Testing iOS App using Appium – a step by step guide
Testing an iOS app can be a tricky task, especially if you are new to the process. However, with the help of Appium, a mobile app testing framework, the task can be made much easier. In this article, we will be discussing the detailed steps that need to be followed by a tester who intends to test an iOS app from scratch using Appium.
Step 1: Setting up Appium
The first step in testing an iOS app using Appium is to set up the Appium server on your machine. This can be done by downloading the Appium server from the official website and installing it on your machine. Once the installation is complete, you can open the Appium server by running the appium command in the terminal.
Step 2: Installing the Appium Desktop Client
The next step is to install the Appium Desktop Client on your machine. This client is used to connect to the Appium server and allows you to interact with the iOS app that you are testing. You can download the Appium Desktop Client from the official website and install it on your machine.
Step 3: Configuring the Appium Server
Once the Appium server and client are set up, you need to configure the Appium server to connect to the iOS app that you are testing. This can be done by opening the Appium server and specifying the app’s bundle ID, platform version, and device name.
Step 4: Setting up the iOS Simulator
Before you can start testing your iOS app, you need to set up the iOS simulator on your machine. The simulator is used to simulate the environment of an iOS device, and allows you to test your app without having to use a physical device. To set up the simulator, you need to download the Xcode software from the Apple website and install it on your machine.
Step 5: Writing the Test Scripts
Once the Appium server, client, and simulator are set up, you can start writing the test scripts that will be used to test your iOS app. Appium supports several different programming languages, including Java, Ruby, and Python, so you can choose the language that you are most comfortable with.
Step 6: Running the Test Scripts
Once the test scripts are written, you can run them on the simulator to see how the app behaves. The test scripts will automatically interact with the app and perform various actions, such as opening and closing the app, navigating through different screens, and interacting with different elements on the screen.
Step 7: Analyzing the Results
After the test scripts have been run, you can analyze the results to see if the app is working as expected. This can be done by looking at the logs generated by the test scripts, as well as by manually testing the app to see if there are any issues.
In conclusion, testing an iOS app using Appium can be a straightforward process if you follow the above-mentioned steps. By setting up the Appium server, client, and simulator, writing the test scripts, and analyzing the results, you can ensure that your iOS app is working as expected before it is released to the public.
It is also important to note that testing an iOS app using Appium is not limited to just the simulator. Appium also supports testing on real iOS devices. To do this, you will need to have a provisioning profile and a developer certificate that is set up on your machine. Once this is done, you can connect your iOS device to your machine and run the test scripts on the device.
Another useful feature of Appium is its ability to run parallel tests. This means that you can run multiple test scripts at the same time, which can greatly reduce the time it takes to complete testing. This is especially useful if you have a large number of test cases to run.
Lastly, Appium also supports integrating with popular test management tools such as TestNG, JUnit, and Cucumber. This allows you to manage your test cases and test results in a more organized manner.
Appium is a powerful tool that can help make the process of testing an iOS app much easier. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up Appium, write test scripts, and analyze the results to ensure that your iOS app is working as expected. Additionally, Appium’s support for real devices, parallel testing, and integration with test management tools, make it a versatile tool that can help streamline your mobile app testing process.