Mobile App Testing Methods & Benefits – A Complete Guide

Updated 05 Jan 2024
Published 31 Jan 2022
Satyam Chaturvedi 2431 Views
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These days, it seems as if every firm has at least one mobile application either set live in the market or in the process of development.

The development of a mobile app entails much more than merely coming up with an innovative concept, writing the code, and marketing it to the target users.

An app, like many other goods, must be thoroughly tested before it can be released. In spite of the fact that mobile app testing is an essential step, many businesses overlook it.

Millions of apps are flooding the market as demand for mobile devices continues to rise. How do you make a name for yourself and leave a lasting impression?

Due to the strong demand and competition, your product or service must be unique, intriguing, and bug-free. As a result, there is a rising need for mobile app testing.

QA should be incorporated into every stage of mobile app development, from writing the content to assessing the project’s requirements, creating test specs, and deploying the final products.

We’ve put up a comprehensive guide to testing mobile apps. You’ll learn a lot about app testing after reading that article, including the many sorts of testing, the most recent tactics, the advantages of app testing, and more.

What is Mobile App Testing?

Mobile application testing is a method that identifies design flaws, performance barriers, and functional issues in a specific application.

With mobile app testing, you can ensure that your application is usable, functional, and consistent at all times. It’s true that testing isn’t simple, but it’s the most important element of app development, so it must be done in a failsafe manner.

mobile app testing

An Overview of the Mobile Apps Market

Smartphones have unquestionably become a necessary component of almost everyone’s daily routine. Facts back up the same statement. In recent years, the adoption of mobile applications by individuals and businesses alike has increased significantly.

It is essential for most organizations to have a mobile app or a website that demonstrates how efficient the firm is and what it has to offer.

Furthermore, a slew of new enterprises has sprung up around mobile apps. However, as the demand for mobile apps grows, we’ll need more effective testing methods. Intriguingly, there are firms prepared to contribute to the expansion of apps by investing substantial money and reaping more profits. 

More than 79% of organizations are putting money into mobile app testing, and this number is only going to rise in the future, according to various mobile statistics. As a result, mobile application developers will be in high demand to help streamline the whole company’s operations.

What is the Importance of Mobile Testing?

Smartphone usage continues to grow at a faster rate than desktop/laptop usage, a trend that has been continuing for years. A positive user experience on mobile applications has become increasingly important as the number of people using them grows.

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Without testing the mobile app, you won’t know how effectively your application serves a huge and rising segment of your customers. This might lead to terrible one-star app ratings and harsh criticism on social media if you don’t get it right.

App testing guarantees that the mobile application is robust regardless of the type of app or platform being developed by any organization.

Kinds of Mobile Apps You Have to Test

Native Applications

These applications are designed particularly for the Android or iOS mobile platforms and are normally installed and run via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Cross-platform native applications built using frameworks such as Flutter are also included in this category.

Hybrid Applications

It seems to be a native app on our devices, but it’s actually a web app created using web technologies. For these applications, the browser engine on the device is used to transmit and process HTML and JS.

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Responsive Web Applications

These applications are designed to be accessed using a mobile browser. There are two types of web apps: Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) and Responsive Site Versions (RSVs).

The Different Types of Mobile Application Testing

In order to provide the highest quality solutions possible, it is important to test your app using a variety of app testing techniques.

In order to ensure that your app works as intended after launch, you should test it for expected functionality, reliability, and usefulness. Now, let’s take a look at some of the different forms of testing and the issues they cover.

Manual Testing

Manual testing refers to testing software without the use of automated technologies. The primary goal of manual testing is to find and fix any problems or bugs that may have crept into the final product. It is common for developers to use this strategy for the early testing of certain features in the product development process.

For example, many features of an e-commerce website, such as rapid picture loading, a seamless checkout procedure, and social networking links, need to be tested before the site goes live.

Manual Tests: Their Different Types

White Box Testing

Prior to handing it over to QA, the developer conducts this sort of testing. White box testing gets its name from the fact that developers can view the code as it is being tested.

Black Box Testing

This sort of testing is done by a test engineer to ensure that the software or app is meeting the demands of the client. Black-box testing refers to the fact that this code is hidden from view during testing, which is why it’s called that.

Gray Box Testing

“Gray box testing” refers to the mixture of white-box and black-box testing. It is possible to execute this sort of testing by someone who is proficient in both coding and testing at the same time.

Automated Testing

Testers automate the testing process from the perspective of the application’s end-user to assess the app’s functionality, accessibility, and efficiency once it has been fully developed.

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Automated testing tools are used in a software testing approach that aids in the execution of a test case suite in order to uncover system flaws.

Performance Testing

It is a performance testing method for non-functional app testing, which measures the reaction time, speed, dependability, and scalability of an app under a given workload. Performance testing’s primary goal is to find and fix any performance issues with a software application. It measures:

  • Time to respond to a variety of queries.
  • At higher loads, the working caliber.
  • When several people are using the app at the same time, how does it behave?
  • Long-term usability with a somewhat high workload.

Performance Testing Techniques

Stress Testing

It involves putting an app through its paces in order to see how well it copes with high volumes of traffic and data processing. Ultimately, the goal is to expose a vulnerability in the software.

Spike Testing

It checks the software’s ability to handle a sudden increase in traffic.

Scalability Testing

It assesses the app’s ability to scale as the number of users grows.

Endurance Testing

It assures that the app can manage the anticipated traffic for an extended length of time, which is important.

Volume Testing

When a large amount of data is entered into a database it keeps track of how the app responds.

Performance Testing

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It determines whether or not the program can handle the predicted number of users. Before the app goes live, performance bottlenecks need to be cleared off.

Functional Testing

When it comes to functional testing, this includes everything from the app’s upgrades, to its signup and log-in process to its error messages. In functional testing, risks are reduced, expectations are met, customers are satisfied, and quality is ensured.

Functional Testing Types

Unit testing

Individual app modules or components can be tested using scripts written by programmers to see if they satisfy the user’s expectations. Method coverage, program path coverage, and screen coverage are all considered in these test cases.

Smoke Testing

This test guarantees that the software’s stability and dependability are both intact and unaffected by the testing process. To ensure that the release is ready for use, QAs do smoke testing.

Regression Testing

Codebase modifications don’t affect existing functions, thus there’s no risk of instability. To make sure the application is still appropriate, it re-runs checks that were previously successful. There is no risk of re-creating existing bugs. The repetitive nature of regression testing makes them ideal for automation.

Sanity Testing

A post-smoke test is used to ensure that all of the main application’s features are operating properly, both separately and in conjunction with one another.

Usability/Beta Testing

These tests are conducted by customers in an industrial setting. It measures how easy it is for a user to utilize the application. This test contributes to the enhancement of the code. It measures:

  • The ability of the app to respond quickly.
  • Work in a multi-tasking mode at all times.
  • Navigational logical reasoning.
  • Layout.
  • Resuming and ending in the same condition
  • Button and icon design and size.
  • Text brevity.

Integration Testing

It guarantees that each module performs as intended when performed in conjunction with the others in the system.

Interruption Testing

When another app interrupts an app, it runs a performance check to see how well it’s doing. Take the example of watching a YouTube video on your phone.

An incoming call appears out of nowhere on your mobile phone. You’ve probably noticed that when you watch videos, they’ll automatically pause.

Simply said, it’s an easy test to make sure that consumers can accept their phone calls while still being able to continue watching the video app at the same time.

Security Testing

Preventing harmful attacks on an app may be achieved through this form of testing. The goal of security testing is to identify any and all software system flaws that might lead to revenue or data loss. It verifies:

Mobile app Security

  • Cookies.
  • Anti-attack measures.
  • Caching of files.
  • Passwords and logins.
  • Encryption technology.

Security Testing Types

Risk Assessment

In this form of testing, the organization’s security threats are analyzed. There are three levels of risk: high, moderate, and low.

Ethical Hacking

Its primary goal is to expose the system’s security vulnerabilities.

Penetration Testing

If you want to know if your computer or network is vulnerable to hacking, you may use this testing method.

Security Scanning

It involves identifying system and network flaws and providing recommendations for mitigating such dangers.

Security Testing Types

Vulnerability Scanning

A system is scanned by an automated tool for known vulnerabilities.

Auditing for security

It entails checking the operating system and its programs from the core for security issues. It’s done by going through the code one line at a time.

Posture Assessment

It combines cyberattacks, vulnerability scanning, and risk analysis to demonstrate an organization’s full security posture.

Outdated OS Testing

App users don’t typically upgrade their handsets’ operating systems. This is a frequent thing when an update surpasses 100 MB in size. The developers need to provide a solution that works perfectly on earlier operating systems, even if they are no longer supported.

Testing an app on an earlier version is called backward compatibility testing. That way, even if an app requires a newer OS version, consumers may still be able to use it.

Installation Testing

To ensure that the application is installed and uninstalled appropriately, this form of testing is known as implementation testing. Additionally, this test assures that all upgrades are error-free and consistent.

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Compatibility Testing

Compatibility testing, a subset of non-functional testing, verifies that your app works across a range of devices, software platforms, services, network settings, and certain underlying hardware specs. It demonstrates:

  • The application is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and browsers.
  • A wide range of browsers may be used to run the app.
  • The application is able to handle a variety of networks and their varying characteristics.
  • The app is compatible with a wide range of devices.

Different Types of Compatibility Tests

Forward

Mobile app performance may be tested with fresh software releases.

Backward

It examines how a mobile app performs when run on an earlier version of the operating system.

Localization Testing

In order to verify that your mobile app is compatible with the cultural and linguistic needs of your target customers, this form of testing is necessary.

Depending on the region, the app’s capabilities should adapt. Every company should be able to reach a worldwide audience of millions of users. It’s best to get help from local speakers to ensure that the translation and other cultural aspects are accurate.

Operational Testing

This kind of non-functional application testing examines how the AUT responds to various events, such as the removal or insertion of a wired connection, power on/off, activation of airplane mode, etc.

Design Testing

It guarantees that the app is simple to use and has all of the features necessary to keep users interested. A good illustration of this is that content must adapt to the device’s orientation and size so that consumers do not have to scroll.

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Apple provides thorough standards for UI designs and application wireframes for adopting particular text size and button options, alerts and progress indications, applications settings, and controls.

Likewise, Google offers a range of design tools for those in charge of testing the usability and aesthetics of mobile apps.

A/B testing is a common method for improving app design quality by comparing two designs to see which gives the best user experience. It is possible to do manual or automated A/B testing on mobile apps, just like with other types of testing.

Acceptance Testing

This sort of mobile app testing ensures that an app’s functionality, effectiveness, and performance meet the expectations of its users and give a smooth user experience across numerous platforms.

Beta testing is a critical component of acceptability testing on real devices used by end-users. The free TestFlight beta testing tool is provided by the Apple Developer Program.

There is a total of up to 20,000 external users who can participate in the beta testing of this product, as well as 25 internal users who have been invited through email. Similar to the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store includes a developer interface for beta testing.

Latest Mobile App Testing Strategies & Trends

The app industry is always expanding as a result of ever-changing technologies. Approximately 70% of the 5 million mobile apps that will be available in 2022 will be uninstalled by their users because of technical difficulties. Because of this, companies have shifted their focus to making their apps more user-friendly.

Mobile app testing is becoming more innovative as a result of these new trends and tactics. Let’s take a look at a few:

Using Automated Testing in the First Place

Apps are tested to ensure that the most frequently used features are working properly. It needs both functional and non-functional testing.

Testing these test units manually would take too long; instead, you may use automation to save time and increase productivity. There are a variety of automated testing tools available, such as Espresso, Appium.

Keep in mind that different browsers, screen sizes, and operating systems necessitate conducting cross-browser testing, as well. The importance of performance testing following app monetization cannot be overstated.

Using AI and ML to Improve the Quality of Testing

With the growth of technology, mobile app testing is also becoming more and more popular. There are a variety of AI and machine learning-based app testing tools available.

DevOps in-app testing is made easier thanks to AI, which is good news for the AI industry as a whole.

Continuous input from DevOps speeds up automated testing. It makes it easier to fix errors. Feedback data may be retrieved using monitoring tools. Machine learning is used to analyze problems and provide recommendations with these techniques.

Using Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) in Testing

When using Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD), you may edit and push changes to the appropriate branch. The testing process may be made more efficient and methodical as a result of this.

Cloud-based testing of mobile apps

Cloud-based mobile app testing has several advantages. You don’t need any hardware to set up a device lab, and you may test as many devices as you like at the same time, adding or removing them as needed. A cloud platform makes it possible to do testing at any time, from any location, thanks to its virtual nature.

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Benefits of Mobile App Testing

Ensures That the App Runs Smoothly

The primary goal of the quality assurance process is to ensure that a solution works as expected. Additionally, QA experts examine to see if an application can be downloaded to a variety of devices. They test apps on real devices to ensure that the final result works as intended.

Users’ Experience is Predicted

During usability testing, experts assume the role of the end-user and evaluate the way a product feels and looks in their hands. They test an app’s navigation to see if it is simple and clear.

Moreover, the app is tested to see if it is easy for consumers to use in a variety of settings. In this approach, businesses can estimate whether the consumer would want to use the program or delete it from his mobile device.

Increases Customer Retention

If an app is easy to use and works well, customers will be more satisfied with the product. As a result, analytics may help the craft business get a wider audience as well as build a positive image.

Increased Revenue

The testing procedure may necessitate an initial expense, but it helps to eliminate the need to rectify problems and construct a product at a later stage. It provides for quick time-to-market, as well as save time and make money in the process. If you work closely with your testing team, you may anticipate better results.

Reduces Development Testing Time

It takes a lot of time and effort to conduct manual assessments. Analysts get the ability to perform a variety of tests in a short amount of time. Increased test speed and efficiency are two of the primary advantages of automating testing.

App Development Costs are Reduced

The mobile app development cost might be reduced if automated testing is properly utilized. The main reason for the reduction in the occurrence of problems after deployment is the reduction in the costs associated with thorough testing.

mobile app development cost

Your brand’s reputation might be damaged by unfavorable reviews and app uninstalls if your app has features that aren’t working properly. So, don’t forget to properly test your app from the beginning of development.

Faster Application Deployment

When combined with Agile development, automated testing speeds up app development, resulting in better end outcomes and a higher Return on Investment (ROI). Automation testing shortens the time it takes to design an app, allowing it to be deployed more quickly.

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When do we need to test the mobile application?

To achieve the best results, you should carefully test your mobile app. You must begin with the design phase and work your way through to the final product. You should carry out the following actions:

Design testing:

It guarantees that the app’s functionality is proper and that the user is engaged by making it simple to use.

Unit Testing:

Individual codes units are tested before being merged into the app’s new codebase.

Integration Testing:

This type of testing is used to see if the newly written code works correctly once it has been included in the application.

Acceptance Testing:

This process verifies that an app meets the needs of its intended audience in terms of usability, functionality, and responsiveness.

What things that matter while conducting mobile app testing?

After reading thus far, it may be obvious that testing is an essential element of mobile app development. There are a couple of things to keep in mind while developing a testing plan.

Choosing the Right Tools

You must first figure out what kind of gadget your audience prefers to use. The next step is to run tests on all of these devices. Explore numerous operating systems, screen sizes, and battery capacities as well as different forms of connections.

Testing in the Cloud

Simulators and actual devices have their flaws, and cloud-based testing tools can alleviate some of those issues. Scalability and cost-effectiveness are the trademarks of these technologies.

The ability to execute, validate, and manage solutions across many platforms and networks is one of its many benefits. has certain drawbacks, including security, internet reliance, and lack of management.

cloud based testing

Every level of the development process can benefit from the use of various methodologies and instruments for quality control. Here are a few pointers to consider:

  • Use manual tools to do usability testing.
  • Automated testing may be used for both load and regression testing.
  • In the beginning, it’s best to use a simulator.

Simulators/Emulators vs. Real Devices

There are three ways to test your application technically:

Real Devices: Set up your app on an actual device and go through the motions of doing things that are important to your project. Real-world settings are used in this case for testing, which yields accurate findings. The main downside of this method is that you’ll have to pay additional costs for the numerous testing gears.

Simulators: A simulator isn’t a copy of a gadget. While the lack of hardware cloning is a downside, it does allow for the creation of a similar environment. Unlike genuine devices, simulators allow you to make rapid modifications to your software and test it several times until you get the desired result. It’s a really cost-effective choice.

Emulators: It’s a clone of a device that accomplishes the same work and presents the same results as an original thing. It allows you to execute the software, but it does not allow you to make any changes.

Read Also:- Successful Mobile App Development Ideas for Travel Industry

How do we conduct Mobile App Testing?

The competition in Mobile app ideas is so fierce that it’s almost impossible to keep up. Prior to beginning a sprint, developers are forced to create a testing plan. There are 9 basic phases in an end-to-end testing procedure.

Let’s have a look at it:

Step 1: Making a Process Diagram

Before you begin testing, you need to make a list of all the scenarios you intend to test. Then, decide on the test you want to run and the expected outcome for the sprint by listing all of your test plans and use cases.

Step 2: Choosing a Mobile Testing Methodology

It’s time to choose between manual and automated testing after you’ve outlined your strategy. When it comes to testing, it’s important to know if it should be done manually or automated.

Automated testing may be an option if you find yourself in the following situations:

If the outcome of a test can be predicted, then test automation is the way to go. Keep a close eye on the testing procedure and actively monitor its output when a test has an anticipated result.

In most cases, if you conduct a regular test to ensure that the app’s essential functions work, you should consider automating it. You’ll save a lot of time and avoid potential problems if you automate your routine tasks, which will eventually pay off.

There are a variety of screen sizes and types available. This wide range of hardware necessitates a lot of testing to assure compatibility. Testing by hand would take a long time. Automation of the testing process is therefore preferred.

Keep in mind that automating smaller tests makes them more efficient and easier to maintain. To reduce time, automated unit testing can be used, however, human testing is preferable when the system is tested often.

Step 3: Crafting Various Functionality Test Cases

After deciding on the sort of testing required, the next step is to specify the scenarios for which tests will be written. You can choose any of the following approaches at this point:

Scenario-Based Testing:

For system assessment from a business viewpoint, use the scenario-based testing technique.

Requirement-Based Testing:

You may test the performance of certain features of the app using this method.

Aside from determining the sort of test to be performed, defining the test cases depends on the test type. All App Tests Are Subdivided into Functional and Non-Functional Testing Groups.

Step 4. Manual Testing

The preference for automated testing over manual is common among Agile testers. However, it’s generally suggested to use both human and automated testing methods.

Mobile Testing Methodology

A developer should begin testing a sprint with explanatory manual testing according to the app’s test strategy. Manual testing is the most popular choice because it requires no upfront costs. Do not forget to keep detailed records of each step of the testing process in an Excel or Word spreadsheet. 

Run manual tests in parallel with automated tests if you can get a few testers on board. This will save you time later on.

Step 5. Automated Testing

One way to automate regular or anticipated tests is to find trends in the outcomes after several manual testing sessions. Running tests automatically is the most common method used by specialists when it comes to load or stress testing.

In order to get started with automated testing, you need to choose the correct technology. The market is plenty with possibilities, but you need to keep a few things in mind while deciding which one is best for your needs.

Step 6: Usability Testing and Beta-Screening

Many people believe that beta testing may take the place of usability testing since it finds the same kinds of issues. However, doing both is highly advised.

During the design process, you should conduct a usability testing session in order to collect feedback from actual users. This kind of testing gives developers a chance to present new additions and eliminate those consumers have already accepted with open arms.

The optimal time to do beta testing is when the app is ready and you are ready to accept input. In this manner, developers can keep up with user activity, the functionalities they require in the future, and the direction their application will go.

Both usability and beta testing are worthwhile in the long run. Despite this, they are not interchangeable. Testing for usability and beta-testing for beta-testing are two different methods for determining the usefulness of an app’s features, but they are both important.

Step 7. Performance Testing

After you’ve tested the performance of each feature in your app one by one, it’s time to move on to evaluating the overall system. App performance testing is what you’ll be doing here. Adaptability, efficiency, and stability are all taken into account while evaluating the system’s scalability. It also examines the app for any system issues.

The capabilities of your application, as well as optimal environment and planned use cases, should be determined before you begin.

It is possible to undertake performance testing while also performing unit testing, which is generally regarded as a reliable technique. Instead of looking at your application from the developer’s point of view, pretend you’re the one using it. Performance testing’s effectiveness may be evaluated in this manner.

Step 8: Checking the Device

Mobile device testing is the process of evaluating the accessibility, performance, and reliability of mobile apps. There are both mechanical and automated ways to accomplish this task.

Mobile App Testing

Here, you must test cases and scripts on all previously recognized devices, whether they are physical devices, cloud-based services, or testing tools.

Step 9: Release of the Final Version

Developers must do an end-to-end testing sprint after finishing all necessary tasks to ensure that the applications are fully functional on the server and back end and are ready for release.

Upon completion of testing, the app is submitted to the app stores for distribution. If there are any issues with the app, the tester fixes them and resumes the testing sprint.

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Challenges in Testing of Mobile Apps

Mobile apps are getting increasingly popular as the number of people using smartphones grows. The greatest way to expand the user base and remain competitive is to develop a mobile app that is both distinctive and provides the best possible user experience.

You must put your mobile applications through a stringent testing process if you want them to be perfect. The testing teams confront a variety of challenges during this procedure. Below, we’ll cover a few:

Various Operating Systems Versions 

Windows, Android, iOS development, and more operating systems can be found on the market. Furthermore, there are several variations of such an operating system. As a result, testing several app versions in a short period of time becomes difficult.

Even if one operating system supports an app properly, it’s possible that it won’t operate as well on another. You must test your application on all platforms and versions supported by the app, as consumers may install it on whatever OS they possess.

According to studies, iOS users tend to upgrade more frequently than Android users. However, when it comes to fragmentation, Android takes the lead. It implies that both developers and testers need to ensure that older APIs and versions are supported.

Device Variations

Android comes with a variety of features and pixel densities and ratios that change depending on the size of the screen being used. The large range of screen sizes necessitates thorough testing to ensure that all functions work correctly on all displays, as well as to ensure that pixel and aspect ratios are maintained.

There is a wide range of products available from a number of different manufacturers. The number of companies that produce electronic devices is steadily rising. It becomes difficult for the testers to evaluate the app’s performance across all of the platforms.

A device library should be provided to facilitate the testing. However, if you don’t use an emulator capable of simulating several device kinds and rapidly running the test, it might be rather expensive.

mobile app development cost

Need to Test Devices on Different Networks

The QA team sometimes has to test devices that are connected to multiple networks. Mobile data is often offered in 2G, 3G, and 4G. These have varying rates of data transmission and transfer. Testers have difficulties due to the wide range of network speeds offered by various service providers.

As a result, it is necessary for testers to verify that the app works properly across a variety of network speeds. Depending on the network providers and broadband access available in different regions, it becomes an issue.

Constant OS Updates

The mobile operating system is constantly evolving. These days, both iOS and Android have tens of iterations of their operating systems. To provide the best possible customer experience and performance, they are constantly enhancing their products and services.

It becomes a struggle for testers to keep up with the OS updates because they have to test the entire program for each new version. In addition, the app must be tested on the latest OS update or else performance would be a major issue, resulting in a loss for app users.

As a result, in order to provide the best possible experience to the app’s users, app testers must work hard to overcome the testing hurdles. Analytical abilities and methodologies can be used by testers in these scenarios.

How do you Manually Test Mobile Apps?

Applications on Android and iOS may be tested manually using the following methods:

Real Mobile Devices Can Be Used for Testing

When developing an Android or iOS app, it’s essential to test it out on a variety of real-world mobile devices. For manual app testing, QAs can make use of platforms that provide access to a broad variety of genuine Android and iOS mobile devices.

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It will be easier for testers to simulate app behavior in real-world scenarios if they do mobile app testing on genuine devices.

Testing on Emulators or Simulators

This strategy may need a significant amount of time and work on your part. In order to test the application, the testers must specify the number of devices to be used and then download emulators for each of those devices. There is no use in downloading and testing all of the Android and iOS simulators.

It’s impossible to test an app in real-world situations using emulators or simulators during the early phases of development. As a result, QAs typically do tests on real devices rather than a simulated cloud. Pre-configuration or downloads aren’t a concern. They don’t have to do anything before they start testing.

Read Also:- Future of Mobile App Development 

How do you Automate Mobile App Testing?

Now let’s see how we can automate the testing of mobile apps:

Decide on your Automated Testing Objectives

App testing is an essential aspect of the app development process that ensures that the app functions as planned. The usage of automated testing methods for mobile apps helps reduce the amount of time spent on manual testing. For big projects that need frequent or continuous testing of pre-written scripts, this sort of testing is ideal.

It’s useful for running a lot of tests at once on a variety of mobile platforms and modules. The goal of automating your mobile app testing process is to enhance both the quality and efficiency of the process.

Organize Your Tests

Using the Agile testing matrix, you may create a variety of test scenarios that you can use over the course of your project. One thing to keep in mind is that testing isn’t only for product development it’s an integral element of every Agile sprint, regardless of size.

You can automate the following kind of tests:

Unit Testing

Fixing problems at the unit level is more cost-effective than finding and fixing them later when there are several dependencies.  Unit tests must be done when the login user narrative and authentication are complete to ensure that the login works as intended.

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The minimum words, field length, warning messages, and the login button will only work if the fields have been filled in.

Integration Testing

It’s possible that when we combine some of the tested components, they won’t work as well as intended. Here, the interoperability of the various components is examined via integration testing.

When it comes to the login example, the integration test would integrate your login user narrative with database authentication. You won’t get to the welcome page with this test since it just checks to see whether the database link checks if authentication is working properly.

Functional Testing

There are many different types of black-box testing techniques used in software development, and functional testing is one of them.

In functional testing, the tester evaluates the software system to see if it fits certain operational requirements. The app’s fundamental usability, functioning, error circumstances, and accessibility are all checked as part of the functional test.

Functional Testing

Choose a Testing Automation Framework

After determining the test cases, the next step is to automate them. In this case, you’d need to pick the right automation framework, which is a system coupled with guidelines for testing automation. Building and reviewing your tests are made easier with the help of a test automation framework.

Let’s have a look at the best frameworks for mobile app testing automation:

Linear:

The “record and playback approach,” also known as the “linear automation framework,” is best suited for basic apps or unit tests.

Modular-Based:

In this framework, we create tests for many scenarios. Here, testers combine modules with larger-scale scenarios to ensure that everything works as it should. In order to protect the modules from being impacted by changes in the app’s components, modules use an abstraction layer to hide information.

Library:

In this framework, we arrange the common tasks into functions, which is like the modular-based testing framework. Next, we create a library of procedures that can be used to easily create test cases that can be reused.

Data-Driven:

There may be changes in the data but the tests will remain constant. This framework obtains data from an external platform and compares it to the results of a functional test.

Keyword-Driven:

An alternative name for this mobile test automation is “table-driven,” and it uses external tests as well as a table of keywords to allow different test scripts to access the specific keywords. It may take a long time to put up such frameworks.

Hybrid:

Using a hybrid testing framework, teams may create an optimal test environment by referencing two or more frameworks.

Choosing the Best Testing Automation Software

Using the automation tools, you may create test scripts that adhere to any of the frameworks previously discussed for test automation. If you know the fundamentals of frameworks, you’ll have the correct tool at your disposal.

Select Which is Better: Real or Virtual Devices?

Device testing is complicated by the wide range of mobile devices and their various setups. Testing on a single target device and using virtual devices for the remainder of the testing are excellent practices. Virtual devices are clones of genuine devices that reduce testing costs and speed while sacrificing some accuracy.

Engage in Automated Testing

You may begin creating your test cases even before you begin developing your mobile app. A good rule of thumb is to start testing your app as soon as possible so that it may be ready for market as quickly as possible and perform better than it otherwise would have.

If your mobile app testing is planned and targeted, you’ll be able to immediately incorporate feedback and work hard to develop your app more quickly.

Future Of Mobile App

Top Tips for Automated Mobile Application Testing

Let’s take a look at some of the best practices for automated mobile app testing:

Create Test-Ready Applications

Developers in today’s agile era must create apps that are ready for testing from the start. In order to establish guidelines, they must consult with QAs. Developers, for example, need to identify each piece with a unique identifier so that they may be tested in a reproducible fashion.

Do Not Overuse XPath

It is possible to choose nodes in an XML file using the XPath query language. XPath-type queries aren’t available natively in either Apple or Google products. Because of this, Appium is designed to make a few phone calls if testers often use it. These look for XPath-supporting components in the code, but they slow down the system.

To Organize Selectors, Put ID First and XPath Last

The Xpath finder in Selenium is the slowest since it relies on location. Selectors must be arranged in order of IDs and XPaths so that you can readily identify items.

Locators with Accessibility IDs Should Be Used

XPath may be used extensively; however, accessibility ID locators can still be used by testers. Adding accessibility IDs to items improves the testability of the app and broadens its testing scope.

Set the View State of the App

When the app transmits or receives information from the server, a method known as view state helps keep track of the page value.

Suppose there are ten test cases for a certain feature of the app. Five of the test cases replicate the logging in and opening of the page in their precise form and operation.

This will result in a lot of wasted time. As a result, the app’s view state may be configured by the testers so that testing can begin right where it is needed.

Apps Should Be Tested on Real Devices

Simulators and Emulators are based on real-world devices. However, the performance of an app varies depending on the real devices’ hardware and software settings.

As a result, it’s critical that mobile apps be tested on actual hardware. Apple and Google themselves advise developers to do this before submitting their products to the respective App Stores.

Mobile app Testing

How to Keep Testing Costs Under Control

Make Sure Everything Is Organized Properly

To begin with, you need to know what you’re testing for. In addition to fixing issues, you should pay attention to whether the final product is of acceptable quality. You should put off tasks that are increasing the expense of app testing.

Thus, you need to determine the quality level you prefer, select the feature you want to test, and ignore the rest. While working on the project, make sure to stick to the strategy you’ve come up with.

Early and Preferred Holistic Testing

You should begin testing as soon as the requirements are gathered and keep testing even after the app has been released.

While fixing flaws during the planning phase costs $100, fixing the same issues after the launch costs $10,000. To save money, you should begin testing as soon as possible.

Take Advantage of Automated Processes When Possible

Manual and automated testing both has their advantages and disadvantages. Honestly, I think both of them did a good job given the circumstances. There are many companies that favor manual testing; however, this is not the ideal strategy.

Mobile Testing Methodology

Automated testing is the greatest option for repeated testing in Agile projects. In the meanwhile, manual regression testing is still an option if you need to do more.

Select the Correct Set of Skills

If you don’t pick the correct skills for your app testing job, you may wind up paying more money in the long run. If you want to get the project done quickly and cheaply, you’ll want to hire people who have relevant experience and training on your team.

Hire Mobile App Developer

Final Thoughts

Due to the large range of hardware and software differences in popular use today, mobile testing may be a difficult task. As the number of people using mobile devices to access the internet grows, the quality of your mobile applications will become even more important.

Delivering your mobile apps faster and with a better user experience begins with knowing what kinds of tests to conduct and then using the tools that will help you do it.

Satyam Chaturvedi

Satyam Chaturvedi is a Digital Marketing Manager at Arka Softwares, a leading app development company dealing in modern and futuristic solutions. He loves to spend his time studying the latest market insights.

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