Handling Basic Authentication in Selenium C Sharp

Basic authentication can be challenging when automating tests using Selenium. Unlike standard web forms, this requires handling browser pop-ups directly. In this article, we’ll explore three effective methods to handle Basic Authentication in Selenium C Sharp.

Possible Ways:

• Embedding Credentials(username and password) in the URL.
• Using AutoIT(Third Party Application) for Pop-up Handling.
• Using ChromeOptions(Set Properties) with HTTP Headers.

Embedding Credentials in the URL

The easiest way to handle basic authentication is to include the credentials in the URL:

var driver = new ChromeDriver();
string url = "http://username:password@example.com";
driver.Navigate().GoToUrl(url);

Note: This method may not work in all browsers due to security restrictions.

2. Using AutoIT for Pop-up Handling

AutoIT can simulate user interaction to handle browser pop-ups.

Install AutoIT from autoitscript.com.

Write a script to handle the pop-up:

WinWaitActive("[CLASS:#32770]")
Send("yourUsername{TAB}")
Send("yourPassword{ENTER}")

Call the script in your Selenium code:

System.Diagnostics.Process.Start("path/to/auth.exe");
driver.Navigate().GoToUrl("https://example.com");

3. Using ChromeOptions with HTTP Headers

Use ChromeOptions to pass authentication headers via a Chrome extension for a more advanced approach.

Download a Chrome extension like ModHeader.

Add the extension to your Selenium setup:

var options = new ChromeOptions();
options.AddExtension("path/to/auth-extension.crx");
var driver = new ChromeDriver(options);
driver.Navigate().GoToUrl("https://example.com");

Best Practices:

Security: Never hard-code sensitive information in your scripts. Use environment variables or secure vaults.
Error Handling: Implement robust error handling to manage unexpected pop-ups.