Reading environment variables in Selenium tests is a best practice for keeping sensitive or environment-specific values out of code—such as URLs, credentials, API keys, and browser configurations.
Below is a clean, practical guide showing how to read environment variables in Java Selenium tests, using multiple approaches (Java, Maven, TestNG).
✅ 1. Using System.getenv() (Most Common & Recommended)
Java provides a simple way to read environment variables:
String baseUrl = System.getenv("BASE_URL");
String username = System.getenv("USERNAME");
String password = System.getenv("PASSWORD");
✓ Usage Example in Selenium
@Test
public void openSite() {
String baseUrl = System.getenv("BASE_URL");
WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();
driver.get(baseUrl);
driver.quit();
}
📌 IMPORTANT
System.getenv() reads OS-level environment variables.
You must define them in the OS, CI/CD pipeline, or terminal.
Linux/Mac
export BASE_URL=https://qa.example.com
Windows (PowerShell)
setx BASE_URL "https://qa.example.com"
✅ 2. Using Maven Command Line (-D System Properties)
Often used in CI or when switching environments easily.
Run:
mvn test -DbaseUrl=https://qa.example.com -Dbrowser=chrome
Read in Selenium Tests:
String baseUrl = System.getProperty("baseUrl");
String browser = System.getProperty("browser");
Example:
@Test
public void testEnv() {
System.out.println("Running on: " + System.getProperty("baseUrl"));
}
✔ Best for:
Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Azure Pipeline
Multiple environments (DEV/QA/PROD)
✅ 3. Reading Environment Variables in TestNG With @Parameters
Useful when passing values from testng.xml.
testng.xml
<test name="QA Test">
<parameter name="baseUrl" value="${env.BASE_URL}" />
<classes>
<class name="tests.MyTest"/>
</classes>
</test>
Java Code
@Test
@Parameters("baseUrl")
public void runTest(String baseUrl) {
System.out.println("URL: " + baseUrl);
}
Note:
Requires a plugin (Maven Surefire) to enable ${env.VAR}.
✅ 4. Using Java Utility Class (Cleaner Option)
Create a reusable config reader for all tests.
Config.java
public class Config {
public static String get(String key) {
// 1. Check Java system properties
if (System.getProperty(key) != null) {
return System.getProperty(key);
}
// 2. Check environment variables
if (System.getenv(key) != null) {
return System.getenv(key);
}
throw new RuntimeException("Missing config key: " + key);
}
}
Usage:
driver.get(Config.get("BASE_URL"));
✔ Advantages:
One unified way to retrieve environment values
Works for local + CI + cloud execution
Eliminates repetitive getenv() and getProperty() calls
✅ 5. Real Selenium Example Combining It All
@Test
public void loginTest() {
String url = Config.get("BASE_URL");
String username = Config.get("USERNAME");
String password = Config.get("PASSWORD");
WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();
driver.get(url);
driver.findElement(By.id("user")).sendKeys(username);
driver.findElement(By.id("pass")).sendKeys(password);
driver.findElement(By.id("loginBtn")).click();
driver.quit();
}
🎯 When to Use What?
Method Best For Notes
System.getenv() Secure values (passwords, URLs) Stored at OS/CI level
System.getProperty() Switching environments via Maven Pass values dynamically
TestNG @Parameters XML-driven tests Works with CI, flexible
Utility class Large frameworks Clean, unified access
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