Analyzing coded UI tests using coded UI test logs

Applies to: Visual Studio Visual Studio for Mac

Coded UI test logs filter and record important information about your coded UI test runs. The logs are presented in a format that allows for debugging issues quickly.

Step 1: Enable logging

Depending on your scenario, use one of the following methods to enable the log:

• If there's no App.config file present in your test project:

  1. Determine which QTAgent*.exe process is launched when you run your test. One way to do this is to watch the Details tab in Windows Task Manager.

  2. Open the corresponding .config file from the %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft Visual Studio\<version>\<edition>\Common7\IDE folder. For example, if the process that runs is QTAgent_40.exe, open QTAgent_40.exe.config.

  3. Modify the value of EqtTraceLevel to the log level you want.

     <!-- You must use integral values for "value".
          Use 0 for off, 1 for error, 2 for warn, 3 for info, and 4 for verbose. -->
     <add name="EqtTraceLevel" value="4" />
     

  4. Save the file.

• If there's an App.config file present in your test project:

  • Open the App.config file in the project, and add the following code under the configuration node:

    <system.diagnostics>
      <switches>
        <add name="EqtTraceLevel" value="4" />
      </switches>
    </system.diagnostics>`
    

• Enable logging from the test code itself:

  Microsoft.VisualStudio.TestTools.UITesting.PlaybackSettings.LoggerOverrideState = HtmlLoggerState.AllActionSnapshot;
  

Step 2: Run your coded UI test and view the log

When you run a coded UI test with the modifications to the QTAgent*.exe.config file in place, you see an output link in the Test Explorer results. Log files are produced not only when your test fails but also for successful tests when the trace level is set to verbose.

1. On the Test menu, choose Windows and then select Test Explorer.

2. On the Build menu, choose Build Solution.

3. In Test Explorer, select the coded UI test you want to run, open its shortcut menu, and then choose Run Select Tests.

   The automated tests run and indicate if they passed or failed.

   Tip

   To view Test Explorer, choose Test > Windows, and then choose Test Explorer.

4. Choose the Output link in the Test Explorer results.

   

   This displays the output for the test, which includes a link to the action log.

   

5. Choose the UITestActionLog.html link.

   The log is displayed in your web browser.

   

See also

• Use UI automation to test your code
• How to: Run tests from Microsoft Visual Studio