What Are the New Features in Selenium 4?

Introduction

Test automation is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Businesses are releasing software faster, testers are expected to keep up with agile workflows, and the demand for reliable, maintainable automation frameworks is higher than ever. This is where Selenium 4 comes into play a major release that modernizes the world's most popular browser automation framework.

Whether you're a beginner diving into a Selenium course online or a seasoned tester pursuing a Selenium certification online, understanding Selenium 4’s new capabilities is essential. The updated version delivers features that simplify testing, improve performance, and align closely with modern development practices.

So, what’s new in Selenium 4? Let’s explore each feature with practical insights, real-world examples, and a hands-on perspective.

W3C WebDriver Compliance

One of the most significant updates in Selenium 4 is its full compliance with the W3C WebDriver protocol.

Why It Matters

In Selenium 3 and earlier, WebDriver communicated with browsers using the JSON Wire Protocol. This created subtle inconsistencies across different browser drivers. Selenium 4 resolves this by speaking directly to browsers using W3C’s standardized approach. This leads to:

• Better compatibility across browsers
  
  

• Improved performance and stability
  
  

• Reduced flakiness in automated tests
  
  

For testers enrolled in online Selenium training, this is a game-changer. You can now write cross-browser test scripts that behave more consistently, reducing maintenance overhead.

Revamped Selenium Grid

Selenium Grid allows tests to be run in parallel across different machines and browsers. Selenium 4 brings a complete overhaul to the Grid system.

Key Features

• Simplified Architecture: No longer separate Hub and Node; everything runs in a single binary.
  
  

• Docker Support: Quickly set up environments using containerized browser nodes.
  
  

• Kubernetes Integration: Scale your Grid horizontally for enterprise-level test execution.
  
  

• Support for IPv6 and HTTPS: Modern network compatibility ensures better security and reach.
  
  

These improvements make Selenium Grid far more scalable and maintainable, especially useful for teams working in DevOps-driven environments.

Use Case

Imagine a QA team working on multiple test environments. Instead of configuring each manually, they use Docker-based Selenium Grid to execute tests in parallel across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, saving time and resources.

Introduction of Relative Locators

Locating elements on a page is a foundational skill in automation. Selenium 4 introduces Relative Locators, making it easier to find elements based on their visual proximity to others.

Types of Relative Locators

• above()
  
  

• below()
  
  

• toLeftOf()
  
  

• toRightOf()
  
  

• near()
  
  

Example

java

WebElement label = driver.findElement(By.id("email-label"));

WebElement inputField = driver.findElement(RelativeLocator.with(By.tagName("input")).below(label));

inputField.sendKeys("[email protected]");

This feature greatly enhances test readability and maintainability, especially for dynamic UI layouts.

Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP) Integration

Selenium 4 integrates with the Chrome DevTools Protocol, opening new possibilities for automation.

What You Can Do

• Capture network traffic
  
  

• Throttle network speed
  
  

• Emulate geolocation
  
  

• Monitor performance metrics
  
  

This feature is particularly useful in Test automation training, where learners can simulate real-world testing scenarios like slow network conditions or location-based services.

Example: Network Throttling

java

DevTools devTools = ((ChromeDriver) driver).getDevTools();

devTools.createSession();

devTools.send(Network.enable());

devTools.send(Network.emulateNetworkConditions(

    false, 100, 2000, 1000, Optional.of(ConnectionType.CELLULAR3G)));

This allows developers to test how their application behaves on a 3G network, all from a Selenium script.

Window and Tab Management

Working with multiple windows or tabs was cumbersome in previous versions. Selenium 4 introduces a more intuitive approach using newWindow().

Example: Opening a New Tab

java

driver.switchTo().newWindow(WindowType.TAB);

driver.get("https://example.com");

This enhancement is perfect for testing scenarios that involve pop-ups, login redirects, or multi-tab workflows.

Printing Pages as PDF

You can now print webpages to PDF directly using Selenium 4, a great tool for generating reports or validating printable views.

Example

java

PrintOptions options = new PrintOptions();

options.setPageSize(PageSize.A4);

Pdf pdf = ((PrintsPage) driver).print(options);

byte[] content = pdf.getContent();

This feature is especially relevant for applications in finance, healthcare, or legal domains where document generation is critical.

Enhanced Documentation and IDE Support

Selenium 4 comes with improved documentation and better IDE integrations. Features like auto-completion and inline documentation are now more reliable.

Benefits for Learners

• Easy onboarding for those taking a Selenium course online
  
  

• Better learning curve with guided documentation
  
  

• IDEs like IntelliJ and Eclipse offer smarter code suggestions
  
  

This makes it easier for newcomers to learn Selenium and for experienced users to build robust frameworks.

8. Deprecations and Code Improvements

Selenium 4 deprecates some older methods and introduces streamlined APIs.

Key Changes

• DesiredCapabilities is replaced by Options classes like ChromeOptions.
  
  

• New methods use more descriptive names.
  
  

• Enhanced support for wait strategies and exception handling.
  
  

By writing cleaner, more readable code, you can reduce maintenance costs and improve collaboration across teams.

Selenium 4 for Continuous Integration

Selenium 4 is designed with modern development pipelines in mind. It integrates seamlessly with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI, CircleCI, and GitHub Actions.

Benefits

• Parallel execution using the new Grid
  
  

• Containerized tests with Docker
  
  

• Reporting support using TestNG and Allure
  
  

These capabilities align well with agile and DevOps methodologies, making Selenium 4 a future-ready choice for automation professionals.

Why Learn Selenium 4 Through Online Selenium Training?

If you're serious about mastering automation, enrolling in Online selenium training or a selenium course online can fast-track your progress.

Key Advantages

• Hands-on Learning: Practice real-world projects using Selenium 4.
  
  

• Mentor Support: Get guided help on new features like CDP and relative locators.
  
  

• Certification: Obtain a Selenium certification online to showcase your skills to employers.
  
  

• Career Growth: Automation skills are in high demand upskilling with Selenium 4 can lead to better job opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Selenium 4 is more than just an upgrade—it’s a transformation. With W3C compliance, simplified architecture, modern browser interactions, and improved developer experience, Selenium 4 equips testers with the tools they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced development world.

Whether you're an individual learner or part of a QA team, taking the time to master these features through test automation training or a selenium certification online is a strategic move that will pay dividends in your career.

Key Takeaways

• Selenium 4 aligns with modern web standards through W3C WebDriver compliance.
  
  

• The new Selenium Grid supports Docker, Kubernetes, and streamlined configuration.
  
  

• Relative locators and DevTools integration offer smarter element detection and browser control.
  
  

• You can now manage windows, print to PDF, and simulate real-world testing scenarios more easily.
  
  

• Learning Selenium 4 through structured online selenium training ensures practical skills and career advancement.

Ready to master Selenium 4? Enroll in a Selenium course online today and take your automation testing skills to the next level.

Boost your career with a Selenium certification online and start your journey now!