Head-to-Head: Puppeteer vs Slimerjs Analysis

puppeteer

v22.14.0(1 day ago)

This package is actively maintained.Types definitions are bundled with the npm packageNumber of direct dependencies: 4Monthly npm downloads

Puppeteer is a Node.js library that provides a high-level API for controlling headless Chrome or Chromium browsers. It allows developers to automate tasks such as web scraping, testing, and generating screenshots of web pages. Puppeteer offers a rich set of features, including the ability to interact with web pages, simulate user actions, and capture network traffic.

Alternatives:
playwright+
selenium-webdriver+
webdriverio+
nightwatch+
cypress+
testcafe+
taiko+
puppeteer-core+
puppeteer-extra+
puppeteer-cluster+

Tags: node.jsweb automationheadless browserweb scrapingtesting

slimerjs

v1.0.0(over 6 years ago)

This package was last published over a year ago. It may not be actively maintained.Types definitions are provided via a separate npm package: @types/slimerjsNumber of direct dependencies: 0Monthly npm downloads

SlimerJS is a scriptable browser for web development and testing purposes. It allows you to interact with web pages using JavaScript and provides a high-level API for tasks like taking screenshots, simulating user interactions, and running automated tests. SlimerJS is built on top of the Gecko engine used by Firefox, making it a powerful tool for web developers who need to test their applications in a browser environment.

Alternatives:
puppeteer+
playwright+
nightmare+
webdriverio+
cypress+
taiko+
selenium-webdriver+
testcafe+
protractor+
casperjs+

Tags: browser automationweb testingheadless browserGecko engineJavaScript API

Fight!

Browser Support

Puppeteer is developed by Google and primarily works with the Chromium browser. It provides better support for modern web features and has good compatibility with Chrome. SlimerJS, on the other hand, is based on Gecko (Firefox) and may have better compatibility with Firefox-specific features.

Performance

Puppeteer is known for its speed and performance, especially when it comes to headless browser automation tasks. It is optimized for performance and resource usage. SlimerJS, while capable, may not be as performant as Puppeteer in certain scenarios.

Ease of Use

Puppeteer has a more user-friendly API and is easier to get started with, especially for beginners. It provides a high-level API for common tasks and has good documentation. SlimerJS, while powerful, may have a steeper learning curve and a less intuitive API.

Community and Support

Puppeteer has a larger community and is actively maintained by Google, which ensures regular updates and support. SlimerJS, while still maintained, may not have as large of a community or as frequent updates as Puppeteer.

Flexibility

Puppeteer is more flexible in terms of the environments it can run in and the tasks it can perform. It supports headless mode, browser extensions, and has good debugging capabilities. SlimerJS, while versatile, may not offer the same level of flexibility as Puppeteer.