Installing and configuring the Android client with the USB Controller

One way to install and configure the Android mobile test client is to use a USB cable and the USB Controller. This method handles both installation and configuration and also works in secure environments that do not have WiFi access.

Before you begin

  • Download and install adb, which is part of Android SDK Tools, on the computer running the test workbench. The current download page is at Android Studio but the location could change in the future. You do not need to install the full Android Studio. Just navigate to the SDK Tools Only section under Other Download Options to obtain the installer. Make sure your device is correctly setup for adb by executing the adb devices command.
  • If necessary, download and install the specific USB driver for your device at http://developer.android.com/tools/extras/oem-usb.html or the web site of the device vendor.
  • Verify that release 6 or later of a JDK or JRE is installed.
  • For Android 6 devices that are connected to the computer running HCL OneTest™ UI with a USB cable, open Device Settings > Developer Options on the device and deselect Verify apps over USB. Otherwise, a conformation dialog opens each time the mobile test client or an application under test (AUT) is installed.

It is also possible to use the USB Controller to install the Android mobile test client in environments where the test workbench is remote. For details, see Installing and configuring the Android client when HCL OneTest UI is remote.

For further details about the USB Controller, see USB Controller.

About this task

The USB controller is a java process that runs in the system tray when the test workbench starts and exits when the workbench closes. The USB Controller uses adb to monitor device connections and the state of Android emulators. The USB Controller enables the Android silent mode feature which allows full automation of test playback.

Procedure

  1. Start the test workbench.

    You can run the test workbench on your own computer or run it on a remote computer, such as a lab computer. For details about the remote use case, see Installing and configuring the Android client when HCL OneTest UI is remote.

  2. Start the Android USB Controller.
    1. In the test workbench, click Window > Preferences > Test > Mobile and Web UI > Mobile Application Builders.
    2. Browse to the location of the Android SDK, click Start Now, and click OK.
    Note: The Android USB Controller can be started only if the Android SDK location is set correctly. Once it is set, the USB Controller will start automatically each time that the test workbench starts.

    You should now see the following message: Android USB Controller : now running in system tray in Mobile Application Builders. The USB Controller starts in the system tray and reads the list of connected devices and running emulators.

  3. Attach one or more Android devices with a USB cable.

    You will be prompted to install the mobile test client on any connected Android devices.

    Click Yes Always to always install the latest release of the mobile test client on the Android devices or click Yes to install the latest release of the mobile test client just this time.

  4. After the installation completes, you will be prompted to start the mobile test client and to complete the setup. The setup process configures the mobile test client and connects the client automatically to the test workbench.

    Click Yes Always to always start the Android client after the client is installed or click Yes to start the Android client just this time.

Results

You are now ready to start testing. See Creating mobile tests
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