Automating the testing of Google Analytics for every event triggered with Selenium WebDriver

Question

Automating the testing of Google Analytics for every event triggered with Selenium WebDriver

Currently, I am in the process of automating Google Analytics testing using Selenium WebDriver Java bindings on our website. The site is equipped with Google Analytics tracking events attached to key elements, and my goal is to confirm that clicking a specific element triggers the corresponding Google Analytic event.

This assessment is being conducted on FireFox. Upon inspecting the console by pressing F12, I can observe that each click event on an element results in a Google Analytics message reading

GET http://www.google-analytics.com/__utm.gif

.

    Here is a sample code snippet:
      WebDriver wd = new FirefoxDriver();
      wd.get("http://www.dummyExample.com/");
      wd.findElement(By.linkText("Document Referece")).click();
      wd.findElement(By.id("Ex2vc2")).click();

To accomplish this task successfully, I have attempted to search for solutions online without much luck. Any guidance, references, or sample code provided would be greatly appreciated.

java javascript selenium google-analytics selenium-webdriver

Answer 1

Answer №1

One effective method for testing Google Analytics is by utilizing JavaScript. The example provided demonstrates using phantomjs for tests, as it excels in handling JavaScript components. However, other browsers like Firefox could be used as well. The author has included a GitHub link with code for experimentation. While the testing approach is innovative, creating and maintaining the necessary code may require significant time investment.

Another approach is using HttpProxy. An available tool was BrowserMobProxy, allowing users to monitor all requests on a testing website in HAR format. This involves enabling the proxy, navigating the site, performing actions, monitoring requests, parsing them, and validating the data received.
To verify requests, modify the endpoint and save the data. Typically, analytics send requests to a specific URL such as ''. By altering this behavior on the testing server—for instance, mapping the URL to localhost in /etc/hosts—all requests directed to the GA domain will be routed through the local webserver.

Implementing this solution will necessitate additional programming effort; however, it is considered one of the most efficient methods for testing, in my opinion.

Answer 2

One effective method for testing Google Analytics is by utilizing JavaScript. The example provided demonstrates using phantomjs for tests, as it excels in handling JavaScript components. However, other browsers like Firefox could be used as well. The author has included a GitHub link with code for experimentation. While the testing approach is innovative, creating and maintaining the necessary code may require significant time investment.

Another approach is using HttpProxy. An available tool was BrowserMobProxy, allowing users to monitor all requests on a testing website in HAR format. This involves enabling the proxy, navigating the site, performing actions, monitoring requests, parsing them, and validating the data received.
To verify requests, modify the endpoint and save the data. Typically, analytics send requests to a specific URL such as ''. By altering this behavior on the testing server—for instance, mapping the URL to localhost in /etc/hosts—all requests directed to the GA domain will be routed through the local webserver.

Implementing this solution will necessitate additional programming effort; however, it is considered one of the most efficient methods for testing, in my opinion.

Answer 3

Answer №2

A Java script command can be utilized to capture events triggered in the browser, with the same script applicable for different browsers (specifically tested on Chrome and Firefox). This process is similar to capturing events in the console window.

**window.dataLayer[0]**.event

To identify the first event triggered, store this value in a variable and compare it with the expected event. Subsequently, to move onto the next event, execute the following:

((JavascriptExecutor) driver).executeScript("window.dataLayer.shift() ");

This will proceed to capture the subsequent event in line.

Answer 4

A Java script command can be utilized to capture events triggered in the browser, with the same script applicable for different browsers (specifically tested on Chrome and Firefox). This process is similar to capturing events in the console window.

**window.dataLayer[0]**.event

To identify the first event triggered, store this value in a variable and compare it with the expected event. Subsequently, to move onto the next event, execute the following:

((JavascriptExecutor) driver).executeScript("window.dataLayer.shift() ");

This will proceed to capture the subsequent event in line.

Answer 5

Answer №3

If you are looking to track and confirm analytics calls, I suggest using Example Proxy example. With its web interface / API, you can easily capture and verify the necessary data. For instance, if you need to ensure a specific event is triggered upon clicking a button, follow these steps:

Initiate recording through the Example API
Simulate button click using Selenium
End the recording via the Example API
Fetch the recorded session in JSON format using the Example API
Review the session for the anticipated analytics criteria

You can watch a demonstration video here.

Answer 6

If you are looking to track and confirm analytics calls, I suggest using Example Proxy example. With its web interface / API, you can easily capture and verify the necessary data. For instance, if you need to ensure a specific event is triggered upon clicking a button, follow these steps:

Initiate recording through the Example API
Simulate button click using Selenium
End the recording via the Example API
Fetch the recorded session in JSON format using the Example API
Review the session for the anticipated analytics criteria

You can watch a demonstration video here.

Answer 7

Answer №4

To automatically capture console tab output, you can't just press F12. Instead, trigger the click function using an automation script and then monitor the events in Google Analytics. You can sign up for Google Analytics at this link http://www.google.com/analytics/

Configure your URL and domain settings, run your tests to generate events, and then analyze the results in the analytics tool.

Answer 8

To automatically capture console tab output, you can't just press F12. Instead, trigger the click function using an automation script and then monitor the events in Google Analytics. You can sign up for Google Analytics at this link http://www.google.com/analytics/

Configure your URL and domain settings, run your tests to generate events, and then analyze the results in the analytics tool.

Automating the testing of Google Analytics for every event triggered with Selenium WebDriver

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

Answer №4

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