Webdri: Guide to Browser & Mobile Automation Testing

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 7 min read

Automation testing is like having a super-efficient assistant who can work round-the-clock, ensuring your software and applications are performing their best. This guide, your "Webdri" on the journey, will navigate you through the world of automation testing, focusing on browser and mobile automation. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Get to Know Automation Testing

Before we dive in, let's gain a basic understanding of automation testing. It's like a self-driving car, doing all the work while you sit back and enjoy the ride.

Why Automation Testing?

Just like you wouldn't want to manually steer your car on a long journey, manually testing software can be tedious and prone to errors. Automation testing, on the other hand, is like setting your car on autopilot. It saves time, reduces human error, and ensures consistency. Plus, it lets you test complex scenarios that can be hard to execute manually. So, in the world of software development, automation testing is your trusty road trip buddy.

Benefits of Automation Testing

Now, you may be asking, "What's in it for me?" Well, aside from saving time and reducing errors, automation testing offers several other benefits. It provides quick feedback, enabling you to make timely improvements. It also allows for frequent and thorough testing, ensuring your software is always top-notch. Finally, it increases efficiency, freeing up your time to focus on more creative tasks. In short, it's like having a magical helper, constantly tweaking and perfecting your software while you work on the big picture.

Types of Automation Testing

Just like there are different types of road trips, there are different types of automation testing. Unit testing checks individual components, much like checking your car's engine and brakes before a trip. Integration testing checks how components work together, like making sure your car's gears shift smoothly. Functional testing checks if the software behaves as expected, similar to a test drive. And finally, regression testing checks for issues after changes, like checking your car after a tune-up. So, no matter the journey, automation testing ensures a smooth ride.

Dive into Browser Automation

Just like the name suggests, browser automation is all about automating tasks in a web browser. It's like having a robot who can surf the web for you. Cool, right? Now, let's unpack this a bit more.

What is Browser Automation?

Imagine you need to make the same online search every day. Wouldn't it be nice to have a helper who could do this for you? That's exactly what browser automation does. It automates repetitive tasks in a web browser, like filling out forms, clicking buttons, and navigating websites. So, whether you're testing web applications or data mining, browser automation can save you a ton of time. It's like having a digital intern who never sleeps!

Tools for Browser Automation

Now, you might be wondering, "How do I get this digital intern?" Well, you'll need a tool or two. Tools like Selenium, WebDriverIO, and of course, Webdri, can help you automate tasks in a web browser. These tools are like your car's GPS, guiding you through the world of browser automation. So, whether you're a professional developer or a tech-savvy entrepreneur, these tools can take your productivity to the next level.

Browser Automation Examples

So, what can browser automation actually do? Well, a lot! For instance, it can automatically fill out forms, like those pesky CAPTCHA codes. It can test web applications, ensuring your website works perfectly on different browsers. It can even automate data extraction, saving you hours of manual work. So, whether you're running a small business or a big tech company, browser automation can be a game-changer. It's like having a personal assistant who's always ready to surf the web for you.

Explore Mobile Automation

Now that we've dipped our toes into browser automation, it's time to take a look at its mobile sibling: mobile automation. Think of it as browser automation's younger, hipper brother. It's all about automating tasks on mobile devices. Ready to dive in? Let's go!

What is Mobile Automation?

Imagine needing to test a mobile app on dozens of different devices and operating systems. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Enter mobile automation. It's a way to automatically test mobile apps on various devices, screen sizes, and operating systems. So, instead of manually testing your app on every single device out there, you can let mobile automation do the heavy lifting for you. It's like having a robot test pilot for mobile apps!

Tools for Mobile Automation

So, how do you get this robot test pilot? You'll need some tools. Appium, Espresso, and the ever-popular Webdri are all powerful tools for mobile automation. They're like your very own remote control for testing mobile apps. Whether you're a seasoned developer or an eager entrepreneur, these tools can help ensure your mobile app shines on any device.

Mobile Automation Examples

What can you do with mobile automation? More like, what can't you do? Mobile automation can test how your app looks on different devices, how it performs under heavy load, and how it reacts to various user inputs. It can even simulate real-world conditions, like low battery or poor network connection. So whether you're developing the next hit game or a handy productivity tool, mobile automation can help ensure your app delivers a top-notch user experience. It's like having a safety net that catches any potential hiccups before your app reaches your users.

Master Automation Testing Tools

Now that we've explored both browser and mobile automation, it's time to get acquainted with the tools of the trade. Remember, the right tool can make all the difference. It's the difference between using a manual screwdriver and a power drill. Let's have a look at some of the tools that are making waves in the automation testing world.

Selenium

First up, we have Selenium. If you're in the testing world, you've probably heard of this one. Selenium is like the Swiss Army knife of automation testing tools. It's versatile, reliable, and it gets the job done. Selenium can automate browsers, which makes it perfect for web application testing.

Appium

Next, we have Appium. It's like the younger sibling of Selenium. Appium is designed for mobile testing, both for native apps and web apps. With Appium, you can write tests in your favourite programming language and run them on real devices or simulators. It's like having your own personal robot that can test on any mobile device.

WebDriverIO

Finally, let's talk about WebDriverIO. This is the new kid on the block, and it's making a name for itself in the world of automation testing. WebDriverIO is a modern, feature-rich tool that uses the Webdri protocol to automate both web and mobile applications. It's like having a high-tech robot that can handle any testing challenge.

Navigate Automation Testing Challenges

So, you've got your tools ready and you're set to start testing. But hold on a minute! Just like any journey, automation testing comes with its own set of challenges. Let's navigate through some of these obstacles together and find ways to overcome them.

Dealing with Flaky Tests

First, let's talk about flaky tests. These are tests that pass or fail unpredictably, like a light bulb that flickers on and off. Flaky tests can be caused by many factors like timing issues, network outages, or even a full moon (just kidding about the moon). The best way to deal with flaky tests is to be patient, investigate the causes, and fix them. Remember, a solid test is like a sturdy bridge, it won't let you down!

Handling Dynamic Content

Next, let's handle dynamic content. This is content that changes each time a webpage loads, like those pesky ads that pop up when you're trying to read an article. Dynamic content can make testing tricky, but don't worry, there are ways to handle it. One method is to use "wait" commands in your tests to allow the content to load, or you can use tools that can recognise changing elements. It's a bit like playing a game of whack-a-mole, but with the right strategy, you can win!

Managing Test Data

Finally, let's talk about managing test data. This is the data that you use in your tests, like login details or product information. Properly managing test data is crucial for running accurate and efficient tests. A good practice is to use separate data for each test and to clean up after each run. Think of it as keeping your work desk tidy, it makes your work more effective and less stressful.

Optimize Your Automation Strategy

Moving forward, let's focus on how to optimize your automation strategy. This is like plotting the best course for a ship — you want the smoothest, most efficient route to reach your destination. Here, we'll look at designing effective test cases, implementing continuous testing, and maintaining test suites to keep your "automation ship" sailing smoothly.

Designing Effective Test Cases

First up, designing effective test cases. Think of a test case as a roadmap for finding bugs in your software — the better the roadmap, the less likely you are to miss something. Start with clear, concise goals for each test case. Use real-world scenarios where possible, and don't forget to test exceptions and edge cases as well. It's like designing a treasure hunt — the better the clues, the more likely you'll find the treasure (or in this case, bugs).

Implementing Continuous Testing

Next, we have continuous testing. This is the practice of testing early, testing often, and testing everywhere. The goal here is to catch bugs as soon as possible and fix them before they become bigger issues. Imagine it like a game of dominoes — if you can stop the dominoes early, you can prevent the whole line from falling. With tools like Jenkins and webdri-powered WebDriverIO, implementing continuous testing is easier than ever.

Maintaining Test Suites

Last but not least, maintaining test suites. This is all about keeping your tests organized and up-to-date. As your software evolves, so should your tests. Regularly review and update your test cases, remove outdated or redundant tests, and ensure that new features are adequately covered. It's a bit like tending a garden — with regular care and attention, your test suite (like a garden) will stay healthy and productive.

If you're looking to further explore browser and mobile automation testing, don't miss the workshop 'Navigating Life VI' by Rabih Salloum. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to excel in the world of web and mobile automation testing, helping you stay ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape.