10 November 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
When automating Android native apps, one common challenge is verifying login validation messages, especially when these elements are not easily detectable by tools like Appium Inspector or UIAutomator. Here, we provide a guide to help you overcome this obstacle, based on practical solutions from experienced developers.
Understanding the Challenge
The issue often arises because UIAutomator, which Appium relies upon to interact with Android devices, cannot detect certain UI elements, such as validation messages or toast notifications. This can lead to automation scripts failing to locate and interact with these elements.
Common Approaches
Several methods have been attempted to address this problem. Below are two common approaches:
Approach 1: Using JavaScript and XPath
One method involves using JavaScript executors and XPath to locate the validation element. However, this often leads to exceptions, as the required methods may not be implemented or the element is not accessible via XPath.
JavascriptExecutor js = (JavascriptExecutor)driver;
WebElement field = driver.findElement(By.xpath("//android.widget.EditText[@text='Enter mobile number']"));
try {
String message = (String) js.executeScript("return arguments[0].validationMessage;", field);
} catch (Exception E) {
// Handle exception
}Approach 2: Searching with Regular Expressions
Another approach is to use regular expressions to locate elements by text content. This can be implemented with a simple method to check if a validation message is present. However, this approach can be slow and may not always yield accurate results.
public boolean IsValidationFired() {
try {
WebElement invalid = driver.findElement(By.xpath("//*[contains(@text, 'Invalid')]"));
if (invalid != null) {
System.out.println("PASS");
} else {
System.out.println("FAIL");
}
} catch (NoSuchElementException ex) {
System.out.println("Element not found");
}
}Recommended Solution: Using Image Recognition
Given the limitations of the above methods, a more reliable solution involves using image recognition tools like Sikuli. This approach captures a screenshot of the app during runtime and analyzes the image to detect the presence of validation messages.
Alternatively, developers can modify the app to make validation messages accessible to UIAutomator, such as by changing the error message to a visible component. This solution, while more involved, ensures greater accuracy in validation checks.
Enhancing Automation with Repeato
For those looking for a more efficient and stable testing solution, consider using Repeato. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android that leverages computer vision and AI to create and run tests quickly. Unlike traditional tools, Repeato offers fast test creation and execution, making it an ideal choice for navigating the challenges of mobile app validation automation.
For more information on setting up and using Repeato, refer to our getting started guide.
