I would like to be able to use a tool like WatiN to automate somethings that needs to interact with a Web App that is access by using an instance of IE running on Citrix. So far it seems impossible to interact with the window at even a rudimentary level using SendKeys as the internal UI components seemingly do not have a handle.
Has anyone been able to do this or anything similar?
Citrix has a test/monitoring tool that supports automating Citrix apps. I believe it is called Edge Sight. Another option is Tevron CitraTest.
However, if it is a web app that you are trying to automate, why don't you just automate IE directly on your own workstation. There are numerous automation tools, both free and fee, that support automating IE.
I haven't heard about Citra Test only about EdgeSite. Anyway it's troublesome to deal with closed Citrix environment.
First of all no automation software or scripting environment can easily interact with objects of Citrix applications. There are simply no hooks available. IE accessed via Citrix is more like Image than application.
You can get some interactions when listening on low level of communication, but that is almost like reverse-engineer citrix propetiary technology and injecting your data.
You could try with software that recognizes images and operates on screen coordinates, but that sucks. It is prone to many, many errors. Additionally don't even dare to use it with Citrix and dual/multiple screen setup. That's just mess.
Installation of automation software on server and have it accessed via Citrix as your IE would be best solution (except having tested app accessed normally via your workstation IE).
Unfortunately in most cases App accessed only via Citrix means no testing automation :/