Mobile Automation with Appium - A Detailed Guide for Testing
With many automated quality testing tools, Appium stands out since it offers many benefits. It helps the testers to run codes and tests on apps. Besides, it allows the testers to use programming language they are comfortable with. So, in this blog, we will walk you through mobile automation with Appium. Scroll down and keep reading for more.
Mobile applications have made a grand entry and are still ruling the digital world. Therefore, your business must ensure to execute the best tools for testing mobile apps. As a result, mobile automation with Appium is an asset for testers with the increased demand for mobile apps. It is one of the automated testing tools used to test mobile apps and websites.
Besides, most testers and QA service providers use this tool since they are free and support Android and iOS platforms. Before you launch your mobile app, it must run through multiple tests. Automation testing with Appium involves consistent and thorough testing.
Hence, Appium ensures the app is bug-free and performs well under diverse conditions. Besides, it boosts the quality, usability, and security of the app. As a result, it takes the app to the top of the market. So, in this blog, let us explore Appium and its role in software testing through the following topics:
- What is Appium mobile testing?
- The key benefits of Appium
- What is the architecture of the Appium framework?
- How does Appium work?
Let us start!
What is Mobile Automation with Appium?
Appium is an open-source framework that allows testers to test mobile apps and web browsers across different mobile devices. So, with the help of Appium, you can check the compatibility, response time, and usability of app and web apps over multiple platforms. As a result, it has become the number-one choice for most mobile app testers. Besides, this tool offers a wide range of benefits over other testing tools.
Moreover, Appium is a cross-platform tool that allows testers to use any programming language they are comfortable with. In other words, Appium supports testing using programming languages like Java, Python, PHP, Ruby, and C#. As a result, the testers can write an automated script in any programming language. Besides, you can write user interface scripts for platforms using the Appium framework for Android and iOS.
Thus, Appium unifies all the platforms and programming languages compared to other automation testing tools. Besides, the testers do not require specialized knowledge or training to use this tool for mobile testing. It also allows them to mimic real-world conditions using simulators and emulators to know if the app's functionality matches the client's expectations and standards.
Further, mobile automation with Appium allows testers to test different types of apps. So, with the help of the Appium framework, you can run tests on the following apps:
Native apps
Native apps are platform-specific apps that use Android, iOS, and Windows SDKs to build and operate across devices.
Hybrid apps
Hybrid apps are mobile apps with features for web browser navigation. Besides, they work on certain platforms with native control to interact with web content. In other words, you can access these apps through physical devices and URLs.
Web apps
These are apps that the user can access through web browsers like Chrome and Safari. Besides, users can access them through in-app browsers for systems like Android and iOS.
Want to know more about mobile automation with Appium? Read the benefits of Appium for mobile testing.
What are the Benefits of Appium?
Appium is one of the widely used best automation testing tools for mobile applications. The reason why most testers choose this tool is its benefits. Below is a list of reasons why you should pick Appium for your app testing needs:
Open-source
One of the key benefits of Appium is that it is free of cost. In other words, anyone can download and use Appium to test mobile apps. As a result, most QA companies choose this tool for mobile test automation.
Flexible
Appium is a versatile and flexible testing tool that enables testers to use any programming language they prefer to write scripts. As a result, it supports multiple languages, including Python, PHP, Java, Ruby, C#, and JavaScript. Thus, it makes a flexible choice for the testers for the app development process.
User-friendly
Another reason why mobile automation with Appium is a first choice for most testers is that it is easy to learn and use. Testers with expertise in Selenium will find it easy to pick Appium. Besides, beginners will find it simple to grasp and use.
Automation
Mobile automation framework using Appium helps speed up the development process. Besides, it allows us to get valuable feedback and information in near real-time. Thus, you can thoroughly check your app before it reaches the end-users.
Support cross-platforms
A test written in Appium is compatible with all sorts of platforms. In other words, you can test using Appium across different mobile devices and operating systems like Android and iOS. Besides, using Appium, you can run multiple tests simultaneously.
Continuous integration
Mobile automation with Appium Testing allows the testers to use the tool with CI platforms like Jenkins. Hence, you can ensure the testing process is efficient and productive. As a result, you will get better results for the QA tests.
Now, we will help you understand the architecture of the Appium framework.
What is the Architecture of the Appium Framework?
Appium is one of the best automation testing tools for mobile applications. In this section, we will discuss the three components of Appium. They are as follows:
Appium Client
Appium Client involves the automation code script written in a programming language. The programming language can be Java, Python, PHP, C#, or Ruby. So, what is the purpose of Appium Client? Appium Client contains automation scripts with configuration details of the mobile device and the app. As a result, the testers can use this scripted code and details for running test cases.
Appium Server
Appium Server is an HTTP server that accepts command requests from clients. You will see these requests in the form of JSON. Besides, the server uses Node.js programming language for executing commands on mobile devices. Therefore, you must install the server before running test scripts for mobile automation with Appium.
So, the main purpose of the Appium Server is to receive requests and send them to the appropriate platform. Hence, they create sessions between the Appium Client and the End Device. Besides, it gets connected to platforms like Android, iOS, and Windows.
End Device
The End Device is a real-time physical device, emulator, or simulator. You can connect the End Device to the Appium Server. As a result, you can execute the test cases here.
With these components, you can run mobile automation with Appium to launch robust apps for the end users. Now, we will explain how Appium works with Android and iOS.
How does Appium Work?
Before we learn how Appium works, we will learn about the prerequisites to use Appium. They are as follows:
- Appium Server
- Appium Client Library
- Node.js
- Java
- Android Studio
- Eclipse IDE
- Apk Info
- Selenium Jar
So, mobile automation with Appium uses these components to work. It is an HTTP server that uses REST API to enhance the interaction with the client. In other words, the client interacts with the API server through REST APIs. The server receives the request in the JSON format. Besides, the JSON Wire Protocol controls the interactions between the client and server.
Moreover, the Appium Server uses automation frameworks like XCUI test (for iOS) and UI Automator (for Android) to execute requests on the End Devices. Therefore, Appium works differently on iOS and Android. We will briefly explain how Appium works on Android and iOS as follows:
Appium working with Android
Appium Client converts test commands to REST API requests using its libraries with the help of JSON Wire protocol. After that, the server sends the requests to the Android device. The Android device then interprets these requests using the bootstrap.jar file. Hence, the bootstrap.jar file uses a UI Automator to execute requests on the Android device.
After that, the test results will reach the server. The server then sends an HTTP response to the Appium Client. So, the HTTP response involves a status code that indicates server error or success. As a result, you can successfully test your Android app using mobile automation with Appium.
Appium working with iOS
Similarly, Appium Client converts test commands to REST API requests with the help of JSON Wire protocol. After that, the server sends the requests to the iOS device. The iOS device uses WebDriverAgent.app files to interpret these requests. The WebDriverAgent.app files then use an XCUI Test to execute requests on the iOS device. The server then sends an HTTP response to the Appium Client. So, the HTTP response involves a status code that indicates server error or success.
Conclusion
Mobile automation with Appium offers a list of benefits for your mobile app. With the right service provider like Appsierra, you will get the finest testing service for your business. Besides, they allow you to launch a highly-performing app that meets the quality standard. So, get in touch with our experts and have a matchless experience.