Testing Native Android Apps with Protractor
Protractor is a popular end-to-end testing framework for AngularJS applications. However, did you know that you can leverage its power to test native Android apps as well?
This article delves into the process of using Protractor to test your native Android applications, exploring the necessary setup, configuration, and key concepts to ensure a seamless testing experience.
Setting up Protractor for Android Testing
1. Install Android Studio and Required Tools
Start by installing Android Studio, which provides the necessary tools for building and testing Android applications. Ensure you have the Android SDK and the Android Emulator or a physical device connected to your system.
2. Install Node.js and npm
Protractor relies on Node.js and npm for its operation. Download and install the latest versions of Node.js and npm from their official website.
3. Install Protractor
Once Node.js and npm are set up, install Protractor globally using the following command:
npm install -g protractor
4. Install Appium
Appium is the crucial component that enables Protractor to interact with your native Android app. Install Appium using:
npm install -g appium
5. Configure Appium
Start Appium and configure it to work with your Android device. Specify the desired capabilities, such as device name, app path, and platform version.
Writing Protractor Tests
Now that the environment is set up, you can write your Protractor tests:
1. Create a Spec File
Create a spec file (e.g., ‘android-app.spec.js’) to contain your test cases. Here’s a simple example:
describe('Android App Tests', function() {
it('should display the app title', function() {
browser.get('https://www.example.com'); // Assuming your app has a webview
expect(element(by.id('appTitle')).getText()).toEqual('My Android App');
});
it('should open the settings screen', function() {
element(by.id('settingsButton')).click();
expect(element(by.id('settingsHeader')).isDisplayed()).toBeTruthy();
});
});
2. Locators for Elements
Use Protractor’s locators (e.g., by.id, by.css) to find elements within your app’s layout. You can use the Android View Inspector to identify elements’ IDs or other unique attributes.
3. Assertions
Protractor provides assertion functions (e.g., expect) to verify the behavior of your app.
Running Protractor Tests
Execute your tests with the following command:
protractor android-app.spec.js
Example: Testing a Calculator App
App Setup
Imagine a basic calculator app with buttons for numbers (0-9), operators (+, -, *, /), and an equals (=) button. You want to test that 2 + 2 equals 4.
Test Code
describe('Calculator App', function() {
it('should correctly add 2 + 2', function() {
element(by.id('button2')).click();
element(by.id('buttonPlus')).click();
element(by.id('button2')).click();
element(by.id('buttonEquals')).click();
expect(element(by.id('display')).getText()).toEqual('4');
});
});
Test Execution
Run the test with the command:
protractor calculator-app.spec.js
Protractor vs. Native Android Testing Frameworks
| Feature | Protractor | Native Android Testing Frameworks |
|—|—|—|
| Framework | End-to-end testing | Unit, integration, and UI testing |
| Language | JavaScript | Java, Kotlin |
| Tools | WebDriver, Appium | Espresso, UI Automator |
| Focus | Webviews, native elements | Pure native UI elements |
| Complexity | Less complex for simple tasks | More complex for intricate interactions |
Conclusion
Testing native Android apps with Protractor provides a convenient and efficient way to validate your app’s functionality across various user flows. By mastering Protractor’s concepts and the setup process, you can ensure the quality of your Android app development.