start_app
Launch a mobile app on Android or iOS by providing the platform and app ID. Optionally target a specific device.
Instructions
Purpose: Launch a mobile app on Android or iOS.
Inputs:
platform
appId
deviceId (optional)
Output Structure:
action_id, timestamp (ISO 8601), action_type
lifecycle_state: post-dispatch lifecycle state (pending_verification or failed)
source_module: runtime source of the action envelope
target.selector = { appId }
success = true when launch was dispatched successfully
failure_code/retryable when launch dispatch fails
ui_fingerprint_before/ui_fingerprint_after when available
Recommended Usage:
Define the expected landing screen when it is known
Call start_app
If needed, wait for transition using wait_for_*
Verify with expect_screen
If verification fails, retry once or capture a snapshot
Verification Guidance:
Follow RESOLVE → ACT → WAIT (if needed) → EXPECT
expect_screen is the authoritative verification step when the landing screen is known
Do not treat timing or screen change alone as final verification
Failure Handling:
TIMEOUT → retry once
UNKNOWN → inspect snapshot/logs before retrying
Input Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| appId | Yes | Android package name or iOS bundle id | |
| deviceId | No | Device UDID (iOS) or Serial (Android). Defaults to booted/connected. | |
| platform | Yes |