Appium Automated Testing Principles

Appium is an open-source automation testing tool for mobile applications that communicates with mobile devices using the WebDriver protocol, which is commonly used for browser automation testing. This allows for the automation of mobile application testing.

In particular, the principle of Appium is as follows:

1. Appium Server allows Appium to connect with mobile devices or simulators/emulators by launching an HTTP server locally or on a remote machine. This server receives client requests and forwards them to tools like WebDriverAgent or UiAutomator2 running on the device being tested.
2. The client sends a request to the Appium Server through the testing script or testing framework, specifying the action to be executed, such as opening an application, clicking a button, or swiping the screen.
3. The Appium Server handles requests by receiving them from the client and forwarding them to the underlying testing framework (such as WebDriverAgent or UiAutomator2) based on the specified device information and action to be performed in the request.
4. The underlying testing framework performs actions: After receiving a request, the underlying testing framework will use appropriate tools (such as XCUITest or Android Instrumentation) to execute corresponding actions on the device being tested. For example, clicking buttons, entering text, etc.
5. Device response: After the lower-level testing framework completes the action, it returns the results to the Appium Server, which then forwards them to the client.

Appium enables automated testing of mobile applications through the above process.