Getting to know what is WebDriver BiDi and why it is the future of cross-browser automation
WebDriver BiDi is an emerging browser automation protocol designed to merge the strengths of WebDriver "Classic" and the Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP). It aims to offer fast, bi-directional communication and low-level control, enabling cross-browser testing with your preferred tools. The protocol's development involves coordination among browser vendors and automation projects through a working group and GitHub collaboration.
Key implementation challenges include maintaining performance with high latency environments, balancing protocol complexity, and preventing memory leaks while retaining essential JavaScript objects. To tackle these, rapid prototyping with NodeJS and Web Platform Tests (WPT) are used to ensure cross-browser consistency.
WebDriver BiDi will not replace CDP; Chromium browsers will continue using CDP for debugging, while BiDi will address testing needs with a user-friendly API. The protocol will enable tools like Puppeteer to support cross-browser automation. Enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in testing, provide feedback, and follow the project's roadmap available on GitHub.