I have e very specific test setup in mind. I would like to start a web-browser that understands Javascript and can use HTTP proxy, point it to a URL (ideally by specifying it in the mand line along with the proxy config), wait for the page to load while listening (in the proxy) requests are generated as web-page is rendered and Javascript is executed, then kill the whole thing and restart.

I don't care about how the page renders graphically at all.

Which browser or tool should I use for this?

Ideally it should be something self-contained that doesn't require installation (just an EXE file that runs from mand line). Lynx would have been ideal but for the fact that it doesn't support JS. It should have as small memory footprint as possible.

I have e very specific test setup in mind. I would like to start a web-browser that understands Javascript and can use HTTP proxy, point it to a URL (ideally by specifying it in the mand line along with the proxy config), wait for the page to load while listening (in the proxy) requests are generated as web-page is rendered and Javascript is executed, then kill the whole thing and restart.

I don't care about how the page renders graphically at all.

Which browser or tool should I use for this?

Ideally it should be something self-contained that doesn't require installation (just an EXE file that runs from mand line). Lynx would have been ideal but for the fact that it doesn't support JS. It should have as small memory footprint as possible.

• javascript
• http
• testing
• browser

• 1 just curious but what is your real goal? test some javascript? if so have you thought about more standard js testing framework, like Qunit docs.jquery./QUnit ? – house9 Commented May 7, 2010 at 23:39
• 1 Can you use the WebKit nightly build and call jsc (trac.webkit/wiki/JSC JavaScript mand-line) or do you need the HTML to load and get manipulated too? – Jared Updike Commented May 8, 2010 at 0:10

9 Answers 9

The requirement “understands JavaScript”, if it applies to the kinds of scripts modern web pages typically run, precludes anything you could consider ‘lightweight’. You'd need a huge load of script engine plus DOM implementation, event callbacks, a layout and CSS engine so the scripts don't die when they interact with those parts of the BOM, and so on.

That constitutes a full-on browser; the easiest way to get that functionality is to use a browser.

Have you tried checking out Selenium? It may not be exactly what you're looking for, but it is designed to handle the kind of tests you're describing.

This may or may not be helpful as you've already selected an answer, but I just wanted to point out something I stumbled across the other day that seemed pertinent to this question:

UZBL

From the FAQ/Readme:

"Uzbl" is an umbrella project consisting of different flavors. In the future more things may e, but for now:

uzbl-core: main ponent meant for integration with other tools and scripts

• Uses WebKitGtk+ for rendering and network interaction (libsoup). CSS, JavaScript, and plugin support e for free.
• Provides interfaces to get data in (mands/configuration) and out (events): stdin/stdout/fifo/Unix sockets.
• You see a WebKit view and (optionally) a statusbar which gets populated externally.
• No built-in means for URL changing, loading/saving of bookmarks, saving history, keybinds, downloads, etc.
• Extra functionality: many sample scripts e with it. More are available on the Uzbl wiki or you can write them yourself.
• Entire configuration/state can be changed at runtime.
• Uzbl keeps it simple, and puts you in charge.

May be worth checking out. Good luck!

After more searching I found http://cutycapt.sourceforge/ which is exactly what I need - since now I don't even have to deal with these pesky browser windows and work with a simple console app.

qutebrowser : https://qutebrowser/

Reference+More: https://en.wikipedia/wiki/Comparison_of_lightweight_web_browsers

You want to eat your cake and have it too. Sorry - if you want JavaScript, you're going to have to deal with the overhead of launching a full-on browser. Besides, do you really want some third-rate browser testing your stuff, when each one has subtle (or in the case of IE, not-so-subtle) differences?

I actually found http://kmeleon.sourceforge/ that doesn't require installation, doesn't integrate into the OS in any way, is pretty lightweight and runs JS.

I remend to you use the Autoit software. Because you say Windows environment, AutoIT will work 100%.

You can make an exe from au3 script file then lauch with exec. With AutoIT you can use things like sleep, close, manage cookie, export html (full rendered html file) and more.

I'm using it with great results.

I consider Chrome to be the quickest launching (and running) browser so you may try and have a go with it.
And Currently I have these browsers installed:

• Chrome 5.* (dev)
• Opera 10.52
• Firefox 3.0.19
• Internet Explorer 8
• Safari 4.0.5

and few more older versions of some of the above. And Chrome is my main because of its speed. Others are for testing.