This article is a guest post written by Dan Martin. Dan has been building teams and coaching others to foster innovation and solve real-time problems. Dan also enjoys photography and traveling.
Modern era web development is fast evolving. Software development companies hire highly-skilled web development engineers, UX designers, test automation developers to deliver user-friendly websites with engaging content.
In the pretext of inserting content into websites, web developers rely on both internal and external entities. Several web development tools enable this embedding methodology. Advanced automation testing tools can also identify and interact with these elements efficiently.
This article explains how different types of external elements are embedded into web pages using different methods. It also mentions the test automation perspective of testing tricky entities such as iFrames.
Embed External Multimedia – Audio
Web development engineers use <audio> elements to embed audio content into web pages. It is associated with the <source> where the path to the audio is made. For example:
The result is a web page with the audio controls embedded in it, audio formats such as the following: wav, mp3 can be used in this case.
Embed External Multimedia – Video
Web developers use <video> to embed video content into web pages. It is associated with the <source> where the path to the video is made. For example:
With this, apart from the video playing, the video controls also come in as a part of the package just as in the audio embedding display.
Embedding External Web Pages - <iframe>
Web developers can embed web pages with external web documents using the <iframe>. Iframes or inline frames are nothing but an HTML doc embedded within another HTML doc. You could also embed YouTube videos, Google Maps, etc., using iFrames. Here are two such examples:
Example 1 - Embedding a YouTube video
Here is an example where we embed the YouTube video into the HTML page. Try out the following steps:
- Open any YouTube video. Click the ‘Share’ Button
- Upon clicking the ‘share’ button, a pop-up appears, which displays an option captioned as ‘Embed’. Click it.
- Upon clicking the Embed option, the iframe code appears. Copy and paste this into the HTML Code.
For example:
From this point forward, users are able to play the YouTube video from the HTML page.
Example 2 - Embedding an area from Google Map
Here is another example: let us try embedding maps into the web page. To obtain the iframe code, follow these steps:
- Open Google Maps
- Click the Menu option – Click the embed map option. The code appears as the following:
Copy and paste it to the HTML page that is being developed, and view the output. The map will be displayed along with the controls on the web page.
Test Automation on Web Pages Containing <iframe>
From the perspective of testing, it is tricky to test web pages that contain iFrames using test automation tools. If test automation can handle tricky elements such as iFrames, it moves complexity away from the test automation and ensures an efficient and robust test script development.
For example, tools like TestProject interact with these entities using their SmartRecorder. Similarly, using the Leapwork tool, they can interact with web blocks and iFrames.
Embedding PDFs - <object>
Let us try embedding the PDFs into the web page using the object element. Here is an example:
Upon doing so, the PDF file can be viewed from the website. Of course, you could set the attributes such as width, height, etc., to customize it just as in the other cases.
Embedding External Javascript Code
External Javascript files can also be called from the HTML file as follows. Here is an example, where an external function from an external Javascript file is called:
The function myFunction() which is present in myJSScript.js. On clicking the button, the external function gets called to perform the code written in that script.
Embedding Images - < img >
How about images? Well, just mention the path to the image file in the src, and the image embedding process completes. For example:
Embedding External HTML Page Contents - < portal >
Portals are similar to iFrames. However, unlike how the iframe works, the portal’s content cannot be interacted with but can be navigated on. Usually, it behaves as a preview of another web page within the current page. It can be navigated in Google chrome using:
chrome://flags/#enable-portals
Once embedded, the user can even navigate to the external page with which it was associated. The concepts around this concept are elaborate and are worth exploring.
A Note on Accessibility
While embedding elements on the web page, we should also remember that when it is accessed by specific users using assistive technology, they should not encounter any issues with accessibility.
For example, for users with visual impairment using the Screen Reader technology to read the web page, the ‘title’ attribute of the embedded element holds vital significance. When a screen reader deciphers what is present on the page, it reads out the title and helps visually impaired users understand what is displayed on that web page. Because of this, the web developer has a strong responsibility to ensure concise, relevant text is mentioned in the title attribute. Otherwise, a visually impaired user will not have this important reference point.
Wrap Up
Web developers rely on embedding external web elements in the pretext of re-usability, making pages interactive, and even imparting a great user experience. They also ensure that efficient design, usability, accessibility, etc., are not sidelined.
Responsible developers always keep the users’ perspective as the guiding force in web development. They also work towards efficient development methodologies to increase web traffic to the site and provide high-quality content to foster long-term customer engagement. By pursuing the whole process in a 360-degree outlook, a QA team can ensure that a high-quality web page product is released, benefiting both the customer and the business.
Retool Dashboards with HubSpot Integration
Our client needed a centralized tool to aggregate account and contact activity, improving visibility and decision-making for the sales team.
The solution
We built a Retool application integrated with HubSpot, QuickMail, and Clay.com. The app features dashboards for sorting, filtering, and detailed views of companies, contacts, and deals, along with real-time notifications and bidirectional data syncing.
The result
- MVP in 50 hours: Delivered a functional application in just 50 hours.
- Smarter decisions: Enabled data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Streamlined operations: Reduced manual tasks with automation and real-time updates.
Lead Generation Tool to Reduce Manual Work
Our client, Afore Capital, a venture capital firm focused on pre-seed investments, aimed to automate their lead generation processes but struggled with existing out-of-the-box solutions. To tackle this challenge, they sought assistance from our team of Akveo Retool experts.
The scope of work
The client needed a tailored solution to log and track inbound deals effectively. They required an application that could facilitate the addition, viewing, and editing of company and founder information, ensuring data integrity and preventing duplicates. Additionally, Afore Capital aimed to integrate external tools like PhantomBuster and LinkedIn to streamline data collection.
The result
By developing a custom Retool application, we streamlined the lead generation process, significantly reducing manual data entry. The application enabled employees to manage inbound deals efficiently while automated workflows for email parsing, notifications, and dynamic reporting enhanced operational efficiency. This allowed Afore Capital's team to focus more on building relationships with potential founders rather than on administrative tasks.
Learn more about the case
Retool CMS Application for EdTech Startup
Our client, CutTime, a leading fine arts education management platform, needed a scalable CMS application to improve vendor product management and user experience.
The scope of work
We developed a Retool application that allows vendors to easily upload and manage product listings, handle inventory, and set shipping options. The challenge was to integrate the app with the client’s system, enabling smooth authentication and product management for program directors.
The result
Our solution streamlined product management, reducing manual work for vendors, and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Building Reconciliation Tool for e-commerce company
Our client was in need of streamlining and simplifying its monthly accounting reconciliation process – preferably automatically. But with a lack of time and low budget for a custom build, development of a comprehensive software wasn’t in the picture. After going through the case and customer’s needs, we decided to implement Retool. And that was the right choice.
The scope of work
Our team developed a custom reconciliation tool designed specifically for the needs of high-volume transaction environments. It automated the processes and provided a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring discrepancies and anomalies in real-time.
The implementation of Retool significantly reduced manual effort, as well as fostered a more efficient and time-saving reconciliation process.
Creating Retool Mobile App for a Wine Seller
A leading spirits and wine seller in Europe required the development of an internal mobile app for private client managers and administrators. The project was supposed to be done in 1,5 months. Considering urgency and the scope of work, our developers decided to use Retool for swift and effective development.
The scope of work
Our developers built a mobile application tailored to the needs of the company's sales force: with a comprehensive overview of client interactions, facilitated order processing, and enabled access to sales history and performance metrics. It was user-friendly, with real-time updates, seamlessly integrated with existing customer databases.
The result? Increase in productivity of the sales team and improved decision-making process. But most importantly, positive feedback from the customers themselves.
Developing PoC with Low Code for a Tour Operator
To efficiently gather, centralize, and manage data is a challenge for any tour operator. Our client was not an exception. The company was seeking to get an internal software that will source information from third-party APIs and automate the travel itinerary creation process. Preferably, cost- and user-friendly tool.
The scope of work
Our experts ensured the client that all the requirements could be covered by Retool. And just in 40 hours a new software was launched. The tool had a flexible and easy-to-use interface with user authentication and an access management system panel – all the company needed. At the end, Retool was considered the main tool to replace the existing system.
Testing New Generation of Lead Management Tool with Retool
Our client, a venture fund, had challenges with managing lead generation and client acquisition. As the company grew, it aimed to attract more clients and scale faster, as well as automate the processes to save time, improve efficiency and minimize human error. The idea was to craft an internal lead generation tool that will cover all the needs. We’ve agreed that Retool will be a perfect tool for this.
The scope of work
The project initially began as a proof of concept, but soon enough, with each new feature delivered, the company experienced increased engagement and value.
We developed a web tool that integrates seamlessly with Phantombuster for data extraction and LinkedIn for social outreach. Now, the company has a platform that elevates the efficiency of their lead generation activities and provides deep insights into potential client bases.
Building an Advanced Admin Portal for Streamlined Operations
Confronted with the need for more sophisticated internal tools, an owner of IP Licensing marketplace turned to Retool to utilize its administrative functions. The primary goal was to construct an advanced admin portal that could support complex, multi-layered processes efficiently.
The scope of work
Our client needed help with updating filters and tables for its internal platform. In just 30 hours we've been able to update and create about 6 pages. Following features were introduced: add complex filtering and search, delete records, styling application with custom CSS.
Together, we have increased performance on most heavy pages and fixed circular dependency issues.
Creating MVP Dashboard for Google Cloud Users
Facing the challenge of unoptimized cloud resource management, a technology firm working with Google Cloud users was looking for a solution to make its operations more efficient. The main idea of the project was to create an MVP for e-commerce shops to test some client hypotheses. Traditional cloud management tools fell short.
The scope of work
Determined to break through limitations, our team of developers turned Retool. We decided to craft an MVP Dashboard specifically for Google Cloud users. This wasn't just about bringing data into view; but about reshaping how teams interact with their cloud environment.
We designed a dashboard that turned complex cloud data into a clear, strategic asset thanks to comprehensive analytics, tailored metrics, and an intuitive interface, that Retool provides. As the results, an increase in operational efficiency, significant improvement in cost management and resource optimization.
Elevating CRM with Custom HubSpot Sales Dashboard
Our other client, a SaaS startup, that offers collaborative tools for design and engineering teams, was on a quest to supercharge their sales efforts. Traditional CRM systems were limited and not customizable enough. The company sought a solution that could tailor HubSpot to their workflow and analytics needs.
The scope of work
Charged with the task of going beyond standard CRM functions, our team turned to Retool. We wanted to redefine how sales teams interact with their CRM.
By integrating advanced analytics, custom metrics, and a user-friendly interface, our developers provided a solution that transformed data into a strategic asset.
In 40 hours, three informative dashboards were developed, containing the most sensitive data related to sales activities. These dashboards enable our customer to analyze sales and lead generation performance from a different perspective and establish the appropriate KPIs.
Building a PDF Editor with Low-Code
Our client, a leading digital credential IT startup, needed a lot of internal processes to be optimized. But the experience with low-code tools wasn’t sufficient. That’s why the company decided to hire professionals. And our team of developers joined the project.
The scope of work
The client has a program that designs and prints custom badges for customers. The badges need to be “mail-merged” with a person’s info and turned into a PDF to print. But what is the best way to do it?
Our developers decided to use Retool as a core tool. Using custom components and JavaScript, we developed a program that reduced employees' time for designing, putting the data, verifying, and printing PDF badges in one application.
As a result, the new approach significantly reduces the time required by the internal team to organize all the necessary staff for the conference, including badge creation.
