The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →In Selenium’s JavaScript bindings, find the element and await getAttribute():
const element = await driver.findElement(By.css('a.example'));
const href = await element.getAttribute('href');Important: Selenium’s getAttribute() can fall back to a same-named DOM property when the attribute is absent. Use getDomAttribute() when you need the attribute itself, or getProperty() when you need the live DOM property. Selenium’s JavaScript WebElement API documents these methods and their return behavior.
Choose the method that matches what you need to read
“Attribute” and “property” are related but not interchangeable. An HTML attribute is part of an element’s markup; a DOM property is a value on the live element object and can reflect changes made while the page is running. Selenium’s getAttribute() has compatibility behavior that can blur the distinction: it returns the attribute when present, but may return a same-named property if the attribute is absent.
| Method | What it reads | Fallback | When absent | Where it runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
element.getAttribute(name) |
Attribute value when present | May use a same-named property if the attribute is absent | null if neither is set |
Selenium JavaScript WebElement API |
element.getDomAttribute(name) |
DOM attribute only | No property substitution | null when absent |
Selenium JavaScript WebElement API |
element.getProperty(name) |
Live DOM property | Does not request the markup attribute | Depends on the property; may be undefined or another value | Selenium JavaScript WebElement API |
element.getAttribute(name) in browser JavaScript |
DOM attribute value | No Selenium property fallback | null when absent |
Native browser DOM API |
For an input, for example, the markup’s initial value attribute and the current value shown in the field can differ after user or script interaction. Assert the attribute if the test is about markup; assert the property if it is about current browser state.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Get an attribute using Selenium’s JavaScript API
First locate the element, then await the WebElement call. These methods are asynchronous in Selenium’s JavaScript bindings and return promises.
const element = await driver.findElement(By.css('a.example'));
const href = await element.getAttribute('href');
if (href === null) {
console.log('No attribute or same-named property was found');
} else {
console.log(href);
}Replace a.example with a selector matching the element you want. If you do not use await, the variable contains a promise rather than the resolved value. You can also handle the promise with .then().
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Read the attribute only or the live property
Use getDomAttribute() for the HTML attribute
Use this when a test must distinguish the attribute from a browser property, such as checking whether a boolean attribute appears in the DOM:
const element = await driver.findElement(By.css('button.example'));
const disabled = await element.getDomAttribute('disabled');
if (disabled !== null) {
console.log('The disabled attribute is present');
}Selenium documents boolean attributes as the string "true" when present and null when absent. Check against null; do not assume the method returns a JavaScript boolean or that a missing attribute returns an empty string.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use getProperty() for current browser state
When the test concerns the live value of a control rather than the markup, request its property:
const input = await driver.findElement(By.css('input[name="email"]'));
const currentValue = await input.getProperty('value');The exact property result depends on the property being read. Choose it deliberately: a property is not evidence that the corresponding HTML attribute was present.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Run native JavaScript with executeScript()
If you specifically want the browser’s native Element.getAttribute(), pass the Selenium element into a script. Selenium makes it available as arguments[0]:
const element = await driver.findElement(By.css('a.example'));
const href = await driver.executeScript(
"return arguments[0].getAttribute('href')",
element
);
if (href === null) {
console.log('The href attribute is absent');
}Here, the call is the browser DOM method, not Selenium WebElement’s similarly named wrapper. Native Element.getAttribute() returns the attribute value as a string, or null if the attribute is absent. See Selenium’s element information guide and MDN’s native getAttribute() reference.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Handle missing values and boolean attributes
- Do not assume a match means a value exists. A Selenium lookup can succeed while the requested attribute is missing. Check for
null. - Do not confuse missing with empty. An empty-string attribute and an absent attribute are different; the latter is represented as
null. - Boolean attributes need presence checks. With Selenium’s documented behavior, a present boolean attribute returns the string
"true"and an absent one returnsnull. - Use the native DOM method only when its semantics are intended. It returns the attribute or
nulland does not perform Selenium’s fallback to a same-named property.
Common problems and fixes
- The result looks like a Promise. Await the method:
const value = await element.getAttribute('href');, or attach a.then()handler. - The result differs from the page’s original markup. You may have used Selenium
getAttribute(), which can fall back to a property. UsegetDomAttribute()or nativegetAttribute()when the attribute itself is what matters. - The attribute lookup returns
null. The attribute may be absent, and the chosen method may have no applicable property value. Verify the selector and the attribute name, then choose the attribute/property method that matches the assertion. - The input value is not the expected initial value. The page may have changed the live property. Use
getDomAttribute('value')for the markup attribute orgetProperty('value')for the current control value.
Or skip the browser setup
If your goal is to inspect or capture a page rather than write a Selenium test, ScreenshotNeo returns a screenshot or PDF from one GET request. For example, use cURL to save a screenshot:
Quick Recap
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webpSee the ScreenshotNeo documentation for request options. Cookie banners, newsletter popups and chat widgets are removed before the shot; bot checks, blank pages and failed loads are never billed. Its MCP server lets AI agents take screenshots. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card, and paid plans start at $5 for 3,000. Sign up for free.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
