FAQ: Why am I getting a NullReferencecException when calling a method on a UITestControl?

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Most probably, this is because you have not initialized Playback.

 

In this post, Gautam has described how to use UI Testing methods without creating a Coded UI Test. It is important to note that,  If Playback.Initialize() is not called before invoking any UI Testing method, an exception will be thrown.

e.g:-

  • If you attempt to call UITestControl.Find() method (without calling Playback.Initialize), you will get a NullReferenceException. Note that there is an implicit Find() call whenever we act on a UI Test Control (unless it has previously been found and is available in the cache).
  • If you attempt to call BrowserWindow.Launch() method (without calling Playback.Initialize), you will get a TechnologyNotSupportedException

 

In a Coded UI Test, Playback.Initialize() and Playback.Cleanup() are called implicitly.