---
title: BaseTest
slug: suite-documentation/basetest
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-01-07T11:58:23.211Z
---

This class is responsible for initializing and managing the Selenium test environment for Gauge-based tests.

All tests are executed on a remote Selenium Grid / Testinium Grid using TestiniumSeleniumDriver.

The WebDriver lifecycle is managed at the suite level, meaning a single browser session is shared across all scenarios in the test suite.

### Responsibilities

The BaseTest class provides the following core responsibilities:

- Initializing the Selenium WebDriver once per test suite
- Configuring browser-specific options (ChromeOptions)
- Integrating with the Testinium platform via TestiniumSeleniumDriver
- Managing the WebDriver lifecycle using Gauge hooks
- Loading and managing the Element Repository from JSON files
- Providing shared access to WebDriver and Actions instances



### Suite Lifecycle Management

### @BeforeSuite

This method is executed once before all Gauge specifications and scenarios.Its responsibilities include:

- Resolving the remote Selenium Grid URL from environment variables
- Resolving the Testinium authentication key
- Creating and configuring ChromeOptions
- Initializing the TestiniumSeleniumDriver
- Creating a shared Actions instance
- Loading the element repository (elementValues) into memory

Because @BeforeSuite is used, all scenarios share the same WebDriver session, which aligns with an all-in-one execution model.

### @AfterSuite

This method is executed once after all Gauge specifications and scenarios are completed.

Its responsibilities include:

- Gracefully terminating the WebDriver session
- Releasing Selenium Grid resources
- Preventing stale browser sessions and memory leaks



### Browser Configuration

Browser configuration is centralized in the buildChromeOptions method. 

Configured options include:

- Disabling browser translation prompts
- Disabling notifications
- Allowing cross-origin and insecure content (when required by test environments)

This approach ensures all browser-related configurations are managed in a single, reusable location.