Using Puppeteer on a highly scripted webpage still leads to timeout issues despite various wait options. Any ideas for smoother navigation?
async function demoTask() {
const browserInst = await puppeteer.launch({ args: ['--no-sandbox'] });
const currentPage = await browserInst.newPage();
await currentPage.setViewport({ width: 1280, height: 800 });
await currentPage.goto('https://example.com', { waitUntil: 'networkidle2' });
console.log('Page loaded:', currentPage.url());
await browserInst.close();
}
demoTask();
In dealing with highly scripted pages, I’ve found that relying solely on networkidle events can be unreliable. Instead, using a combination of waiting for a specific selector or even evaluating JavaScript to verify page readiness often yields better results. For instance, checking for a key element that indicates the completion of critical scripts can help avoid timeout issues. Adjustments in the navigation timeout settings have also worked for me. Experimenting with these methods has helped smooth out the navigation experience on script-heavy websites.
In my experience, when navigating script-heavy sites with Puppeteer, using the default navigation settings may not be enough. I found that incorporating a waitForFunction to poll for a specific JavaScript variable indicating that the page has loaded completely can be very effective. This method essentially allows you to bypass uncertainties that come from relying on network idle events alone. I’ve also had success by manually waiting for visible changes in the DOM, which signals the final device state. Adjusting the timeout in these cases further refines the reliability of the script when handling dynamic, content-rich websites.