keys() on a button element?

A Page will refresh

B Button will be clicked

C Text will be typed on button

D Usually no effect or error

send_keys() works on input fields, not buttons.

Which locator strategy is commonly used before calling send_keys()?

A get_text()

B click()

C find_element(By.ID, 'id')

D switch_to.frame()

You locate the element first, e.g., by ID, before typing.

Explain how to type text into a web page input field using Selenium's send_keys() method.

Think about finding the input box and then typing text into it.

Describe how to send special keys like Enter or Tab using Selenium's send_keys().

Special keys are not normal characters; Selenium has a special way to send them.

Practice

1. What does the send_keys method do in Selenium Python?

easy

A. It types text into input fields or other elements.

B. It clicks on buttons or links.

C. It retrieves the text from an element.

D. It waits for an element to be visible.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of send_keys

   The send_keys method simulates typing text into input fields or editable elements in Selenium.

2. Step 2: Differentiate from other actions

   Clicking, retrieving text, or waiting are done by other methods like click(), text property, or WebDriverWait.

3. Final Answer:

   It types text into input fields or other elements. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   send_keys = types text [OK]

Hint: send_keys means typing text into fields [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing send_keys with click()
• Thinking send_keys reads text
• Assuming send_keys waits for elements

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to type the text "hello" into an input element stored in variable input_box?

easy

A. input_box.write("hello")

B. input_box.send_keys("hello")

C. input_box.enter("hello")

D. input_box.type("hello")

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall the method name for typing text

   In Selenium Python, the method to type text is send_keys().

2. Step 2: Check the syntax correctness

   The correct syntax is calling send_keys on the element with the text as a string argument.

3. Final Answer:

   input_box.send_keys("hello") -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Correct method is send_keys() [OK]

Hint: Use send_keys() to type text, not type() or enter() [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using non-existent methods like type() or enter()
• Forgetting parentheses after send_keys
• Passing non-string arguments

3. What will be the value of the input box after executing this code?

input_box = driver.find_element(By.ID, "username")
input_box.send_keys("user123")
print(input_box.get_attribute("value"))

medium

A. "" (empty string)

B. "input_box"

C. "user123"

D. Throws an error

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand send_keys effect on input value

   Calling send_keys("user123") types "user123" into the input box, setting its value attribute.

2. Step 2: Retrieve the value attribute

   get_attribute("value") returns the current text inside the input box, which is "user123".

3. Final Answer:

   "user123" -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   send_keys sets value attribute = "user123" [OK]

Hint: send_keys sets input value; get_attribute('value') reads it [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Expecting get_attribute to return element name
• Thinking send_keys clears input automatically
• Assuming print shows element object

4. You want to type "admin" into an input box but your test fails with an error. Which line fixes the error?

input_box = driver.find_element(By.ID, "user")
input_box.send_keys(admin)

medium

A. input_box.send_keys("admin")

B. input_box.send_keys('admin")

C. input_box.send_keys(admin)

D. input_box.send_keys()

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the error cause

   The argument admin is not in quotes, so Python treats it as a variable, causing a NameError.

2. Step 2: Fix by passing a string literal

   Enclose "admin" in quotes to pass it as a string: send_keys("admin").

3. Final Answer:

   input_box.send_keys("admin") -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Text must be a string in quotes [OK]

Hint: Always put text in quotes inside send_keys() [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Passing variable without quotes
• Leaving send_keys empty
• Using single quotes inconsistently (valid but watch syntax)

5. You want to type a password into a field but first clear any existing text. Which code snippet correctly does this?

hard

A. input_box.clear("mypassword")

B. input_box.send_keys("")
input_box.send_keys("mypassword")

C. input_box.send_keys("mypassword")
input_box.clear()

D. input_box.clear()
input_box.send_keys("mypassword")

Solution

1. Step 1: Clear existing text before typing

   Use clear() method to remove any existing text in the input box.

2. Step 2: Type the new password

   After clearing, call send_keys("mypassword") to type the password.

3. Final Answer:

   input_box.clear() input_box.send_keys("mypassword") -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Clear first, then send_keys [OK]

Hint: Clear input before typing new text with clear() [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Typing before clearing causes leftover text
• Using clear() with arguments (invalid)
• Sending empty string to clear input