System.Windows.Automation is a crucial part of the Windows Automation API, which allows developers to create automated tests for user interfaces (UI). This API is particularly useful for ensuring that applications are accessible and function correctly across different environments. By using System.Windows.Automation, you can automate repetitive tasks, improve testing efficiency, and ensure consistent application behavior.

In this article, we will explore how to use System.Windows.Automation to automate UI testing on Windows. We will provide practical examples, including sample code and commands, to illustrate how you can leverage this powerful tool in your development and testing processes.

Examples:

1. Setting Up the Environment:
Before you start using System.Windows.Automation, you need to set up your development environment. Ensure you have Visual Studio installed and create a new C# project.

2. Basic Automation Script:
Here’s a simple example of how to use System.Windows.Automation to find a button in a Windows application and click it.

   using System;

   using System.Windows.Automation;



   class Program

   {

       static void Main(string[] args)

       {

           // Find the target application window

           AutomationElement targetApp = AutomationElement.RootElement.FindFirst(TreeScope.Children,

               new PropertyCondition(AutomationElement.NameProperty, "Target Application"));



           if (targetApp != null)

           {

               // Find the button within the application

               AutomationElement button = targetApp.FindFirst(TreeScope.Descendants,

                   new PropertyCondition(AutomationElement.AutomationIdProperty, "ButtonID"));



               if (button != null)

               {

                   // Click the button

                   InvokePattern invokePattern = button.GetCurrentPattern(InvokePattern.Pattern) as InvokePattern;

                   invokePattern.Invoke();

                   Console.WriteLine("Button clicked!");

               }

               else

               {

                   Console.WriteLine("Button not found.");

               }

           }

           else

           {

               Console.WriteLine("Target application not found.");

           }

       }

   }

3. Running the Script via CMD:
You can compile and run your C# script from the Command Prompt. First, navigate to your project directory and compile the script using the following command:

   csc Program.cs

Then, run the compiled executable:

   Program.exe

4. Advanced Automation:
For more complex automation tasks, you can use additional patterns like ValuePattern, SelectionPattern, and ScrollPattern. Here’s an example of setting a text box value:

   AutomationElement textBox = targetApp.FindFirst(TreeScope.Descendants,

       new PropertyCondition(AutomationElement.AutomationIdProperty, "TextBoxID"));



   if (textBox != null)

   {

       ValuePattern valuePattern = textBox.GetCurrentPattern(ValuePattern.Pattern) as ValuePattern;

       valuePattern.SetValue("New Text");

       Console.WriteLine("Text box value set!");

   }