What actually happens when you click your mouse in your browser window?
It might seem like a simple action—just a click—but under the hood, your browser is doing a lot more than you might expect. In this talk, we took a deep dive into the inner workings of web browsers to uncover what really happens when you click.
We explored how a single mouse click triggers a complex chain of events inside the browser. From detecting the click event to processing it through the event loop, rendering updates, and executing JavaScript handlers, every click sets off a fascinating sequence of operations. Understanding this process is essential for developers working with modern web applications and automation tools.
Our developer, Benjamin Gruenbaum, walked us through how web automation frameworks like Puppeteer and Selenium simulate user interactions—especially clicks—and what can go wrong when those simulated clicks don’t behave like real ones. He explained why some clicks fail to trigger expected behaviors and how to troubleshoot those issues effectively.
We also discussed how browsers interpret click events differently depending on the context, and how automation tools attempt to mimic real user behavior as closely as possible. Whether you’re clicking a button, a link, or a dynamic UI element, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.
And if you’re working with Puppeteer, don’t miss our free recorder tool—it helps you capture and replay actions and other interactions with ease. Use it as often as you like to streamline your test creation process.
Understanding what happens when you click is more than just a technical curiosity—it’s a key to building more reliable, user-friendly, and testable web applications. Whether you’re debugging flaky tests or trying to simulate real user behavior, knowing how browsers handle clicks can make all the difference. With tools like Puppeteer, Selenium, and Testim’s recorder, you can take control of your automation strategy and ensure every click counts.
Catch the full recording below:
