Rn Testing

<!-- AUTO-GENERATED by export-skills.py — DO NOT EDIT -->
---
name: rn-testing
description: Automated testing for React Native mobile applications using Maestro, Detox, and Appium. Use when testing React Native apps, writing mobile test flows, running UI tests on iOS/Android, or automating mobile testing workflows. Covers framework selection (Maestro for simplicity, Detox for RN-native speed, Appium for cross-platform flexibility).
tags: [react-native, mobile-testing, maestro, detox, appium]
---

# React Native Testing

Test React Native mobile applications using Maestro, Detox, or Appium frameworks.

## When to Use

- Testing React Native apps on iOS and Android
- Writing mobile UI test flows
- Running automated regression tests on mobile
- Debugging mobile app failures
- Automating mobile testing workflows

## Framework Selection

```
New to mobile testing / AI agent workflow?
    -> Maestro (simplest, YAML syntax)

React Native-only project with source code?
    -> Detox (fastest for RN, automatic synchronization)

Multi-framework app or black-box testing?
    -> Appium (most flexible, cross-platform)
```

| Framework | Syntax | Best For | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maestro | YAML | AI agents, quick tests | Medium |
| Detox | JavaScript/TypeScript | RN-native, gray-box | Fast |
| Appium | Python/JS/Java | Multi-framework, black-box | Slower |

## Maestro (Recommended for AI Agents)

### Create a Flow

```yaml
appId: com.myapp
---
- launchApp
- tapOn: "Login"
- inputText: "user@example.com"
- tapOn: "Password Field"
- inputText: "password123"
- tapOn: "Submit"
- assertVisible: "Welcome Screen"
```

### Use testID Props

```jsx
<Button testID="login-button" title="Login" />
```

Reference in Maestro:
```yaml
- tapOn:
    id: "login-button"
```

### Run Tests

```bash
# Single flow
maestro test flows/login.yaml

# Full suite
maestro test flows/
```

### Common Scenarios

**Form validation:**
```yaml
- tapOn: "Submit"
- assertVisible: "Error: Email required"
- tapOn:
    id: "email-input"
- inputText: "user@example.com"
- tapOn: "Submit"
- assertNotVisible: "Error"
```

**Navigation:**
```yaml
- launchApp
- tapOn: "Profile"
- assertVisible: "Profile Screen"
- back
- assertVisible: "Home Screen"
```

## Detox

### Prerequisites

- Detox CLI: `npm install -g detox-cli`
- `.detoxrc.js` configuration in project
- App built: `detox build --configuration ios.sim.debug`

### Run Tests

```bash
# All tests
detox test --configuration ios.sim.debug

# Specific test
detox test --configuration android.emu.debug e2e/login.test.js

# Fast iteration (reuse existing install)
detox test --configuration ios.sim.debug --reuse --cleanup false
```

## Appium

Requires Appium server running (`appium`).

```python
# Start session
session = appium_start_session(platform="android", app_path="/path/to/app.apk")

# Find and interact
email = appium_find_element(session_id=sid, strategy="accessibility_id", value="email-input")
appium_input_text(session_id=sid, element_id=eid, text="user@example.com")
appium_tap(session_id=sid, element_id=submit_id)
```

## Best Practices

1. **Use testIDs for stability** -- text may change, testIDs persist
2. **Keep flows focused** -- one scenario per file (login.yaml, checkout.yaml)
3. **Organize test files** by feature: `flows/auth/`, `flows/checkout/`, `flows/navigation/`
4. **Test critical paths first** -- login, core flows, navigation, then edge cases
5. **Use descriptive assertions** -- `assertVisible: "Welcome, John!"` not `assertVisible: "Text 1"`

## File Organization

```
flows/
  auth/
    login.yaml
    signup.yaml
    logout.yaml
  checkout/
    add-to-cart.yaml
    complete-order.yaml
  navigation/
    main-menu.yaml
```

## Debugging Failed Tests

1. Check test results for error details
2. Common failures:
   - **Element not found** -- verify testID, check if rendered, add timeout
   - **Timing issues** -- Maestro/Detox handle automatically; Appium may need explicit waits
   - **Wrong configuration** -- verify device running, app installed

## Anti-Patterns

| Avoid | Why | Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Text-based selectors | Text changes break tests | Use testID props |
| Multiple concerns per flow | Hard to debug, slow | One scenario per file |
| Skipping critical paths | Login bugs block everything | Test login first |
| Hardcoded waits | Flaky, slow | Use framework sync (Maestro/Detox) |

## Prerequisites Checklist

**Maestro**: CLI installed, emulator/simulator running, app installed
**Detox**: CLI installed, `.detoxrc.js` exists, app built for testing
**Appium**: Server installed and running, drivers installed, .apk/.app available

## References

- Source: claude-skills/rn-testing (MIT License)
- [Maestro Documentation](https://maestro.dev/)
- [Detox Documentation](https://wix.github.io/Detox/)
- [Appium Documentation](https://appium.io/)

<!-- Source: .faos/custom/skills/testing/rn-testing/SKILL.md -->