How To Avoid Session Cleanup Between Sessions While Using Appium + Webdriver.io ?

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Introduction

When using Appium and Webdriver.io for mobile application testing, one common issue that developers face is session cleanup between sessions. This issue can be particularly problematic when testing web applications that require login credentials, as the session data can persist even after the application is closed. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind session cleanup and provide a step-by-step guide on how to avoid it while using Appium and Webdriver.io.

Understanding Session Cleanup

Session cleanup occurs when the session data is not properly cleared after the application is closed. This can happen due to various reasons, including:

  • Insufficient session management: If the application does not properly manage its session data, it can lead to session cleanup issues.
  • Browser cache: The browser cache can store session data, which can persist even after the application is closed.
  • Appium and Webdriver.io configuration: The configuration of Appium and Webdriver.io can also contribute to session cleanup issues.

Reasons for Session Cleanup in Chrome

When testing web applications on Chrome using Appium and Webdriver.io, session cleanup can occur due to the following reasons:

  • Chrome's session management: Chrome has its own session management system, which can lead to session cleanup issues if not properly configured.
  • Webdriver.io's session management: Webdriver.io also has its own session management system, which can interact with Chrome's session management system and lead to session cleanup issues.
  • Appium's session management: Appium also has its own session management system, which can interact with Webdriver.io's session management system and lead to session cleanup issues.

How to Avoid Session Cleanup

To avoid session cleanup between sessions while using Appium and Webdriver.io, follow these steps:

1. Clear Browser Cache

Clearing the browser cache can help prevent session cleanup issues. You can clear the browser cache using the following code:

browser.clearLocalCache();

2. Use the --incognito Flag

Using the --incognito flag can help prevent session cleanup issues. You can use the --incognito flag by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--incognito']
    }
}

3. Use the --disable-session-cache Flag

Using the --disable-session-cache flag can help prevent session cleanup issues. You can use the --disable-session-cache flag by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--disable-session-cache']
    }
}

4. Use the --delete-all-cookies Command

Using the --delete-all-cookies command can help prevent session cleanup issues. You can use the --delete-all-cookies command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

browser.deleteAllCookies();

5. Use the --clear-local-storage Command

Using the --clear-local-storage command can help prevent session cleanup issues. You can use the --clear-local-storage command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

browser.clearLocalStorage();

6. Use the --clear-session-storage Command

Using the --clear-session-storage command can help prevent session cleanup issues. You can use the --clear-session-storage command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

browser.clearSessionStorage();

7. Use the --disable-blink-features Command

Using the --disable-blink-features command can help prevent session cleanup issues. You can use the --disable-blink-features command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--disable-blink-features']
    }
}

8. Use the --disable-blink-features=Automation Command

Using the --disable-blink-features=Automation command can help prevent session cleanup issues. You can use the --disable-blink-features=Automation command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--disable-blink-features=Automation']
    }
}

9. Use the --disable-blink-features=Browser Command

Using the --disable-blink-features=Browser command can help prevent session cleanup issues. You can use the --disable-blink-features=Browser command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--disable-blink-features=Browser']
    }
}

10. Use the --disable-blink-features=Extensions Command

Using the --disable-blink-features=Extensions command can help prevent session cleanup issues. You can use the --disable-blink-features=Extensions command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--disable-blink-features=Extensions']
    }
}

Conclusion

Session cleanup between sessions can be a frustrating issue when testing web applications using Appium and Webdriver.io. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can avoid session cleanup issues and ensure that your tests run smoothly. Remember to clear the browser cache, use the --incognito flag, and use the --disable-session-cache flag to prevent session cleanup issues. Additionally, use the --delete-all-cookies command, --clear-local-storage command, --clear-session-storage command, --disable-blink-features command, --disable-blink-features=Automation command, --disable-blink-features=Browser command, and --disable-blink-features=Extensions command to further prevent session cleanup issues. By following these steps, you can ensure that your tests run smoothly and efficiently.

Q: What is session cleanup, and why is it a problem?

A: Session cleanup occurs when the session data is not properly cleared after the application is closed. This can lead to issues such as login credentials being retained, cookies being stored, and other session-related data being persisted. This can be a problem because it can cause tests to fail or behave unexpectedly.

Q: Why does session cleanup occur in Chrome?

A: Session cleanup can occur in Chrome due to various reasons, including Chrome's session management system, Webdriver.io's session management system, and Appium's session management system interacting with each other. Additionally, Chrome's browser cache can also contribute to session cleanup issues.

Q: How can I clear the browser cache to prevent session cleanup?

A: You can clear the browser cache using the following code:

browser.clearLocalCache();

Q: What is the --incognito flag, and how can I use it to prevent session cleanup?

A: The --incognito flag is a command-line flag that tells Chrome to start in incognito mode, which means that no session data will be stored. You can use the --incognito flag by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--incognito']
    }
}

Q: What is the --disable-session-cache flag, and how can I use it to prevent session cleanup?

A: The --disable-session-cache flag is a command-line flag that tells Chrome to disable session caching. You can use the --disable-session-cache flag by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--disable-session-cache']
    }
}

Q: How can I use the --delete-all-cookies command to prevent session cleanup?

A: You can use the --delete-all-cookies command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

browser.deleteAllCookies();

Q: How can I use the --clear-local-storage command to prevent session cleanup?

A: You can use the --clear-local-storage command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

browser.clearLocalStorage();

Q: How can I use the --clear-session-storage command to prevent session cleanup?

A: You can use the --clear-session-storage command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

browser.clearSessionStorage();

Q: What is the --disable-blink-features command, and how can I use it to prevent session cleanup?

A: The --disable-blink-features command is a command-line flag that tells Chrome to disable certain features. You can use the --disable-blink-features command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--disable-blink-features']
    }
}

Q: How can I use the --disable-blink-features=Automation command to prevent session cleanup?

A: You can use the --disable-blink-features=Automation command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--disable-blink-features=Automation']
    }
}

Q: How can I use the --disable-blink-features=Browser command to prevent session cleanup?

A: You can use the --disable-blink-features=Browser command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--disable-blink-features=Browser']
    }
}

Q: How can I use the --disable-blink-features=Extensions command to prevent session cleanup?

A: You can use the --disable-blink-features=Extensions command by adding the following code to your Webdriver.io configuration:

capabilities: {
    browserName: 'chrome',
    chromeOptions: {
        args: ['--disable-blink-features=Extensions']
    }
}

Q: What are some best practices for preventing session cleanup between sessions while using Appium + Webdriver.io?

A: Some best practices for preventing session cleanup between sessions while using Appium + Webdriver.io include:

  • Clearing the browser cache
  • Using the --incognito flag
  • Using the --disable-session-cache flag
  • Using the --delete-all-cookies command
  • Using the --clear-local-storage command
  • Using the --clear-session-storage command
  • Using the --disable-blink-features command
  • Using the --disable-blink-features=Automation command
  • Using the --disable-blink-features=Browser command
  • Using the --disable-blink-features=Extensions command

By following these best practices, you can help prevent session cleanup issues and ensure that your tests run smoothly and efficiently.