The submit() Command

Submitting forms the modern Selenium way using click() instead of submit().

Concept

The submit() command was originally designed to submit an HTML <form> in a simple, traditional way. In modern web apps, however, clicking the submit button is usually the better and more reliable choice.

Two Approaches

element.submit() → Legacy method
button.click() → Modern, recommended approach

Why prefer click()

Simulates real user behavior.
Works better with modern JavaScript frameworks.
Ensures all event handlers are triggered.
More reliable with single-page apps.

Best Practice

Find the submit button and call click() on it. Treat submit() as a legacy escape hatch.

Interactive Practice

Search Form

Form ID: lesson6-form

Button ID: submit-btn

Type a search term and click "Search". The form turns purple to indicate a successful submission.

Java Code Example

SubmitCommandTest.java

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WebElement searchBox = driver.findElement(By.id("lesson6-search"));
searchBox.clear();
searchBox.sendKeys("Selenium testing");

WebElement submitButton = driver.findElement(By.id("submit-btn"));
submitButton.click();

driver.quit();

Code Breakdown

searchBox.sendKeys("Selenium testing"): Types "Selenium testing" into the search field.
driver.findElement(By.id("submit-btn")): Locates the submit button using its id.
submitButton.click(): Submits the form by clicking the button. This triggers all button click handlers and validation logic.
driver.quit(): Closes the browser and ends the WebDriver session.

Pro Tip

Prefer click()

Prefer click() on the submit button instead of submit() on the form. It behaves like a real user and is far more reliable in modern web apps.

Legacy Escape Hatch

Treat submit() as a legacy escape hatch. If you’re testing older, simple forms without JavaScript, it can still work.