Google news: EarlGrey now free for public use

Multinational company Google Inc. made an announcement on Feb. 16 that the software EarlGrey is now available for public use, for free.

In the guide provided by Google, EarlGrey is defined as "a native iOS Ul automation test framework that enables users to write clear, concise test." It conforms with the XCTest framework and combines with Xcode's Test Navigator to facilitate tests directly from Xcode.

Its features include: synchronization, visibility checks, and user-like interaction. These help developers in testing their apps. For instance, it helps in making tests stable because, before any action is made, the synchronization feature helps in acertaining that the UI is steady.  

Siddartha Janga from Google iOS Developers enumerated in a blog the key features of EarlGrey, which are quoted below:

• "Powerful built-in synchronization: Tests will automatically wait for events such as animations, network requests, etc. before interacting with the Ul. This will result in tests that are easier to write (no sleeps or waits) and simple to maintain (straight up procedural description of test steps)
• Visibility checking: All interactions occur on elements that users can see. For example, attempting to tap a button that is behind an image will lead to test failure immediately.
• Flexible design: The components that determine element selection, interaction, assertion and synchronization have been designed to be extensible."

EarlGrey is being used for the functional testing requirements of several Google apps like YouTube, Google Play Music, Google Translate, Google Photos, BikeHist, Tooth cleaning, Switch Riddle, and other iOS apps. It also works with iOS gadgets and simulators. Calabash and Sauce Labs' Appium are among the other iOS user interface test automation frameworks.

This generous effort of Google Inc. to open-source EarlGrey enables app developers to enjoy this software for free.