In the realm of large-scale Flutter projects, automation has become indispensable for expediting releases. This article delves into the significance of Mobile UI Tests Automation, the challenges faced, evolution of testing frameworks, and the factors influencing tool selection, ultimately leading to the adoption of WebdriverIO.
Table of Contents
Mobile UI Tests Automation in Large-scale Flutter Projects
In the realm of large-scale Flutter projects, spanning over four years of dedicated work, the discussion around Mobile UI Tests Automation has remained a constant. From our initial app, where monthly updates were the norm, to our more recent endeavors with biweekly releases, automating functional application testing has proven instrumental in expediting confident releases.
Importance of Automation
The significance of automation, particularly when functional tests are run nightly, cannot be overstated. It not only accelerates the release process but also instills a greater sense of confidence both within the team and from a business standpoint.
Challenges with Flutter Integration Testing
While our journey with Flutter Integration Testing, coupled with Github Actions and Firebase Test Lab, had its merits, it wasn’t without its challenges. Limitations, especially in covering WebViews or Native views, presented notable hurdles.
Evolution of Testing Frameworks
The evolution of testing frameworks within our teams has been notable. From developers primarily handling tests, there emerged a desire among Quality Assurance (QA) specialists to take ownership, particularly evident in our experience with Patrol.
Complexities in Recent Projects
Our latest projects introduced a more intricate setup. Working on a white-label framework, we juggled multiple Full Flutter applications while integrating Flutter features into existing native apps. This necessitated a thorough investigation to identify the most suitable automation tool.
Tools Considered
A comprehensive evaluation was conducted, considering various tools suited to our requirements. Noteworthy contenders included:
Factors Influencing Decision
Several factors guided our decision-making process:
- Maturity and maintainability of the tool
- Compatibility with existing QA skills
- Black-box testing capabilities
- Support for Semantics trees
Our Choice: WebdriverIO
Given its maturity, compatibility with our existing workflows, and capability to cover both full Flutter and Add-to-app Flutter apps, we opted to expand our usage of WebdriverIO. This decision also underscored the importance of Semantics trees in facilitating UI Tests automation.
Bonus: Maestro’s Ease of Use
While not selected for our latest projects, Maestro’s simplicity and speed were impressive. A quick demo showcased its potential in automating test cases, exemplified by a scenario involving the MemMe flashcards app.
Join Our Whatsapp Group
Join Telegram group
Resources
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration of Projects | Over four years |
| Update Frequency | Initially monthly, later biweekly |
| Automation Importance | Critical for expedited and confident releases |
| Challenges with Testing | Limitations in covering WebViews or Native views |
| Testing Framework Evolution | Transition from developer-centric to shared responsibility with QA involvement (e.g., Patrol) |
| Project Complexities | Integration of Flutter features into existing native apps; white-label framework |
| Tools Considered | Maestro, Patrol, WebdriverIO, Fluttium |
| Decision Factors | Maturity, maintainability, compatibility, black-box testing, Semantics tree support |
| Chosen Tool | WebdriverIO for its maturity, compatibility, and support for both full Flutter and Add-to-app |
| Bonus Highlight | Maestro’s ease of use and speed in automation, despite not being selected for current projects |
| Resources | Patrol, Fluttium, Maestro, WebdriverIO |
FAQs: Mobile UI Tests Automation in Large-scale Flutter Projects
What is the significance of Mobile UI Tests Automation in large-scale Flutter projects?
Automating functional application testing in large-scale Flutter projects holds immense importance. Over the span of several years, such automation has consistently expedited the release process, instilling confidence both within the team and from a business perspective.
What challenges are typically encountered with Flutter Integration Testing?
While Flutter Integration Testing, alongside tools like Github Actions and Firebase Test Lab, offers notable advantages, challenges persist. Limitations in effectively covering WebViews or Native views often present significant hurdles to the testing process.
How have testing frameworks evolved within your teams?
The evolution of testing frameworks within our teams has been remarkable. Initially led by developers, there emerged a strong desire among Quality Assurance (QA) specialists to take ownership. This shift is exemplified in our experience with tools like Patrol.
What complexities were introduced in recent projects?
Recent projects introduced a more intricate setup. Working on a white-label framework, we juggled multiple Full Flutter applications while integrating Flutter features into existing native apps. This complexity prompted a thorough investigation to identify the most suitable automation tool.
Join Our Whatsapp Group
Join Telegram group
What factors influenced your decision-making process when selecting automation tools?
Several factors guided our decision-making process, including the maturity and maintainability of the tool, compatibility with existing QA skills, black-box testing capabilities, and support for Semantics trees.
Why did you choose WebdriverIO as your preferred automation tool?
We chose WebdriverIO due to its maturity, compatibility with our existing workflows, and its ability to cover both full Flutter and Add-to-app Flutter apps. Additionally, its support for Semantics trees further solidified its suitability for our UI Tests automation needs.
What was noteworthy about Maestro, despite not being selected for your latest projects?
Despite not being selected for our latest projects, Maestro impressed us with its simplicity and speed. A quick demo showcased its potential in automating test cases, as demonstrated by a scenario involving the MemMe flashcards app.