Walled Garden Automation
- The Context: WeChat is an OS within an OS
- The Problem: No external access to Mini Program DOM
- The Fix: Vendor SDKs + Appium Custom Drivers
- Strategy: Hybrid Context Switching
The Super App Ecosystem
WeChat isn't just an app; it's an OS within an OS. Mini Programs run inside it, meaning standard Appium inspectors often fail to see the internal DOM of the mini-program.
The SDK Approach
To automate these, we had to leverage specific Mini Program Automation SDKs provided by Tencent or specialized Appium drivers (like `appium-miniprogram-driver`).
Challenges & Solutions
- Context Switching: Moving from Native (WeChat UI) to Webview (Mini Program) is complex.
- Performance: Mini programs must load instantly; performance testing was critical.
- Updates: WeChat updates frequently, often breaking automation hooks.
Takeaway: In mobile automation, you are often at the mercy of the platform. Being adaptable and willing to dig into vendor SDKs is a required skill.
