Appium – Mobile automation testing tool

Overview

• • Appium is a server-based tool designed for automating mobile applications on Android and iOS platforms.
  • Cross-platform compatibility using a single API.
  • Supports multiple programming languages.
• Key Features:
  • Cross-platform testing.
  • Supports real devices, simulators, and emulators.
  • Does not require app source code.
  • Open-source and free to use.

Installation

Pre-requisites:

• For Android:
  • Install Android Studio.
  • Set up Android SDK and configure environment variables (ANDROID_HOME).
  • Enable USB Debugging on your Android device.
• For iOS:
  • macOS machine with Xcode installed.
  • Configure WebDriverAgent for iOS automation.

Install Appium:

1. Using Node.js:
   bash

   Copy code

   npm install -g appium

2. Appium Desktop:
   • Download the Appium Desktop from the official site.

Verify Installation:

• Run appium in the terminal. The server should start.

Appium Architecture

• Appium uses the WebDriver protocol to communicate with mobile devices.
• Core components:
  • Appium Server.
  • Client Libraries.
  • Mobile Device or Emulator/Simulator.

Setting Up Test Environment

1. Write Test Scripts:

• Use supported client libraries for your preferred programming language.
• Example (Java + TestNG):
  java

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  DesiredCapabilities capabilities = new DesiredCapabilities();
capabilities.setCapability("platformName", "Android");
capabilities.setCapability("deviceName", "Pixel_4_Emulator");
capabilities.setCapability("app", "/path/to/app.apk");AppiumDriver<MobileElement> driver = new AppiumDriver<>(new URL(“http://localhost:4723/wd/hub”), capabilities);

2. Launch Appium Server:

• Start the Appium server using the CLI or Desktop GUI.
• Ensure your devices/emulators are connected.

3. Run the Test:

• Use your test runner (e.g., TestNG, JUnit, or Pytest) to execute the script.

Capabilities

• Define the properties of the test environment.
• Common capabilities:
  • platformName: OS of the device (e.g., Android/iOS).
  • deviceName: Name of the device or emulator.
  • app: Path to the application file (APK/IPA).
  • automationName: Framework to use (e.g., UIAutomator2, XCUITest).

Advanced Features

• Parallel Testing with Appium Grid.
• Running tests on cloud platforms (e.g., BrowserStack, Sauce Labs).
• Automating Hybrid Apps (WebView context switching).