Helena: Web Automation for End Users

Helena is a high-level programming language for web automation. It comes with Rousillon, a programming-by-demonstration (PBD) tool for writing Helena programs. Just open the Rousillon browser extension, demonstrate how to collect the first row of a dataset, then let Rousillon write a program for collecting the remaining rows.

The best way to get started with Helena is to see it in action! Take a look at the video below for a guide to using Helena for the first time.

Key Reminders:

To make a program, demonstrate how to collect the first row of data.
To add a new cell to the first row, hold down the ALT key, then click on the webpage text that should appear in the next cell, then let up the ALT key.
You're only in scraping mode while ALT is held down.
To see if your program works, use the "Run Script" button.

Tips and Tricks:

Don't use the back button during demonstration -- Helena can't record it.
If you run into trouble, just start a new recording! (It's almost always the easiest way.)

And that's it! Go ahead and start making some Helena scripts of your own!

If you want a little more guidance, here are some additional resources for learning how to use Helena:

Video Tutorials
Tips & Tricks
FAQ