how to avoid element not interactable exception in selenium

Title: A Guide to Avoiding "Element Not Interactable" Exception in Selenium WebDriver
Introduction:
Selenium WebDriver is a powerful tool for automating web applications, but one common issue that developers often encounter is the "Element Not Interactable" exception. This exception occurs when Selenium attempts to interact with a web element that, for some reason, cannot be interacted with at the moment. In this tutorial, we will explore some common causes of this exception and provide practical solutions to avoid it.
Common Causes of "Element Not Interactable" Exception:
Element not visible: Selenium cannot interact with invisible elements. Ensure that the target element is visible on the web page.
Element obscured by another element: If the target element is hidden behind another element, Selenium may not be able to interact with it. Make sure there are no overlapping elements.
Element not intractable state: Some elements may have states, such as being disabled or read-only. Verify that the element is in an interactable state before attempting any actions.
Element not present in the DOM: Ensure that the element is present in the Document Object Model (DOM) before interacting with it. Use explicit waits to wait for the element to be available.
Solutions:
Wait for element visibility:
Use explicit waits to wait for the element to become visible before interacting with it. This helps to ensure that the element is fully rendered on the page.
Check for element state:
Verify that the element is in an interactable state before performing any actions. This can be done using Expected Conditions.
Handle overlapping elements:
If elements overlap, ensure that the target element is the one being interacted with. You can use JavaScript to click on the element, bypassing potential overlapping issues.
Conclusion:
By implementing the suggested solutions, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering the "Element Not Interactable" exception in Selenium WebDriver. Remember to always inspect the web page structure, check element visibility, and use explicit waits to ensure that the elements are ready for interaction.
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