Resolving Element Not Interactable Error When Using Selenium in Python

Learn how to effectively manage interactions with web elements using Selenium in Python to avoid `Element Not Interactable` errors.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: Using Selenium within python functions

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Understanding the Element Not Interactable Error in Selenium with Python

When working with Selenium in Python, you might encounter various challenges, one of which is the dreaded Element Not Interactable error. This issue often arises during a sequence of interactions with web elements in your automated testing or web scraping tasks.

In this guide, we will analyze a common scenario where this error occurs and break down a solution to ensure your code flows smoothly without interruptions. Let's dive into the solution!

The Scenario

Imagine you have a piece of Selenium code that successfully clicks a button identified by an XPATH. You’ve placed this clicking logic inside a function, aiming to keep your code clean and more manageable. Here’s a snippet of what your function may look like:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

You then call this function to perform an action:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

However, right after this call, when you try to locate another element, you receive an error message:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Identifying the Issue

The problem lies in the timing of your interactions. The Selenium WebDriver might attempt to interact with an element before it is fully ready for action, resulting in the Element Not Interactable error. In this specific case, the error indicates that the script is trying to find or interact with an element too soon after clicking the button.

The Solution

To resolve this issue, you can implement an additional wait step before attempting to interact with the next element in your code. Let's break down the adjustment:

1. Use Explicit Waits

Change your code to include an explicit wait for the textbox element to become clickable. Instead of directly accessing the element like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

You should replace it with:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

2. Benefits of the Change

By enforcing a wait for the element, you ensure that your script does not attempt to interact with it until it is ready. This not only prevents errors but also contributes to more reliable and maintainable automation scripts.

Conclusion

In summary, the Element Not Interactable exception in Selenium can be addressed effectively using explicit waits. By considering the timing of your interactions and implementing waits as needed, you can improve the stability of your automation tasks.

If you have further questions or if this solution resolves your issue, feel free to leave a comment.

Remember, proper timing and handling of web elements lead to smoother automation experiences in Python with Selenium!