Choosing between Puppeteer and Puppeteer-Core for CLI scripts

Other Questions Puppeteer
1

I am looking to create a Node.js command-line interface script for testing the forms on a website I’m developing. My intention is to utilize Puppeteer, but I find myself uncertain about the distinction between the complete version and Puppeteer-Core. Which option is preferable for executing tests in a CLI script while avoiding the actual opening of a browser, focusing solely on simulation?

2

For CLI scripts focusing on browser automation, Puppeteer-Core is ideal. It offers Puppeteer functionality without downloading Chromium, allowing connection to an existing browser.

Here's a basic Node.js setup:

const puppeteer = require('puppeteer-core');
(async () => {
  const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
    executablePath: 'path/to/your/browser',
    headless: true // run in headless mode
  });
  const page = await browser.newPage();
  await page.goto('your_website_url');
  // Add your form testing logic here
  await browser.close();
})();
3

While Puppeteer-Core is a solid choice when you want more control over the browser environment, it requires an existing browser installation. This can be advantageous if you want to use different browser versions for testing. However, if managing browser installations isn't a concern and you prefer a straightforward setup, the full version of Puppeteer might be more convenient.

With Puppeteer, it includes a bundled version of Chromium, making it simpler to get started. Furthermore, if your objective is to avoid opening a real browser window and only simulate headless browser behavior, Puppeteer can handle this quite efficiently in its default setup.

Here's an example using Puppeteer:

const puppeteer = require('puppeteer');
(async () => {
  const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
    headless: true // ensures the browser doesn't open an actual window
  });
  const page = await browser.newPage();
  await page.goto('your_website_url');
  // Place your form testing code here
  await browser.close();
})();

In summary, choose Puppeteer if you prefer an all-in-one solution that manages its browser dependencies. Opt for Puppeteer-Core if you need to connect to an existing browser setup or prefer managing the browser deployment separately. Both can run in headless mode, achieving your goal of simulation without visualization.

4

If your goal is to execute CLI scripts effectively without visually opening a browser, both Puppeteer and Puppeteer-Core can accomplish this through headless mode. However, your choice depends on ease of use versus environment customization needs.

1. **Puppeteer**: This is the full version with a bundled Chromium browser. It's ideal if you want an out-of-the-box setup. It simplifies things by bypassing the need to manage browser installations. For most CLI scripts focusing on headless automation, this makes it convenient:

const puppeteer = require('puppeteer');
(async () => {
  const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
    headless: true // for simulation without opening a browser window
  });
  const page = await browser.newPage();
  await page.goto('your_website_url');
  // Form testing logic here
  await browser.close();
})();

2. **Puppeteer-Core**: Opt for this if you need to connect to pre-installed browsers. This provides flexibility to work with various browser versions across different environments which might be needed in advanced testing scenarios.

const puppeteer = require('puppeteer-core');
(async () => {
  const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
    executablePath: '/path/to/your/installed/browser',
    headless: true
  });
  const page = await browser.newPage();
  await page.goto('your_website_url');
  // Implement your form tests here
  await browser.close();
})();

Choose Puppeteer for simplicity or Puppeteer-Core for more control over which browser to use. Both options efficiently handle headless operations for CLI scripts.

5

If you're aiming for a command-line script without opening a visual browser, Puppeteer-Core lets you manage the browser independently, avoiding downloading Chromium. Use it if you want to connect to a pre-installed browser.

Here's how you can set it up:

const puppeteer = require('puppeteer-core');
(async () => {
  const browser = await puppeteer.launch({
    executablePath: 'path/to/your/browser',
    headless: true // run headless
  });
  const page = await browser.newPage();
  await page.goto('your_website_url');
  // Your form testing logic
  await browser.close();
})();