Switching between windows in Selenium Python - Build an Automation Script

Verify switching between browser windows

Preconditions (2)

Step 1: Open the main page URL

Step 2: Click the link or button that opens a new window

Step 3: Switch to the new window

Step 4: Verify the new window's title is as expected

Step 5: Close the new window

Step 6: Switch back to the original window

Step 7: Verify the original window's title is as expected

✅ Expected Result: The test switches to the new window correctly, verifies its title, closes it, and returns to the original window verifying its title.

Automation Requirements - Selenium with Python

Assertions Needed:

Assert the new window's title matches expected

Assert the original window's title matches expected after switching back

Best Practices:

Use explicit waits to ensure elements are ready before interaction

Store window handles properly to switch between windows

Close only the new window before switching back

Use try-finally or context management to clean up windows

Automated Solution

Selenium Python

from selenium import webdriver
from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By
from selenium.webdriver.support.ui import WebDriverWait
from selenium.webdriver.support import expected_conditions as EC

# Initialize the WebDriver (Chrome example)
driver = webdriver.Chrome()
wait = WebDriverWait(driver, 10)

try:
    # Step 1: Open the main page
    driver.get('https://example.com/mainpage')
    original_window = driver.current_window_handle

    # Step 2: Click the link/button that opens a new window
    open_window_button = wait.until(EC.element_to_be_clickable((By.ID, 'open-new-window')))
    open_window_button.click()

    # Step 3: Wait for the new window and switch to it
    wait.until(EC.number_of_windows_to_be(2))
    new_window = [window for window in driver.window_handles if window != original_window][0]
    driver.switch_to.window(new_window)

    # Step 4: Verify the new window's title
    wait.until(EC.title_is('New Window Title'))
    assert driver.title == 'New Window Title', f"Expected title 'New Window Title', got '{driver.title}'"

    # Step 5: Close the new window
    driver.close()

    # Step 6: Switch back to the original window
    driver.switch_to.window(original_window)

    # Step 7: Verify the original window's title
    wait.until(EC.title_is('Main Page Title'))
    assert driver.title == 'Main Page Title', f"Expected title 'Main Page Title', got '{driver.title}'"

finally:
    driver.quit()

This script uses Selenium WebDriver with Python to automate switching between browser windows.

First, it opens the main page and stores the original window handle.

Then it clicks a button that opens a new window and waits until two windows are present.

It finds the new window handle by excluding the original one and switches to it.

It waits for the new window's title to be correct and asserts it matches the expected title.

Next, it closes the new window and switches back to the original window.

Finally, it waits for the original window's title and asserts it is correct.

The try-finally block ensures the browser closes even if assertions fail.

Common Mistakes - 4 Pitfalls

Not waiting for the new window to open before switching

Closing the original window instead of the new window

Using hardcoded window handles

Not switching back to the original window after closing the new one

Bonus Challenge

Now add data-driven testing with 3 different buttons that open different new windows with distinct titles.

Show Hint

Practice

1. What does driver.switch_to.window(window_handle) do in Selenium?

easy

A. It closes the current browser window.

B. It changes control to the browser window identified by window_handle.

C. It refreshes the current browser window.

D. It opens a new browser window.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the method purpose

   driver.switch_to.window() is used to change Selenium's focus to a different browser window or tab.

2. Step 2: Identify the parameter role

   The parameter window_handle specifies which window Selenium should control next.

3. Final Answer:

   It changes control to the browser window identified by window_handle. -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Switching windows = change control [OK]

Hint: Switch windows by passing the window handle to switch_to.window() [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking it closes or refreshes windows
• Confusing switching with opening new windows
• Not passing a valid window handle

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to switch to a new window stored in variable new_window?

easy

A. driver.window_switch(new_window)

B. driver.switch_window(new_window)

C. driver.switchTo().window(new_window)

D. driver.switch_to.window(new_window)

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall correct Selenium Python syntax

   The correct method to switch windows is driver.switch_to.window() in Python Selenium.

2. Step 2: Match the syntax with the options

   driver.switch_to.window(new_window) uses the correct method and parameter. Other options use incorrect method names or Java syntax.

3. Final Answer:

   driver.switch_to.window(new_window) -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Python Selenium uses switch_to.window() [OK]

Hint: Use driver.switch_to.window(handle) exactly in Python [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using Java syntax like switchTo()
• Using incorrect method names
• Missing the switch_to part

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

original = driver.current_window_handle
all_windows = driver.window_handles
for w in all_windows:
    if w != original:
        driver.switch_to.window(w)
        print(driver.title)
        break
print(driver.current_window_handle == original)

medium

A. Prints the title of the new window and then prints False

B. Prints the title of the original window and then prints True

C. Throws an error because of wrong window handle usage

D. Prints False twice

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand window handles and switching

   The code saves the original window handle, loops through all windows, and switches to the first window that is not original.

2. Step 2: Analyze the print statements

   Inside the loop, it prints the title of the new window and breaks. After the loop, it compares current window handle with original, which will be False because we switched.

3. Final Answer:

   Prints the title of the new window and then prints False -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Switched window title + current handle != original = False [OK]

Hint: Switch changes current handle, so comparison with original is False [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming current window handle is still original after switch
• Confusing window_handles list with current_window_handle
• Expecting True after switching

4. Identify the error in this code snippet that tries to switch back to the original window:

original = driver.current_window_handle
# code opens new window
new_window = driver.window_handles[1]
driver.switch_to.window(new_window)
# some actions
# switch back
switch_to.window(original)

medium

A. Cannot switch back once switched

B. Using wrong index for new_window

C. Missing 'driver.' before switch_to.window in last line

D. No error, code is correct

Solution

1. Step 1: Check the last line syntax

   The last line calls switch_to.window(original) without the driver. prefix, which causes a NameError.

2. Step 2: Confirm other parts are correct

   Index 1 is valid if two windows exist, switching back is allowed, so no other errors.

3. Final Answer:

   Missing 'driver.' before switch_to.window in last line -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Always prefix with driver.switch_to.window() [OK]

Hint: Always use driver.switch_to.window() fully [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Forgetting 'driver.' before switch_to
• Assuming switch back is automatic
• Using wrong window handle index without checking

5. You have opened multiple tabs during a test. How do you switch back to the original tab after performing actions on others?

hard

A. Store the original window handle before switching, then use driver.switch_to.window(original_handle) to return.

B. Call driver.close() on all other tabs to return automatically.

C. Use driver.switch_to.default_window() to go back to the first tab.

D. Restart the browser to return to the original tab.

Solution

1. Step 1: Save the original window handle

   Before switching tabs, save the current window handle in a variable.

2. Step 2: Switch back using saved handle

   Use driver.switch_to.window(original_handle) to return control to the original tab.

3. Step 3: Evaluate other options

   Closing tabs or restarting browser is inefficient; default_window() does not exist in Selenium Python.

4. Final Answer:

   Store the original window handle before switching, then use driver.switch_to.window(original_handle) to return. -> Option A

5. Quick Check:

   Save handle, then switch back using it [OK]

Hint: Always save original handle to switch back later [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to use non-existent default_window() method
• Closing tabs instead of switching
• Restarting browser unnecessarily