Appium

Appium is a comprehensive piece of software that allows you to perform complex tests on native, mobile or hybrid applications.

In a few words, this automation framework allows you to test apps without the need of an SDK or without having to recompile the app after each testing session.

Basically, you can run tests using your favorite developer tools using any programming language that is compatible with the WebDrive JSON protocol, for example, Java, JavaScript, Node.js, PHP, Ruby, Python, C, Clojure and Perl.

In order to get started with Appium, you are required to undergo a streamlined and surprise-free installation process that might take a couple of minutes to complete, depending on your computer's resources.

Right off the bat, you should know that this is a somewhat versatile framework as it can run on iOS and FirefoxOS simulators, Android emulators and even iOS and Android-based devices.

Once started, the utility greets you with its compact main window. Since its mainly a testing framework, it should come as no surprise that the interface is quite barren.

You get two toolbars and, evidently, an output log panel right in between them. Via designated buttons, you can easily erase everything from the output panel or access the app's three configuration sections, appropriately named Android Settings, General Settings and Developer Settings.

From the upper right corner, you can start the local testing server with just a mouse click.

Taking everything into careful consideration, Appium is a useful piece of software that, thanks to its incredible versatility, has the potential to automate certain tasks on any mobile or hybrid application, regardless of the programming language was used or what frameworks are involved.