Today, the invention of smartphones single-handed, changed the course of human life. It has become an identity. With this rise, the consequential boom in the employment of web developers and software testers was quite obvious. Applications in the mobile are the heart of it. Many youngsters have found their way of a career in the software industry, developing these apps.
Though it has become a large arena for people to explore new things, only a few of them survive in people’s pockets. It is agreeable that only original and unique app ideas will survive the race but that’s not the only parameter in play here.
The application will not last long if the user experience is full of errors. The consumer will only hold on to your app if he/she is having a smooth experience. And we assure you that he/she will uninstall it if it is not the case.
So, what to do? Here comes the equally main part of the process. Testing the application at the initial stage and even constantly monitoring it after the release becomes of utmost importance.
Okay, let’s see what goes under mobile application testing.
What is it?
Here we run tests on these apps to ensure the best user experience. It is done on some aspects like usability, functional, consistency glitches, etc.
Important Factors
One might think of Mobile Application testing similar to Website testing or software testing, but it’s not the same. There are some things which one is supposed to consider which are specifically needed for mobile application testing. Let’s list them.
- Screen resolution
- GPS
- Screen orientation (landscape, portrait)
- Manufacturers of various devices
- OS
- Type of Mobile Application
Mobile Application: Types
Yes, it matters! The process of testing varies slightly for different types of apps. The apps are categorized into 3 types, which are as follows.
- Mobile web applications: Web pages that you open through the browser on mobile.
- Native Apps: Apps that are developed for one particular platform like iOS, Android, etc.
- Hybrid: Amalgamation of the above 2 categories.
Mobile Application Testing: Strategy
Like any other task in our life, strategizing the testing helps. Doing it step by step saves time and effort of the testing team. So, how to go about it?
Below are the steps you should refer to while doing it.
1. Device selection
Now that you have arrived at this stage, testing of the application must be done on a real device. It’s the best way to go about it. But, which device to use? Well, that’s up to your preferences but here are some of the things you can do to save time while doing this time-consuming task.
- Do your research. Search for the most used mobile in the market and try to get a hold on it.
- You can check out mobiles with different screen resolutions.
- The same variation can be done with various OS.
- Different aspects of the mobile like Compatibility, memory size, and connectivity are not to be ignored.
2. Emulators vs simulators
If not the real device, nowadays, many testers use Emulators or simulators. Don’t get confused. These are the tools that, like their name, emulate or simulate the behavior of a mobile device.
But don’t get confused about their similarity either. Though the definition is similar, there is a difference between them. Explained below.
Emulator: Original device standby that runs applications on the devices without modifying them. Preferred to test mob web applications.
Simulator: Sets up an analogous environment as of your original device’s OS without imitating its hardware. Preferred to test mobile applications.
3. Mobile Application Testing: Cloud-based
Actual mobile devices can sometimes be a problem even simulators cant substitute them with full precision. That’s why using a cloud based system to test the applications is said to be a more efficient method.
Mobile manual vs Automated testing
There can’t be only one way of testing. It is a most discussed argument now and we know the answer. A Pro tester would never take sides of only one type of testing. By now, he/she should realize that amalgamation of both methods is the key to the future. After all different elements need different methods.
Finally, here we are. lets now start to understand the actual steps of mobile application testing
Mobile application testing: Stages
1. Documentation
Like in any other stream app testing also requires proper documentation before starting the process though, testers are known to be working after the app is developed, they are supposed to be provided with many necessities before starting the development of the app. screen layouts, navigational charts are some of them.
Here the tester should analyze the needs for any inconsistencies. If he/she finds any discrepancies it is supposed to be resolved before starting the process.
Also, this is the stage where Test Cases, Test Plan, Traceability Matrix are created and analyze.
2. Functional testing
This type of testing ensures your application’s functionality concerning the requirement specification. Below are the aspects of functional testing which you should consider :
- Consumer pool. E.G. students, businessmen, companies, etc.
- Distribution streams. E.G. app store, play store, etc.
- The functionality of the app concerning the business. E.G. social networks, food delivery, gaming industry, etc.
Another list of things you need to verify in functional testing :
- Device resources testing
- Constant users feedback testing
- Fields testing
- Interruptions testing
- Installing and running the application
- Business functionalities testing
- Update testing
3. Usability Testing
This is the part that will impact the user experience directly. This is about creating an interface that is intuitive and also conforms to the market standards. your customers are going to indirectly judge you based on the following three aspects :
- Effectiveness
- Efficiency
- Satisfaction
You should consider these while testing the app
4. UI (User Interface) testing
This the testing of your company’s face value. It makes sure that the app’s GUI is completing the required specifications.
5. Compatibility testing
Here, the validity of the Configuration of your device is tested. It is done on different handsets considering various aspects like screen resolution, size, hardware version. It also helps to validate:
- Device Configuration
- Browser Configuration
- OS Configuration
- Network Configuration
- Database Configuration
Further divisions include:
Cross-browser testing: Compatibility testing in different browsers.
Cross-platform testing: Compatibility testing with different Operating systems.
Database testing: Compatibility testing in different database configurations like Oracle, DB2, MSSQL Server, Sybase, MySql, etc.
Device Configuration testing: Compatibility testing on different devices. This is done based on 2 criteria:
- Device type
- Device configuration
Network configuration testing: Compatibility testing in different network configurations (GSM, TDMA) and standards (3G, 4G).
6. Performance testing
This can help in analyzing the application’s reaction and consistency when a certain workload is exerted on it.
Characteristics:
- Stress Testing: Tests the application’s ability to bear stress. Verifies app capability to work in untimely stress.
- Volume Testing: Tests the application’s performance when a large amount of data is to be processed.
- Concurrency testing: Tests performance at the time when a large number of users are logged in.
- Load Testing: Checks the application’s actions under normal and heavy loads.
- Stability Testing: Tests durability of the app in normal load.
7. Security testing
This type authenticates the Security of your app and runs an analysis of the probability of harm given to more delicate data by application hackers, viruses, etc.
8. Recovery testing
If anything goes wrong on the consumer’s end, This type of testing helps them to successfully and smoothly recover data in vulnerable situations like software issues, hardware failures, or communication problems.
9. Localization testing
This is done to the adaptability of the app based on local or cultural grounds. Catering to different sets of target audiences.
10. Change-related testing
This is the aftermath. When all these given types of testing are done, a report is made to change the lines of codes that have created the bugs. After this, A final checking should be done to ensure a full bug-free app. This includes:
- Confirmation testing: Re-testing for a final check.
- Regression testing: Checking if any new bugs have not formed due to change in code to remove earlier bugs.
11. Beta testing
Some of you must be Beta users yourselves. As you might know, Beta testing is the type of testing where actual users on their actual devices test the final product to verify if everything is alright. Functionality, Reliability, Usability, Compatibility are some of the aspects which these beta users test.
But remember, before entering into the beta testing zone, consider the following factors:
- Duration of the tests
- Demographic coverage
- Number of testing participants
- Shipping
- Costs
Beta testing gives you a good insight into your target customer’s mind and is a good way to create a user-friendly app.
12. Certification testing
This is quite the most formal part of application testing. It confirms if your app is meeting the standards set by the market. Things like licensing agreements, terms of use, etc. Also the requirements of various digital stores like the App Store, Google Play, etc.
Challenges:
- Availability of multiple UI.
- Deadlines.
- Complications while testing touch screens.
- A testing approach based on device.
- Security issues.
- Testing in this constantly changing technical culture.
- User Experience & Issues with App Performance.
Tips:
Now, the main part is done and we are on to the exciting part of this article. Some perks for you to perform while testing mobile apps.
- Know your app well. Be very familiar with all its ins and outs.
- Lets the testing be app-specific and generalized.
- Consider the hardware specifications and operating system of the device before testing.
- Whenever possible, use real devices. The results are better.
- Pick tools based on your comfort and not its popularity.
- Use cloud mobile testing.
- Maximum times, use development menu options.
- Use Emulators and simulators if required. They can be your protectors.
- Prioritize Performance testing.
- Balance the modes. Manual is as important as Automated testing.
- Beta testing is a bonus. Don’t miss it.
- Plan your time.
Popular tools
Remember, these are just to give you an idea about what is available in the market. Use whichever you feel comfortable with.
Functionality testing: Appium, Selendroid, Robotium, Ranorex.
Usability testing: Reflector, User Zoom, Loop.
Mobile application interface testing: iMacros, FitNesse, Jubula, Coded UI, LoadUI.
Compatibility testing: Cross-BrowserTesting, BrowserStack, Browsera, Litmus, Rational ClearCase, Ghostlab.
Performance testing: Apteligent, NeoLoad, New Relic.
Security Testing: OWASP Zed Attack Proxy, Retina CS Community, Google Nogotofail, Veracode, and SQL Map.
So, this way you can test your mobile application. We hope that we have covered all the aspects of it.
In conclusion, Understand the benefits of mobile application testing and execute it by giving it that much importance which you will give to developing the app. It is as necessary. And remember to constantly monitor and analyze the app even after its release.
Happy Testing!
