Using Implicit Wait and Explicit Wait in Mobile Application Testing - Notes By ShariqSP

Using Implicit Wait and Explicit Wait in Mobile Application Testing

In mobile application testing, wait mechanisms help handle dynamic UI elements and ensure synchronization between test scripts and the application under test. This section explains the use of Implicit Wait and Explicit Wait with direct element locators instead of using UiObject.

1. Implicit Wait

Implicit Wait is a global wait applied to all element searches. It tells the driver to poll the UI for a specified duration if the element is not immediately found, reducing the need for manual delays.

Key Characteristics:

• Globally applied to all element searches.
• Simple to configure but not suitable for conditional waits.

                  
                  // Set implicit wait to 10 seconds
                  driver.manage().timeouts().implicitlyWait(10, TimeUnit.SECONDS);
              
                  // Locate and interact with an element
                  MobileElement element = driver.findElement(By.id("com.example.app:id/element_id"));
                  element.click();
                  
                

2. Explicit Wait

Explicit Wait is more precise and allows you to wait for specific conditions to be met for an element, such as visibility, presence, or clickability. It is particularly useful for handling dynamic UI elements.

Key Characteristics:

• Applied to specific elements or conditions.
• Allows fine-grained control over wait behavior.

                  
                  // Use explicit wait to wait until an element is visible
                  WebDriverWait wait = new WebDriverWait(driver, 10);
                  MobileElement element = wait.until(ExpectedConditions.visibilityOfElementLocated(By.id("com.example.app:id/element_id")));
                  element.click();
                  
                

3. Combining Implicit and Explicit Wait

While it is generally not recommended to mix implicit and explicit waits, both can be used in different parts of the same test script. However, ensure you do not overcomplicate the wait logic.

                  
                  // Set implicit wait
                  driver.manage().timeouts().implicitlyWait(10, TimeUnit.SECONDS);
              
                  // Use explicit wait for a specific condition
                  WebDriverWait wait = new WebDriverWait(driver, 20);
                  MobileElement element = wait.until(ExpectedConditions.elementToBeClickable(By.id("com.example.app:id/element_id")));
                  element.click();
                  
                

4. Differences Between Implicit and Explicit Wait

5. Best Practices

• Use Implicit Wait for simple test scripts with predictable loading times.
• Use Explicit Wait for handling dynamic or condition-based elements.
• Avoid combining implicit and explicit waits to prevent unpredictable behavior.
• Set appropriate timeout values to balance between test reliability and efficiency.

6. Common Issues and Solutions

• Element Not Found: Verify that locators (e.g., ID, XPath) are accurate and elements are loaded within the specified wait time.
• Timeouts: Increase the wait duration for slower-loading elements.
• Unexpected Delays: Use explicit waits for specific conditions to avoid unnecessary global delays.