Selenium is a perfect tool that can be used for regression testing. In addition, it is a real time saver and along with regression testing you can use it just for developing. It is an extension of Firefox, which gives me the ability to record everything and play back all my actions. For example – Some applications need that you completely restart filling in forms before you can actually test certain functionality that you have changed, by recording the test you can at least fill in the forms faster than before. I recommend the use of it; it will not take more than 15 minutes and just try it out. Some basic instructions have been there in following, which can help you in understanding and downloading Selenium IDE:

• Install the extension.
• In Firefox select: Tools -> Selenium IDE
• Now the IDE is opened and should look similar to the picture on the right.
• In Firefox browse to www.google.com.
• Enter some search criteria and click on Google Search.
• Now in the found section result click on some link to go to that page.

If you open up any new tab in Firefox and press the play button, it will start the test again and the end result must be the same as what you did manually. It is really very easy and simple to use. In the Selenium IDE, there will be a red button on the right hand side of the screen and if you press it, it will stop Selenium IDE from recording more commands. Many more critical and complex situations can arise like storing values from the page in a variable and using them in forms again or handling pop-ups and inserting delays or handling Ajax calls so that you have a wait until the result is achieved etc.

In a nutshell, the Selenium IDE only runs as a Firefox extension, although when you wish to export the script to a different language, for example Java, you can run the script virtually in any browser, thus making the cross browser testing a lot easier and simpler.