Issues with uploading a file using Watir and Headless Chrome in Ruby

Other Questions Headless Browser
1

I am attempting to automate the process of listing items on my site, but I’m struggling to upload an image for the listing. I’m working in a Cloud9 environment with Watir and utilizing a headless Chrome browser, while programming in Ruby. For some unknown reason, my image will not upload successfully. Below is the code I am using for file upload:

image_file = File.open(‘image_example.jpg’, ‘r’)

file_directory = File.expand_path(File.dirname(image_file))

browser.file_field(:type, ‘file’).set(file_directory)
When I check the terminal output, it shows that the file field value is empty, even though the file directory is correct and the file exists.

2

When working with file uploads using Watir in a headless Chrome setup, a common issue can arise from using the wrong method to set the file path. In your current code, you are using File.expand_path, which actually gives you the directory path, not the full path to the file itself. Moreover, the set method expects the full file path as a string.

Here is how you can correctly set the file path for the upload:

image_file = 'image_example.jpg'
file_path = File.expand_path(image_file)

browser.file_field.set(file_path)

With this approach, File.expand_path(image_file) resolves to the absolute path of the file itself, not just the directory. Ensure that you pass this path as a string to the set method.

Also, consider the following debugging steps if the issue persists:

  • Ensure the file path is correctly pointing to your image file by outputting the file_path and verifying its correctness.
  • Check if there are any permissions issues that prevent the file from being accessed in your current environment.
  • Verify that headless Chrome has the necessary permissions and configurations to handle file uploads.

If you are still encountering issues, try enabling verbose logging for headless Chrome to further diagnose where things might be going wrong with the upload process.

3

Your issue seems to stem from how you're setting the file path. The method File.expand_path(File.dirname(image_file)) only gives you the directory path, not the full path to the file. You need to provide the full file path to the set method. Here's how you can correct that:

image_file = 'image_example.jpg'
file_path = File.expand_path(image_file)

browser.file_field.set(file_path)

This ensures you are using the absolute path of the file.

Additionally, consider these checks:

  • Verify the file_path by printing it to ensure it's correct.
  • Check for any permission issues accessing the file.
  • Ensure that headless Chrome is set up to handle file uploads correctly.