How to See Chromedriver Version: Step-by-Step Guide

2 min read 24-10-2024

How to See Chromedriver Version: Step-by-Step Guide

To check the version of ChromeDriver you are using, follow this step-by-step guide. Knowing the correct version is crucial for ensuring compatibility with your installed Chrome browser. Let’s dive in! 🐬

Understanding ChromeDriver

ChromeDriver is a separate executable that Selenium WebDriver uses to control Chrome. It’s important to match the version of ChromeDriver with the version of Chrome installed on your machine to avoid issues during testing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check ChromeDriver Version

Step 1: Open Command Prompt or Terminal

On Windows:
- Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
On macOS/Linux:
- Open your Terminal application.

Step 2: Locate ChromeDriver

Before you can check the version, you need to ensure that ChromeDriver is accessible. If you haven't added it to your system's PATH, you might need to navigate to its directory.

Step 3: Run the Version Command

Now, type the following command based on your operating system:

Windows:
```
chromedriver --version
```
macOS/Linux:
```
./chromedriver --version
```

Step 4: View the Output

After executing the command, you should see an output that looks like this:

ChromeDriver 90.0.4430.24 (x64)

Note: This indicates the version of ChromeDriver that is currently installed. Make sure it aligns with the version of Chrome you have.

Comparing ChromeDriver Version with Chrome Browser

It’s essential to compare the ChromeDriver version with your Chrome browser version. Here’s a simple table that demonstrates which versions of ChromeDriver work with which versions of Chrome:

Chrome Version	ChromeDriver Version
90.0.x	90.0.4430.24
89.0.x	89.0.4389.23
88.0.x	88.0.4324.96
87.0.x	87.0.4280.20
86.0.x	86.0.4240.22

Important Note: "Always ensure that you are using compatible versions to prevent errors during automation."

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues while checking the ChromeDriver version, consider the following:

ChromeDriver Not Found: Ensure that the path to ChromeDriver is added to your system's PATH variable.
Permission Issues: On macOS or Linux, you might need to make ChromeDriver executable. Use the command chmod +x chromedriver.

Updating ChromeDriver

If you find that your ChromeDriver is outdated, follow these steps to update:

Download the latest version from the official source.
Replace the existing ChromeDriver in your installation directory with the new one.
Run the version command again to verify the update.

By keeping your ChromeDriver up to date, you ensure smooth operation and avoid compatibility issues. 🚀

In conclusion, knowing how to check the ChromeDriver version is a fundamental skill for anyone working with Selenium WebDriver for Chrome. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily keep track of your version and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Happy automating!