The use of smartphones and mobile apps has increased significantly over the last decade. According to MobiLoud, the choice of applications for download has grown by 82% in recent years, which proves the trend. As users expect the best experience and functionality in every app they install, app makers ensure that their software is rigorously tested using the best available frameworks. Of all the mobile testing frameworks, Appium is one of the most used frameworks that has transformed testing procedures.
Appium testing is preferred by testers and developers for several reasons, including its easy-to-understand features alongside the benefits it presents, such as its compatibility with several systems. Updates are not a novelty for testing tools, and in the case of Appium also there have also been many changes in the past, but Appium 2.0 has been the biggest in five years.
If you are an Appium user who has been working with the previous version and are eager to know about the new features, this article is the best guide. Here, we look at the new features and also what is missing in the new version of the software.
Exploring Appium 2.0
Appium 2.0 introduces several key advancements that significantly improve mobile automation testing, offering more power and flexibility than its earlier version:
- Modular Architecture: Appium 2.0 shifts from a monolithic architecture to a modular one, which makes maintenance easier for developers since they can update a single module without affecting the whole system. This plugin architecture allows users of Appium to expand and customize its capabilities without ever requiring a change in the software’s core framework, making it versatile for new technologies.
- Enhanced Parallelization and Performance: Appium 2.0’s release promises better overall performance in terms of execution speed for parallel tests across devices and platforms, thereby greatly reducing execution time.
- Resource Optimization: More optimal usage of system resources that allows you to carry out large-scale tests at higher speeds.
- Broader Platform and Device Support: Because of the modularity of the new version, it is easier to add support for new devices and platforms in Appium 2.0. It guarantees compatibility with new operating systems, whether it is a new version of Android or iOS.
- New Drivers and Plugins: The modular architecture of the platform enables easy integration of support for new platforms and devices.
- Independent Drivers: UiAutomator2 and XCUItest drivers are now downloadable and installable independently of the Appium Server. This makes it possible to update the information for certain drivers without having to update the entire server.
- Special Plugins: Appium now has plugins to modify its behavior for certain testing situations. Users of the software can create their plugins in order to maximize the uses of the server by developing new commands.
What Has Been Changed or Removed in Appium 2.0
New features are always exciting, and that is what Appium 2.0 offers, but it is also a moment to bid farewell to some features of previous versions. These changes are important to know, especially if you are migrating from Appium 1.x. Let’s explore what’s different or gone in Appium 2.0:
Web Protocol Updates
Appium 2.0 is a complete implementation of the W3C WebDriver protocol for web automation. Some of the older protocols, such as the JSON Wire Protocol, are not supported now. This shift also affects the definition of the desired capabilities to some extent.
Revised Desired Capabilities
To ensure compatibility with Appium 2.0, all non-standard capabilities must now include the “appium:” prefix. Some of the standard capabilities, like ‘platformName’ and browserName, remain the same, but this new prefix is very important for other settings.
MobileBy Class Replaced
The MobileBy Class has been replaced by the new and more flexible AppiumBy Class. Since Appium is capable of automating both mobile and desktop applications, this change brings the framework in line with its broader features.
Touch Actions Discontinued
The TouchAction and MultiTouchAction classes are no longer supported because of the W3C protocol. However, for gestures and multi-touch operations, testers have no other choice but to rely on the Sequence Class. Subsequent releases of Appium will eliminate these older classes.
These changes make Appium more efficient and easier to use while at the same time making it more in line with modern automation. It is also important to learn these changes as a way of easily transitioning to Appium 2.0.
Migrating to Appium 2.0
Converting to Appium 2.0 should be done methodically after analysis of your current testing setup. A good migration strategy will help avoid problems during the transition and let you leverage the new capabilities of Appium 2.0.
Assess Your Current Setup:
The first area to review is the current test scripts, frameworks, and infrastructure you have in place. Check the existing web drivers and plugins that might require updates or replacements with Appium 2’s modular structure.
Create a Migration Plan
Make sure you create a plan that includes timeframes, along with resource assignments and risk management. Ensure you allot resources optimally and have a contingency plan in case of problems during the transition processes.
Test Environment Setup
Before migrating, ensure that you have a staging environment that resembles a production environment. This will assist you in performing the migration safely without affecting ongoing tests. Check if all the dependencies are in order and ready for the new Appium version.
Conclusion
The pointers in this guide will assist you in knowing what to expect once you upgrade to the new updated version and, therefore, ease your transition.
When Appium 2.0 becomes a part of your testing plan, you get all the benefits mentioned above and transform your mobile testing. You will have made the first step towards delivering flawless, bug-free mobile applications that offer a positive experience to users.