In today’s modern tech-savvy world, we all rely on apps. Whether, it’s an alarm, a workout routine, fitness, a call, or anything else. But what if these apps suddenly stop working and don’t respond as we expect? That, of course, is a turn-off! Mobile app testing is an essential component of any software development process. And ignoring or underestimating this stage can lead to two outcomes. First, you will lose potential customers; second, your brand reputation will suffer. Let’s dive deeper to understand how mobile application testing affects your business and users.
An Overview of Mobile App Testing
Mobile app testing is a process for checking mobile apps on any OS to check functionality and usability before marketing. Testing these mobile apps help you understand the flaws and verify the technical and business requirements. And you need to check its compatibility across OS versions, screen resolutions, and network bandwidth. So, it ensures the flawless functioning of the mobile app when publicly released. Additionally, many tech giants are there to offer the application by investing in the loads and high ROI. And you could also use proficient mobile testers for your application testing cycle. On a broader level, testing involves:
- The app works flawlessly across multiple versions.
- Appearance in the portrait and landscape modes.
- Validating compatibility and performance of application.
- Consistent with mobile sensors, such as GPS and gyroscope.
- Checking the app’s graphical user interface for functionality
Why is mobile app testing critical?
It is just a simple question if you lock your car door and test it, it shouldn’t get unlocked with any door key or house key! The same scenario applies to mobile apps and feature testing. Mobile app testing increases with the complexity and cost of mobile apps. In the long run, the extra work involved in quality assurance pays off. Firstly, it provides double-verification of your mobile apps. Second, it broadens your business reach across the globe.
You may have heard the first impression is the last impression it is apt for your mobile app business too. Faulty apps cause problems for users and cause them to abandon them. If the mobile app isn’t tested enough, it can cause unwanted abruptions frustrating for new users. Half of your potential customers can go away from unwanted crashes and bottlenecks. And this loss is reflected in their poor reviews, inadequate performance, app crashes, and battery drain.
Mobile app testing vs. Web app testing
Mobile applications are designed for mobile devices, whereas web apps are for web servers and browsers. The development of web and mobile apps differs. Furthermore, how users interact with these apps through gestures such as scrolling and zooming on their touchscreen sensors. Their testing methods differ from their names. Mobile app testing is testing an app across multiple mobile devices. And web app testing is concerned with validating the appearance and functionality of websites across numerous browsers.
Want to hire proficient mobile app developers to test your mobile application?
Factors to differ these two types of testing:
Here are some aspects to determine when differentiating these two types of testing.
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Screen size
Cross-browser testing in web applications refers to testing applications on multiple browsers in screen size. And for testing mobile apps on various browsers and devices. This task will consume all of your time if it is not automated. Furthermore, regression test cases run in parallel on numerous devices.
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Storage
Mobile apps often struggle with storage issues because of low RAM storage with different devices. But this is not the case for web apps because of ample available space.
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Performance speed
Maintenance is the most concerning factor the users nowadays, as users are becoming impatient. And keeping them waiting is just like losing many potential users. It is especially true for web apps as opposed to mobile apps.
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Internet access
As you know, web apps need internet access to perform seamlessly, and mobile apps may not require it
Bonus Read: Types of Mobile Application Testing Services You Need to Know
Types of mobile apps
Here are some common categories of mobile apps:
1. Mobile web app
A mobile web app is the web version of any app available in mobile browsers. They are compatible with any mobile OS or device and are also known as progressive web apps.
2. Native app
These apps serve mobile devices and their specific OS. It uses SDKs and offers a reliable, consistent, high-user experience.
3. Hybrid app
As the name suggests, hybrid apps are a mix of web and native mobile apps deployed in native containers. It involves a mixture of web technologies and native APIs. And it is profitable and developed more quickly than native apps.
Types of Testing
Every mobile and web app uses the one size does not fit all approach. As each business has its essence, testing takes different methods for different needs. Let’s take a closer look at how these testing types are classified:
1. Usability testing
It is as simple as it gets. Usability testing refers to evaluating the applications’ simplicity. And analyze how users achieve their goals by excelling in this usability. This test offers specific, realistic situations that resemble the app’s use to that of users. When usability testing is on direct input from the end user is more reliable.
2. Performance testing
Performance testing is an essential part of mobile app testing for evaluating many factors. It includes stability and responsiveness even under workload and circumstances. It also provides solutions to performance issues before launching an application. This testing addresses performance bottlenecks within the system and overall operations that impede or halt overall performance. You can hire mobile app developer for more technical guidance.
3. Security testing
Security remains the concerning aspect of every application. And it is your responsibility to determine every security guideline in applications for users. As applications need confidential information for transactions and interactions. Users need to know the security constraints and take the guarantee of confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity.
4. Compatibility testing
As the name shows, this testing verifies the compatibility of mobile apps on various OS, platforms, devices, etc. This non-functional testing involves internal hardware requirements and network settings. And checks compatibility for seamless functioning.
5. Localization testing
This testing examines some regional aspects based on geographical locations. It is critical to test mobile apps for responsiveness to the affected location’s various linguistics and cultural elements. Currency, time zone, and location regulations are some of the essential areas that localization testing validates.
6. Functional testing
Functional testing handles the core i.e., the goal and flow of any mobile app. These services under this testing ensure the mobile app’s functionalities and responsiveness. It also determines whether the application is fully functional for users to deploy successfully.
7. Unit testing
Moving on to a different type of testing. Unit testing divides the entire application into smaller units. Businesses use this type because it is simple to identify and resolve. It also takes less time to implement and test. The app’s operation will be seamless and smooth.
8. Manual testing
It navigates the complexities of app testing and ensures that the app meets the user’s expectations. Also useful in areas where the application is not in use. QA testing professionals may work in short bursts to examine an application that could provide results.
9. Automation testing
Mobile app testing for quality is exhausting for its complexities and time consumption. Automation testing tools are for your rescue for quick conducted tests. It offers to guarantee quality and better products quickly.
Test cases for different scenarios
So, we’ve arrived at the crucial stage of app testing: creating test cases. Test case refers to a series of test steps and data for validating application conditions. And test scenarios are the conditions to include in the test cases. These test cases changes with the different approaches. Test cases involve variables evaluating expected and actual outcomes. Software engineers run these test cases for iOS and Android with the testing tools available for these OS.
Run these tests on real devices and different kinds of apps. So, that is to get an expected result on future performance on the user’s end. Some other mobile testing areas should ensure that apps work in sync with all functionalities and features in any mobile device.
Levels of Mobile App Testing
We have come very far, and here are some testing levels to accomplish. Testing is not a term; instead, it improves the quality of any application. And to achieve perfection, every stage in software development should undergo testing.
Let’s see which testing is implied on which level.
Want to hire proficient mobile app developers to test your mobile application?
1. Design the app tests
You are developing mobile apps for your users, and you have the test these apps to verify user experience. It should cover minor to massive changes like font, button size, navigation, etc. And mobile controls, settings, and these all should be enticing to users. Testers use A/B testing to compare designs and techniques for improving the customer experience.
2. Integrate third-party apps
Integration testing ensures that new code works efficiently after integration. Because many developers can be working on one project and integration testing confirms all modifications do not cause abruptions. Many mobile development teams use an integration environment to make this process more efficient.
3. Test functional and non-functional cases
So this category tests the functional and non-functional elements like user interface, UI layouts, and structure. And how the functionalities and the screen responsiveness to changed resolution.
Non-functional testing involves operational, interrupt, security, and performance testing. But it also includes app performance, battery usage, low resources, leakages, etc. So these test scenarios need to be handled carefully for utilization.
4. Analyze user acceptance
It is simple as it gets user acceptance and refers to validating the app functionalities to user expectations. Such as its usability, performance needs, and consistent UI across platforms.
Testers use beta testing on real devices to experience how end-users will use it on different OS.
Firstly, we used testing during the design and integration phases. Secondly, we can perform functional and non-function tests. Finally, perform acceptance testing for testing mobile application errors.
Strategy to use for Mobile application testing
And this strategy ensures quality assurance of your mobile applications to achieve business goals and market trends.
1. Selecting the device model
While selecting the mobile app, you can choose from gadget models, devices, or emulators. Along with these factors, connectivity and memory are accounted for while picking a model.
2. Cloud mobile testing
It may provide numerous test scenarios for applications. It is the best option for testing mobile applications. The cloud offers a web-based testing environment in which applications can be deployed, tested, and managed.
3. Emulators vs. devices
You can choose whether emulators or physical devices are better suited to your application. Emulators accelerate testing and save time during the development phases. Physical device testing leads to beta testing, which allows access to real-world devices, networks, and geographic coverage.
4. Network connectivity
Network connectivity plays an integral role as many mobile apps operate on network connectivity. Testing mobile apps in real-life network environments is critical to get a bigger picture of your app behavior.
5. Manual vs. Automated
So we have arrived at the final stage, deciding whether to go automated or manual. And this can be complicated because automated testing tests cases more smoothly and quickly than manual testing.
Comprehensive app testing process
Before beginning the testing procedure for mobile apps, you must create a checklist.
Here is a step-by-step testing process.
1. Strategy designing
Here is the first step to getting started. To begin the testing process, carefully strategize and plan. You must exercise caution during this phase because it is the foundation of the testing process. It contains prerequisites, objectives, targets, devices, types, and other information. Testing will be more efficient if the strategy is well-designed. Take the assistance of mobile application testing services for more professionalism.
2. Choose the testing type
How do you test all of the devices with a single tool? End users use various devices, and it’s your responsibility to provide a unified experience. You should select any testing based on its type and variety. Manual, automated, and emulator testing are also options. It aids in identifying potential flaws and efficiently achieving the application goal.
3. Design of test case
A test case is a series of steps that help in the execution of a specific application test. Test scripts and test cases are nearly identical. Test cases are used during manual testing, whereas test scripts are in automated testing. The design of testing scenarios, test cases, and scripts are critical for the application’s smooth testing. You can hire a mobile app developer for more technical guidance.
4. Structure of testing environment
A testing environment is a process of designing devices and platforms for testing. And the testing environment is determined by the mobile apps. Setting up the proper test environment is critical for app testing success.
Common mistakes to avoid in mobile app tests
Here are some errors you should avoid while testing any app.
- When without deciding the purpose of an application, starts testing mindlessly. It is a common struggle not to be clear about the audience and expectations. And this confusion can lead to severe consequences. You should know how this will impact your business and other goals.
- Avoid overburdening the testing. Testing demands complete focus, which aids in the discovery of bugs to be resolved. Modern-day releases will always keep you on your toes, and you must decide which is most important first.
- Using only emulators for testing has several drawbacks. First and foremost, it exhibits errors in replicating device functions and will not produce the desired results. You should test mobile apps on various devices and operating systems.
- The user interface (UI) defines the entire app, but it is not the only concern of testing. It necessitates rigorous testing while considering other features, APIs, and the backend. An interactive UI combined with a shaky backend will eventually cause the app to crash.
- You determine what you will test. Design a plan about which features are for the sprint, get the scripts and scenarios ready, and understand them. Modern apps have so many features which can be overwhelming for the testers. Take the assistance of mobile application testing services for more professionalism.
Popular mobile app testing tools
Here are some well-known testing tools for applications.
1. Appium
Appium is one of the tester’s choice tools. It is an effective tool for mobile and web apps and all hybrid applications. When using Appium for mobile automation, there are no modifications needed. Because Appium integrates seamlessly with Android and iOS. Moreover, Appium is also meant for automated functional testing to improve the overall functionality of the applications.
2. Robotium
Robotium is a testing tool designed only to handle Android apps under automated testing. It is specifically for black-box testing Android applications. Also, JavaScript is used to prepare test scripts and add extra requirements for smooth performance. It is for Android SDK, Eclipse for the test project, Android development Kit, and JDK. You can take assistance from a mobile app testing service for more guidance.
3. Xamarin.UI test
It is an excellent testing tool. And checks the feasibility of testing UI acceptance in iOS and Android applications. It is well-suited for hybrid and native applications. And the code is written in C# and supports cross-platform testing measures and test scripts. The best thing about Xamarin is.UI Test is that it integrates well with most Visual Studio Products.
4. Test Complete
This testing tool offers you to run multiple UI tests on the application framework. Test Complete is consistent with hybrid mobile apps and supports iOS and Android apps. Furthermore, it is an automated testing tool for implementation on real mobiles and emulators. These automated test scripts are open-source tools like VBScript, JavaScript, Python, and others.
5. Test IO
TestIO helps you test mobile apps by implementing them in real-time to ensure business applications work seamlessly. And that too on cross platforms also helps to detect internal bugs. Moreover, TestIO has flexible testing measures that involve diverse client requirements and produce quick results. With Test IO, you can seek the removal of the QA Bottleneck on-demand to cope with your app expectations.
6. Espresso
Espresso is a mobile application testing tool designed with Google and Android Studio. It is ideal for every native application but can only create Android UI Tests to support functionality enhancements. Espresso use Java and Kotlin to develop tests and API that is easily modified. And UI tests are implemented on emulators and real devices. Furthermore, an embedded test recorder allows tests instead of codes.
7. XCUI test
Coming to another testing tool which is just for iOS testing. It also allows the creation of test cases for iOS and runs with Xcode IDE. XCUI is suitable testing for iOS apps because it rectifies the errors within. Additionally, the framework pairs up with a recorder to record tests, not the codes. The text execution process is also fast and feasible for all apple devices.
8. Ranorex Studio
Ranorex Studio is quite well-known among tech giants. And many companies prefer to use this well-suited tool for app testing. Especially if you are a newbie and have little knowledge of codes, then this is for you. Automation testing experts use the IDE for testing assistance. It is suitable for testing Android and iOS, web, and native apps. And integrates seamlessly with tools such as TestRail, Jenkin, Travis CI, Jira, and others.
9. Monkey Talk
Monkey Talk is made of three parts: scripts, agents, and an IDE. The IDE generates scripts for testing by recording features. And the agent has the app’s test links. The script then includes the Java execution engines and the syntax and keywords. This tool is sufficient for testing hybrid apps and web-based apps at your leisure. You can take assistance from a mobile app testing service for more guidance.
10. Kobiton
Kobiton is a cloud platform that enables real devices or emulators to run automated or manual tests on any application, regardless of the operating system. It is compatible with native, Android, and iOS apps. It employs the Appium framework and receives regular updates to improve its testing efficiency. This tool also allows for script modifications for better testing practices.
Advantages of mobile app testing
Here are some advantages of testing the applications.
1. Improved UI/UX
Mobile app testing offers analysts to test apps from every perspective. And to evaluate the app experience in every situation. Then they examine the cause of the application and test case and check it is comprehensive. But for an exceptional user experience, you should test the UI/UX throughout the development cycle.
2. Exceptional Performance
The goal of QAs is to ensure that an app works perfectly. They determine whether an application performs adequately under specific performance criteria such as changing load conditions, switching networks, etc. And for improved performance and results, the QA team ensures that quality standards are maintained and met. Take assistance from a mobile application development company for more guidance.
3. Customer Satisfaction
It all comes down to the users in the end. People who like an app will keep using it and even recommend it to their friends. It will help your company establish a solid market reputation and reach a larger audience. So, test frequently and thoroughly to increase brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. Brand-loyal customers and a higher degree of customer satisfaction.
4. Reduction of Testing Time
Mobile application developers devote nearly equal amounts of time to developing an application source code, improving the UX and UI elements, and testing. However, use app testing tools to test the application at different stages. It allows them to devote more time to improving the application’s user experience.
5. Perform Quality Assurance
A quality assurance test is required for your application if you want to reach a large portion of the potential audience base. Two distinct elements are in the quality assurance test. The source code element is one, and the user element is another. The benefits of mobile application testing include the ability to perform a stringent quality assurance test.
An easy-to-use mobile app testing tool will allow you to quickly test the app in different scenarios, allowing you to focus on conducting focus group interviews for the user element test.
6. Ease of Testing
Last but not least, it eases automation testing. Automated testing is one of the most popular and efficient methods of testing an application. It helps you to test your mobile application in various environments. Regression, exploratory, and automated testing are the most popular methods. Appium is one such tool that is used widely for mobile application testing.
Mobibiz has a track record of providing manual testing and a unique combination of testing tools, processes, and technology expertise. It also ensures a flawless product in a short period. We assume complete responsibility for all testing activities. From developing a comprehensive test plan to providing post-production assistance.
Conclusion:
Testing is sometimes the most underestimated stage of software development. But if mindfully taken care will reap many benefits. And the above-discussed pointers will help you n many ways. For more consideration, consult the Mobile app development company for your projects.
FAQs
1. How many different kinds of mobile application tests are there?
Load testing, volume testing, soak testing, spike testing, and stress testing are some performance test types.
2. What is the most effective method for testing mobile applications?
Appium is an open-source mobile test automation framework that is used.
3. What is the distinction between mobile testing and mobile app testing?
Device testing generally involves checking the mobile device itself, whereas mobile application testing involves testing an application that will run on the selected device.
