Introduction
Appium functions as an open-source tool designed for mobile automation. It functions as a server linking to your mobile device, enabling the use of Appium Inspector to identify UI elements. These components of Appium testing services can be utilized to develop automated scripts for testing your mobile apps.
Table Of Content
- Introduction
- What is Appium?
- How to Install Appium
- Running Your First Test with Appium
- Starting Your First Mobile Automation
- Conclusion
- FAQs
What is Appium?
Appium is a versatile testing tool designed for automating testing across diverse application types like Web, Native, or Hybrid, on various platforms like Android, iOS, and Windows. It offers a solution that functions on multiple platforms, allowing you to develop UI tests for different operating systems using one API, making it easier to use code across various platforms. Just like Selenium, Appium can work with different programming languages and frameworks like Java, JavaScript, Python, PHP, and C#, which makes it a flexible choice for performing mobile automation testing.
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How to Install Appium?
There are a few installation options for Appium, depending on your preferred setup.
Employing NPM (Node Package Manager):
- If Node.js is already installed on your system, you can effortlessly install Appium through NPM. Simply launch your terminal or command prompt and execute the command npm install -g appium. This will download and install Appium globally on your system. Ensure that your Node.js version is 12 or newer to prevent any potential compatibility problems.
By utilizing Appium Desktop:
- You can opt for a visual interface and get the Appium Desktop application. Visit the Appium releases page and get the newest version compatible with your operating system, whether it is Windows, macOS, or Linux. After downloading, simply install it as you would any other app. Appium Desktop includes a useful Inspector tool that is great for recognizing UI elements.
- Following installation, you must also configure Android Studio for testing on Android devices or Xcode for testing on iOS devices, depending on your chosen platform. After all the preparations are done, you can begin automating your mobile testing using Appium!
Running Your First Test of Appium
- First Start the cmd if you install Appium using NPM. Now to start the Appium server enter "appium -alocalhost -p8827--allow-cors".
- Connect a mobile to your system and Turn on USB Debugging on your Android Mobile Phone.
- Now you need to start Appium Inspector, Provide all desired capabilities here and Click on the Start Session button to start a new session.
- Now you need to collect the id and the Xpath. like shown in the below image.
First, download and install Eclipse IDE for Java.
Next, download the Appium JAR file and add it to Eclipse.
Finally, create a new project in Eclipse dedicated to Appium testing.
Starting Your First Mobile Automation
- Start Eclipse and add a new class.
- Give Desired Capabilities.
- Set Remote Path.
- Now start writing the script the same as in the web automation script.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have covered the fundamentals of automating mobile application services with Appium, starting from installation to executing your initial test. Appium is a dependable open-source tool that makes testing Web, Native, and Hybrid applications on Android and iOS platforms easier. By adhering to the instructions given, you can quickly begin working with Appium, leverage the Inspector tool for recognizing UI elements, and develop efficient automation scripts.
Appium is a valuable tool for mobile testing due to its capability to function on various platforms and accommodate different programming languages. Whether you are a beginner in mobile automation or trying to improve your testing procedures, mastering the effective use of Appium can save you time and guarantee the proper functionality of your applications.
Make sure to check out the FAQs section or find more resources if you want to delve further and enhance your knowledge and skills with Appium.
FAQs
What is the exact definition of Appium and how does it work?
Appium, a tool that is open source, simplifies the process of automating testing for mobile apps, whether they are Web, Native, or Hybrid apps. Basically, it acts as a server connecting to your smartphone. You can choose to use scripts in different programming languages to interact with the user interface elements of the application and perform your tests starting from that moment.
Does one need to have coding skills to use Appium?
A basic knowledge of programming is vital for developing and running test scripts in Appium. You can choose to write these scripts in popular programming languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript based on your project needs.
Do we need Appium Inspector for creating test scripts?
Even though it's not mandatory, Appium Inspector is incredibly helpful. It assists in recognizing UI components on your mobile application, providing you with the locators (such as Xpath or IDs) necessary for creating your automation scripts with increased precision. It greatly improves the entire process, particularly for beginners.
Is it possible to utilize Appium for testing on both Android and iOS platforms?
Definitely! Appium is great because it allows for testing across different platforms. This allows you to write tests one time and execute them on Android and iOS devices, making it very convenient for developing apps on different platforms.
Is it possible to execute Appium tests on actual devices?
Affirmative, it is possible! Appium enables the execution of tests on actual devices as well as emulators/simulators. Ensure that USB debugging is enabled while conducting tests on an Android device. To work with iOS, make sure to link your device and configure it for development purposes. Conducting tests on actual devices provides a more accurate understanding of your app's performance in a real-life scenario.
About Author
Vedant Parmar is a veteran QA executive who believes in continuous learning, training, and acquiring new skills. He wants to pursue a career in mobile test automation and penetration testing and strives to be a QA manager on this professional journey.