SendKeys

sendKeys is a method commonly found in software testing frameworks, particularly those used for automating browser interactions. Its primary function is to simulate typing text into a specific input field or element on a web page. When a test script uses sendKeys, it instructs the automation tool to locate a designated element, such as a text box or textarea, and then programmatically enter a provided string of characters into it. This action mimics the behavior of a human user typing on a keyboard.

The sendKeys method is crucial for verifying form submissions, login functionality, search features, and any other part of a web application that relies on user text input. Testers use it to ensure that the application correctly accepts, processes, and displays the typed text. Many frameworks allow sendKeys to also simulate special keys, like Enter, Tab, or Backspace, further enhancing the realism of the simulated user interaction. This capability is essential for testing more complex user workflows that involve keyboard navigation and shortcuts. The exact implementation and syntax of sendKeys may vary slightly between different automation libraries, but its core purpose remains consistent: to programmatically input text into web elements.