Issues with File Upload in Watir Using Headless Chrome and Ruby

Other Questions Headless Browser
1

I’m working on automating a listing creation process on my site, but I’m encountering issues with uploading an image. My setup involves using Cloud9, Watir, and a headless Chrome browser with Ruby for the code. Despite my efforts, the image fails to upload successfully.

image_file = File.open('example_image.jpg', 'r') 
file_directory = File.expand_path(File.dirname(image_file))
browser.file_field(:type, 'file').set(file_directory)

Terminal Output:

[1] pry(main)> browser.file_field(:type, 'file').value
=> ""
[2] pry(main)> file_directory
=> "/home/user/workspace/project"
[3] pry(main)> File.exist?(file_directory)
=> true

HTML Snippet:

<input class="fileupload" multiple="multiple" type="file" style="display: inline-block;" />
2

Hi Alex,

It looks like you're experiencing trouble with the file path you're passing to the file upload input. Here's a streamlined solution you can employ in your Ruby script. Make sure that you're setting the direct path to the file rather than the directory:

image_file_path = File.expand_path('example_image.jpg')
browser.file_field(:type, 'file').set(image_file_path)

Here's a quick checklist to troubleshoot:

  • Ensure example_image.jpg is in the current working directory or provide the full path.
  • Check if the headless Chrome has proper permissions and configurations to handle file uploads.
  • Try running with a non-headless browser to see if the issue persists. Sometimes, headless modes can behave differently.

This should help resolve the issue by correctly setting the file path. Let me know if you have further questions!

3

Based on the issue you've described, it seems there might be a misunderstanding in setting the file path while uploading. Here's an alternative approach you can try to solve the problem:

image_file_path = File.absolute_path('example_image.jpg')
browser.file_field.set(image_file_path)

Note that in your previous attempt, you were assigning the directory of the file rather than its absolute path. The File.absolute_path method provides the complete path required for setting the file input correctly.

Additionally, consider these potential causes and solutions:

  • Verify that the example_image.jpg file is indeed in the specified directory and accessible. Any discrepancy in file name capitalization or extension may cause issues.
  • Ensure that Headless Chrome is configured to allow file paths, as some security settings might restrict file upload in headless mode. Review the arguments passed to ChromeDriver to enable file handling features.
  • If feasible, run the script with Chrome in non-headless mode to identify if the problem persists when UI elements are visible. This can often expose rendering issues or permission errors not obvious in headless runs.
  • Consider debug outputs, such as enabling verbose logging for the browser session, which can provide more insight into potential obstacles during the interaction.

Implementing these recommendations can further diagnose and correct the file upload issue you're experiencing with Watir and headless Chrome.

4

Hey Alex,

Looks like the issue is with setting the path to the image file. Instead of the directory path, you should provide the full path of the image file. Try this code:

image_file_path = File.expand_path('example_image.jpg')
browser.file_field(:type, 'file').set(image_file_path)

Make sure:

  • The image example_image.jpg is accessible in the working directory.
  • Headless Chrome is configured correctly for file uploads. Try running the script without headless mode to check if it’s a headless-specific issue.

Hope this helps!

5

Hey Alex,

The issue you're facing is likely due to how the file path is being handled. Here's a pragmatic solution to address the file upload problem using Watir and headless Chrome:

image_file_path = File.expand_path('example_image.jpg')
browser.file_field(:type, 'file').set(image_file_path)

Let’s ensure all prerequisites are correctly set up:

  • Correct Path: Verify example_image.jpg is in the same directory where your script is executing, or use a full path if it’s located elsewhere.
  • File Access: Check that the file is not open elsewhere and is accessible when the script is running.
  • Permissions: Confirm that headless Chrome has the permissions necessary for file operations. You may need to tweak the security settings if restricted.
  • Non-Headless Test: Consider executing the script in a non-headless mode to troubleshoot any headless-specific behaviors. To switch, remove headless: true from the Chrome browser options.

Implementing these changes should enhance your chances of troubleshooting the file upload issue effectively.