Latest News

June 28, 2009
FAQ created
Check it out for frequently asked questions including some information about the upcoming 2.0 release!

June 5, 2009
VNCRobot v1.3.16 released
This release delivers fixes a few bugs, especially the broken Preferences dialog functionality, problems with text typing on systems running under VMware and too fast replay of mouse drags and moves. See the 1.3.16 bug list for details.

Get the new build at the Downloads page.

March 9, 2009
Version 2.0 Update
I am pleased to announce that development of the 2.0 version is already approaching Beta version. The new product delivers support of Java test scripts, ability to plug in other desktop protocols (clients), seamless support of serverless test suites execution on the local desktop using Java internals, improved integration and customization capabilities through a new modular architecture with plugin mechanism.

As the new version based mainly on the feedback from the community, I'd like to thank everyone who submitted a bug report or suggested a feature. You are the real force driving this project and you help to shape the tool to meet your needs.

Stay tuned for further announcements!

Welcome to the VNCRobot site!

What is VNCRobot?
VNCRobot is an automated testing tool based on a proprietary VNC client. It can control remote computers running a VNC server via the RFB protocol. VNCRobot provides its own proprietary scripting language and a set of useful features allowing to program, verify and reproduce behavior of the remote computer and provide a comprehensive report, which makes it a powerful tool for automated testing of any software. For real usage examples see the How To Use VNCRobot document. There's also a VNCRobot 1.2 demo which demonstrates basic functionality on an example of a simple automated test case.

How does it work?
VNC is a remote control software which allows you to view and interact with one computer (the "server") using a simple program (the "viewer") on another computer anywhere on the Internet. In simple words you can see the server's desktop (also called "frame buffer") in your viewer and you can operate the server as if you were working on a local machine. The viewer actually sends all your mouse pointer moves, clicks and drags and keys typed on your keyboard to the server which sends back updates of the remote desktop. For more information on RFB protocol and VNC technology read the documentation on Tight VNC and Real VNC sites.

VNCRobot is a proprietary implementation of VNC viewer enhanced with additional functionality. Apart from standard viewer functions it provides a scripting language which can simulate any user action and send the appropriate messages to the server. For example, if you want to type a text on your server, you may type it in a standard way in the viewer or use a VNCRobot script command to type the text for you. There are commands for mouse moves, clicks and drags too. You may also take screenshots of your desktop, check for desktop updates, perform image comparisons to verify result of your actions and many more. These features allow you to write a script consisting of such commands and execute it repeatedly to reproduce a task, for example testing of a software product.

What do I need to run VNCRobot?
Download VNCRobot from the Downloads page. As the tool is written in Java, you will have to download and install Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.5. You will also need to install and set up a VNC server. All three software components are free and support virtually all significant operating systems and platforms. Read the VNCRobot Install Notes available in the Documentation section for more information.