java.lang.NoSuchMethodError: ‘void org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeOptions.mergeInOptionsFromCaps (java.lang.String, org.openqa.selenium.Capabilities)

The error message you’re encountering indicates a NoSuchMethodError related to the mergeInOptionsFromCaps method within the org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeOptions class. This typically occurs when you’re using a version of the Selenium WebDriver library that does not have the expected method, or when there’s a version mismatch between different components of your project.

The method mergeInOptionsFromCaps is used to merge capabilities from the org.openqa.selenium.Capabilities object into a ChromeOptions object.

To resolve this issue, consider the following steps:

1. Check Selenium Version Compatibility: Make sure that the version of the Selenium WebDriver library you’re using is compatible with the version of the Chrome browser and ChromeDriver that you have installed. Sometimes, using an outdated or mismatched version of the library can lead to such errors.
2. Update Selenium WebDriver: If you’re using an outdated version of Selenium WebDriver, consider updating it to the latest stable version. This can often fix compatibility issues and provide access to the required methods.
3. Check Dependencies: Ensure that you don’t have multiple versions of the Selenium library or conflicting dependencies in your project. Dependency conflicts can cause unexpected behavior.
4. Check ChromeDriver: Verify that you have the correct version of the ChromeDriver executable that matches your Chrome browser version. ChromeDriver is responsible for interacting with the Chrome browser. Mismatched versions can lead to compatibility issues.
5. Check Code: Review your code to make sure you’re using the correct method and options when setting up Chrome WebDriver. Ensure that you’re using the appropriate classes and methods for creating a ChromeOptions instance and setting desired capabilities.
6. Clear Maven or Gradle Cache: If you’re using a build tool like Maven or Gradle, sometimes cached dependencies can cause issues. Try clearing the cache and re-downloading dependencies.
7. Check for Incompatible Extensions: If you have any browser extensions related to WebDriver (like BrowserStack or Sauce Labs extensions), try disabling them temporarily to see if they might be causing conflicts.
8. Search for Known Issues: Check the Selenium WebDriver issue tracker or community forums to see if others have encountered and resolved similar issues.
9. Consult Documentation: Refer to the official documentation and release notes for Selenium WebDriver and ChromeDriver to ensure you’re using the correct methods and configurations.

Remember that keeping your dependencies up to date and ensuring compatibility among different components of your testing environment can go a long way in preventing these kinds of errors. If you continue to experience issues, providing more information about the versions you’re using and relevant code snippets can help in providing more specific assistance.