Have you ever wondered how games are tested before they are launched? Who tests them?

A compelling mobile game testing system prompts a hassle-free and responsive gaming force to end-users. The gaming business is skyrocketing because of continuous improvements in the utilization of mobile applications. It is impossible to illustrate a universal procedure for game testing. That is because each game is different in its way. For starters, aspects of Functionality and Usability of each game must be studied carefully.

Usability and Functionality testing are normal for testing a broad array of applications. Since the merging of gaming and mobile technology, what one needs is exceptional and concentrated testing.

In the context of mobile game testing, the above-mentioned aspects work like this:

1. Usability Tests

As we all know, human beings have many flaws. Some of us may have weak eyesight, some may have abnormally large fingers which always tap the wrong buttons. We might misunderstand a command or even pick the wrong interaction. These and many other glitches may be found by consistent application users of our game. The purpose behind game testing is to find them before they do.

We conduct the usability test to get an idea about the game’s ease of use, navigation flow, and most importantly, to gauge the user experience your game delivers. Therefore, we must ensure that only genuine mobile phones and emulators are used for testing. For instance, performance slowdowns are easy to uncover while using genuine devices. During the test, it checks interferences, the impact of the charger on general performance and use, and battery consumption.

To comprehend fully the extent of usability and enjoyment our game is offering, it is vital to test the game for its execution. This will make the user encounter either positive or negative. These points affect considerably the user experience and the user’s enjoyment level in general.

Apart from these, the fundamental purpose of testing Usability is to find out whether:

• The buttons are set in a similar area of the screen to avoid confusion to the user.
• The logical menus are not over-loaded, defeating the purpose of rapid utilization.
• The app alerts the user whenever they begin downloading huge data which might hamper application execution.
• The approval for tapping the zoom-in and zoom-out features is equipped.
• The app gives a strategy for undoing an action, in an adequate time, on the happening or non-happening of an event (Ex. Entering the wrong door)

The purpose of playing a game is fun. Consequently, gamers rely upon your games for entertainment, along with exceptional user experience.Evaluating the fun-factors requires some aesthetic imagination and critical thinking. Fun is conveyed just if every other part of the game cooperates accurately, and it requires a great effort to achieve. Higher the difficulty, the higher the satisfaction, as is the case of most things in our life.

Thus, usability testing validates the effort and time needed to accomplish a specified activity and finds out easily neglected mistakes. It includes user viewpoint testing, end-user interface testing, and user documentation testing.

2. Functional Tests

Functional Testing is the most well-known type of game testing. Functional testing implies playing games to discover bugs.If done manually, it requires playing the game while the testing is ongoing.It decides if the application is working as originally intended.

In some cases, automation is the right choice in a few domains of functional testing. To set up a test automation system, you should be able to comprehend your mobile application’s code. Automated functional testing for mobile games can reveal issues identified with UI and graphics, game mechanism, integration of graphics resources, and resistance.

It’s a complex testing strategy classified black box testing procedure. It sets aside more time to execute as analyzers search for graphics issues, gameplay problems, audio-visual issues, and so on. You have to get confirmations about the ease of installation, the application running in limited mode, whether the application permits social media choices, supports payment portals, among other things.

The most crucial test situations in functional testing can be considered to check whether:

• All the required fields are functioning as intended.
• The app goes into a minimized form if the user has an incoming call.
• The mobile can perform the prerequisite multitasking whenever required.
• The installed app does not preclude other apps from performing thoroughly, and it does not feed into the memory of alternate apps.
• The navigation between significant modules in the app is as per the requirements.
• Perform Regression Testing to reveal new programming bugs in existing zones of a framework after changes have been made to them. Additionally, rerun earlier performed tests to confirm that the program manner hasn’t changed because of the changes.

While functional testing is dependably a fundamental action in mobile game testing strategy, the actual difference between an extraordinary mobile game and any other mobile game is the importance given to the one of a kind characteristics and requirements of a mobile environment. End to end functional testing comprising of linear and non-linear action for your game should be done to guarantee that the gameplay is free of bugs and uniform with your planned design.

Characteristics of an Immersive Game

• A complex, intriguing plot
• Realistic graphics (including backgrounds, characters, and hardware) and sounds
• Random plays to keep the player intrigued
• Few known actualities to instruct the player
• Facilitating players to play as a team if it’s a multi-player game

Conclusion

In today’s world, any product/service is ultimately judged by the user experience it delivers. It is even more true for games. A successful game is defined by how immersive it is. Game development is not just a great design and its implementation. The game designer’s part becomes dependent upon the prerequisites and proposals provided by the game tester. The game tester’s responsibilities are mostly divided into two parts:

1) identification and reporting of the game deformities. 2) assisting with analyzing and verifying.

How VTEST can help?

At VTEST, we have a team of enthusiastic and gifted game testers, who take pride in their work. We also have an excellent infrastructure for game testing. You’ve created a great game, now it’s our responsibility to make it even greater.

VTEST it!

 

In software testing, Micro testing techniques should be given as much attention as the Macro manifestos. Unit testing is one of the prominent processes of Micromanagement in testing.

In this article, we will learn about some good practices to apply while performing the unit testing. Writing a good and efficient unit test code is an important task in the whole testing process. For that, first, we need to understand what is ‘Unit testing’.

In essence, the Unit testing is performed on smaller units of the whole system to check the performance of the whole system. The integration of each code with the whole architecture is tested.

Now, let’s try to define Unit testing and see the best pointers to consider while performing it.

What is Unit Testing?

Definition: The verification of the behavior of every component of the software, covering all the functionalities of the software. It consists of 3 parts:

 

• Initialization:

 

• A small part of the software in question is started. The software/application is called the System Under Test (SUT).

 

• Stimulus:

 

After starting it, an incentive or a kind of stimulus is given to the software. A method which is containing the code of functionality testing is invoked while doing this.

 

• Result:

 

In the third step, the result arrives. The comparison of expected and actual results should be done here. If verified, you are good to go. If not, the real error in the SUT should be detected and corrected.

Writing Unit Tests: 5 perks to write them good

 

• Isolation of tests

 

As indicated by the name, every test case should be independent of the other. One can decide the sorting technique as it suits him/her but the clusters should be made and test cases should be defined separately as it helps the process.

If not happened in an above-mentioned way, the behavior of any case affects other cases. Don’t put in redundant assertions. The assertions should match with the certain behavior of the application and should be run in isolation.

This step should cover multiplication functionality assertions.

 

• High Speed

 

The method doesn’t work if the tests are performed at a slow pace as they are designed to be performed multiple times to make sure all the errors are eliminated. If performed at a slow pace, the overall time of execution will increase.

Here,Using stream concept is a good idea. By using the stream concept, one can exponentially increase the speed of the whole execution process.

 

• High Readability

 

Readability is always a necessary criterion for unit testing. A unit test should be clear and concise. It should precisely state the status of the test at any point in time.

One should quickly get what the test is trying to convey. Complex wording and use of difficult phrases is the last thing you need for writing test code. Readability should always be a priority while writing a test.

A proper name should be given to a given test case. Also, every small variable should be named properly. It should be logical and easy in wording. It should show the functionality and operation of the test.

 

• Good Test Designs

 

Just because they are test designs, doesn’t mean that they should be given secondary preference. The test designs of unit tests should be drafted with the same intensity as the production tests. A good framework should be applied while doing this.

The coupling between production code and test code should be low. The dead code should be eliminated to increase efficiency. Memory should be carried and managed efficiently with time. The maintenance and re-factoring become smooth later if you have a good codebase.

 

• High Reliability

 

The unit testing should be highly reliable and should be clear in what commands they are stating in the writeup.

Many a time, such scenarios are encountered by developers where the test fails even in the absence of any error/bug in the software. Sometimes, a certain unit case works fine when running individually but fails to deliver the expected outcome when integrated with the whole architecture.

This happens when there is a design flaw present in the system. Make sure the technical side of the process is strong and reliable.

Conclusion

These were the 5 tips from us to write and perform a good unit testing. By following these practices you will be able to execute the process of unit testing more finely. This will also help you in maintaining the code in the later part of the process.

Just by considering these 5 tricks, you will experience a radical shift in the execution time. It will ultimately lessen the cost of the process and thus giving out an optimum and efficient way to execute unit testing.

How can VTEST help

Here at VTEST, we focus on micromanagement as much as we do on the bigger things. Unit testing needs detailed knowledge as well as the attention of the testing team. Our team is filled with professionals in the testing field with expertise in both, Micro and Macro testing.

The testing team at VTEST is technically sound with a good managerial sense. VTEST it!

Mobile phones have become an indivisible part of the personal ecosystem of today’s world. It affects a person’s life so much that if one doesn’t have a mobile phone, he/she couldn’t live his/her life with the same efficiency and optimization as with the mobile phone.

Not that it only avails people to communicate with others but it also is a source of enormous knowledge. With the invention of the internet crunched into a small handful of the device, the human potential now has no limit.

The thing which makes it all possible on the technical level is the innovative mobile applications. There are around 256 billion applications available on the major platforms in the world today. The technological leap the apps have taken is astounding.

Before launching these apps, every company is supposed to test the applications for mobile users. These apps are to be tested under various conditions like network connectivity, load testing, etc.

From the 256 billion apps which are available in the market, Android and iOS are the two dominant platforms that carry the majority of these apps. There are other important players in the market like Windows, Blackberry, etc but these two have made a space for themselves which no one can harm in the recent future.

The testing methods and approaches between these two systems are different and in this blog, we will decode those approaches and list down the differences between them.

Android vs. iOS

First, we will see the difference between these two operating systems.

Now that we have seen the difference between these two operating systems we will see how the testing differs. There are three primary aspects of the testing process which form the base for the following analysis. Device Configuration, Operating System versions, and Security. We will see what each of this offer below.

Device Configuration

• Layout

 

Each device comes in a different layout and design. This makes it challenging for the app developers and testers to nail the task of designing the app for every layout. Android phones have a large portfolio which is a challenge for testers. On the contrary, Apple has a limited amount of design s and layout for their limited number of devices. This makes it easy for apple.

 

• Resolution

 

Apart from having different layouts and designs, the devices vary based on resolution. When it comes to android, resolution optimization should be done for each device. On the other hand, Apple offers a limited resolution scope which again makes it easy for applications in AppStore.

 

• Hardware Specifications

 

This is a common aspect. Both of the systems need to consider the hardware of the device it has been tested on. Processor, Speed, Memory, etc. all should be checked.

 

• Performance

 

The performance of each device should be tested based on the hardware of the device. With taking performance of the device in mind, the app’s workings should be verified. Resource utilization should be optimum in this case.

Operating System versions

• Multiple Versions

 

Any older device can carry any older version of android without updating. The open system of android allows these types of situations to occur. This is a challenge for android apps testers as they needto work on various versions installed in various devices. More number of variables makes this challenging for android. However, Apple updates its software in all the devices every time any update is available.

 

• Backward compatibility

 

As noted earlier, The Andriod API with the older versions should be tested for android app testing. It ensures the device’s smooth workings.

 

• Specific UI

 

As android is an open-source system, the OEMs make their own GUI. Sense by HTC, ZenUI by Asus, TouchWiz by Samsung, Xperia by Sony are some of the examples. The app needs to be tested for all the specific GUIs. In Apple, this is not the case.

 

• Usability

 

Multiple test cases are to be created to test the usability of all the combinations of different devices and versions. The usability should be smooth and similar all over the ecosystem. This is again a challenge for android whereas quite easy for apple.

Security

• Information Security

 

The security of information and data of the given app should be of high priority. For Android, with all the variables such as versions of Oss, devices, etc. it becomes difficult for testers to maintain it. Any earlier security issue should be considered while updating the application.

 

• Code Security Testing

 

Many times, while developing an Android app, the developers install some essential APKs from Playstore to have unauthorized access to the source code of the APKs. The testing for this security should be done for the secure application code. As android’s user count is enormous, there are frequent hackers around it. Hence a comprehensive testing model should be applied.

 

• Strict Publishing Guidelines

 

When the app is made available on the Play Store, Google does not verify the app for any defects. It only ensures that there is no spiteful content on the Play store. So the testers should check the app for any malicious content and then release it. Conversely, Apple verifies and authenticates the apps which are to be released from the AppStore. They have a strict code of conduct which is followed by the company very diligently. This forces the Apple app developers to grind an app that satisfies the guidelines for submission.

Conclusion

While developing and testing the given app, an all-inclusive mobile application testing policy needs to be applied. It should comprise of creating use cases, selection of target devices, and testing them by using both Automated and Manual testing and considering the types of testing being functional and non-functional testing.

We hope this blog gave you insights about both Android and iOS applications’ testing requirements. How can VTEST help

VTEST provides a wide range of testing scenarios. The testing team at VTEST comprises testers coming from different technical backgrounds which makes it a versatile team. Be it Android app testing, iOS app testing, or any other kind, VTEST gives its clients a fulfilling testing experience.

VTEST it!

 

GUI testing: The look test of your software

Before starting with the main subject of the article, first, we need to understand what is the meaning of GUI.

Graphical User Interface

The tech devices we use in our everyday life like Mobile, PC, Tablet, etc. have an element which is common in all the devices but still has a unique touch for each device. It is the things we see on screen. The Homepage of the App you use, your messaging window, Wallpaper, etc. Anything and Everything on the screen. Commonly known as the User Interface. The graphical elements that are seen on screen which enable us to use and indirectly communicate with technology at our hands. It is also called as ‘Graphical User Interface’ i.e. GUI.

GUI Testing

Now, what do we mean when we say GUI testing? In GUI testing, the Interface of the software is tested. It is made sure that it is smooth and seamless in usability. The source code is not visible in this process. The primary playing factors here are the images, Spellings, Design patterns, Alignments, Look and feel and the layout of the UI.

Need for testing GUI

When any user will use your application, the first thing she/he is going to experience is the Interface. It is the first impression and the accessibility provider of the software. If the user experiences any glitch in this first look, he/she will get disappointed by the application. This leads to a decrease in the installation as the market grows on mouth publicity. One bad review and you are done.

To avoid this, GUI testing is necessary. One has to step into the shoes of the user to understand this. The software has to generate interest in the user and therefore has to look fine and give a smooth experience to the user at first glance to keep him/her involved with the app.

UI Test Cases: Factors to be considered

In the GUI testing process, multiple elements are to be considered in the test cases. You don’t want to miss any small element which will cause a minor glitch later while using the app. We made a list for you to check.

• Relative Position, Height,Size, and Width of the itemson the screen
• Display of Error Messages. Their color, font, etc. Generally, Red color is used to indicate Errors
• Readability and Consistencyof the overall application’s text features
• Verifying Zoom-In, Zoom-Out workability, Same screen with varying resolutions like 640 x 480, 600×800, etc.
• Color codes for different texts like Hyperlink, error/warning message, etc.
• Image Quality
• Language specifications like Grammar, Spellings, and Punctuations
• Scrollbars
• Verification of disabled fields
• Image Size

The basic work here is to make the app look good. The appearance and interface of the app should be smooth and sensible. Users should stay on the app on a longterm basis. Good layout and Design sense is required for this to work.Sometimes the tester even needs to think creatively and take decisions to test the UI of the software by using methods other than the defined test case protocol.

Approaches

There are 2 basic testing approaches to GUI testing.

Manual Testing

This is the common method used by the testing community. As stated in the name, here, everything works manually. The tester is supposed to use the app and experience it as a user would. Step by step using all the software to detect bugs and even to make improvements and suggestions in the existing Interface.

For obvious reasons, this method takes time and the authenticity of the testing is purely based on how creative and sharp the tester is. Afterall, it’s a human method.

Automation Testing

As we all know by now, the testing process can’t be fully done manually and neither fully automatically. The balance should be achieved. So, where to automate the process?

The cases which include manual actions other than the look likeData Entry,Navigations, etc. can be automated. TestComplete, Squish, AutoIT, Silk Test are some of the tools used for this. These tools imitate the user experience which can be used multiple times in the testing process by playing again and again. Technical knowledge of scripting is required for these tools to work.

Challenges

The whole process sounds very easy but there are some challenges involved.

• The number of test cases can exceed then your expectations. It consumes more time hence can be exhaustive.
• As far as the quality is concerned, it depends on the tester’s skillset.
• Automation tools available in the market are limited.
• Usually, when the testing process starts, the GUI is unstable and hence the testers prefer to test it later in the process. It can give less time to test the GUI properly.
• It is an overall less prioritized aspect then Functional aspects when it comes to testing.

Conclusion

As we discussed earlier, GUI’s impression on the users should be like love at first sight. It is what is apparent about the software to the users. This appearance should be well tested and designed to be likable and accessible by the mass quantity of the users.

Most of the success and reach of the application depends on the GUI. The tester should think like a user to nail the GUI testing process as it is ultimately being designed and tested for the users. As they say, Consumer is God.

How can VTEST help

Equipped to execute both, Manual and Automated testing in the most efficient ways, VTEST provides the most creative and technically sound testers for testing GUIs.

We understand the need for a GUI to be good and engaging and work tirelessly towards achieving the best test results and even improving the software appearance for our clients’ success. Go through the tips mentioned above and don’t hesitate to contact us for any guidance or collaboration you need in your software’s journey.

VTEST it!

 

Though technical achievements of the past 10 years are noteworthy and are said to be the fundamentals of the future, the real and shapeshifting invention is the Internet of Things also known as, IoT. It’s the everyday use of these technical achievements which enables us a more easy life. IoT is all about this. The FitBit bands you use, Automated agricultural equipment’s, Connected homes are the few examples of IoT applications.

By definition, IoT is like a system of various devices interconnected with the internet through software and applications. The said devices are basically vehicles, buildings, etc. These are embedded using electronic devices, software, microchips. This whole structure is designed to gather information through the software and to exchange it for better user experience. This is useful as it helps in reduction of cost, Improvement of Efficiency and optimized Operations.

IoT Testing

Year by year, the importance of IoT in the global market is increasing. And this is why the need to test these IoT applications has been increased. Many companies and firms are now betting a lot of their hard work and money on this. The Quality assurance unit of every company now needs to up their game and manifest a comprehensive testing plan which covers all the aspects of IoT. It shall consider every element regarding IoT testing like different types of testing, test lab setup, Tools for testing etc. The approach to be taken for Data simulation and Virtualization should also be pre-decided. This will make sure that there are no minor obstacles related to Data analysis later.

Even after you do all the things mentioned above, some errors and problems can be seen inevitable in certain testing scenarios. We have listed down some of those errors for you to consider before testing. Check out the list below.

1. Multiple IoT platforms

An IoT system is the integration of one or multiple devices by hardware and software. The data is collected and then exchanged and analyzed numerous times between interconnected devices in order to have a user-friendly system at work. Due to this, for the system to work smoothly, the software of various devices is to be tested.

So, the testing team can’t test only one of the devices as if there is any error in any other device, it will create chaos. Testing team should keep in mind that it has to test multiple IoT platform during the testing process.

2. Numerous IoT communications protocols

To communicate with each other and the controllers and within the system, the IoT devices can be provided with various communications protocols. Some of them are as follows:

• Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT)
• Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP)
• Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP)

MQTT is the most popular one among these. It is known for its performance and high potential.

Most of the times, the transport layer is made up of an API. This API is generally based on JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) or XML.

Conducting automated tests using testing designs and various tools is one of the main and primary function of these APIs and Protocols.

3. Higher number of attack surfaces and other security threats

The probability of security threats is increased in IoT devices as there are now multiple attack surfaces available for the threats to harm the device. Statistically, more than 70% of the IoT devices are vulnerable to security threats. This can be a bigger issue if not paid attention at the right time. Testing IoT software becomes eminent.

The password policy is to be strategized securely. The testers should consider this at the testing stage. One of the efficient and easy approaches towards this is to set up a compulsory change of password at the first access.

4. Diversity in IoT apps and devices

Various IoT apps and devices require more capabilities in the testing team. The testing team is required to have a thorough knowledge about all the aspects of the testing process and more. Due to the diversity in IoT software, a technically sound testing team becomes essential to the process.

If there is a dependency issue at the time of testing where the respective third part organization is not available for some reason, Virtualization of the system is also an efficient option. It cancels out all the dependency issues.

5. Fast-moving data and increased load

Network issues are commonly faced by the users of interconnected IoT devices. Overload on WiFi channels, Defective network hardware, Inconsistent or Slow Internet connections and many more. To remove these issues and ensure a smooth functioning, the testing of these devices should be done in various complex situations. The testers should check if any data is lost during the process.

IoT – The Future of technical usability

The testers should keep in mind that their focus should be on Test-As-A-User (TAAS) and not on testing as per the requirements.

The approach to conduct IoT testing varies from system to system but it is important for the testers to ensure that they keep their focus on The testers need to test and make sure that the functioning of the network of devices is optimum. He/She should consider various factors like operation systems, firmware, and protocols etc. Don’t get intimated by the complexity of the task but face it with all the resources you have.

In IoT, one can literally control his practical life with a single touch on her/his mobile. Automation will become easier with the help of IoT techniques and everything will become handy. Because as you all know, IoT is the future of our day-to-day lifestyle.

How can VTEST help

At VTEST we work with utmost dedication, sincerity and efficiency to help our clients achieve what they need. The testing solution we offer are seamless, precise and discreet in nature. With a wide range of intelligent and technically sound testers, we facilitate various types of testings with each type studied and applied in-depth.

Always, looking ahead of our time, VTEST will help you with testing solutions which will help your software to be the future.

Dont just Test, Let’s VTEST!

 

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.

1. Mobile web applications: Web pages that you open through the browser on mobile.
2. Native Apps: Apps that are developed for one particular platform like iOS, Android, etc.
3. 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.

1. Know your app well. Be very familiar with all its ins and outs.
2. Lets the testing be app-specific and generalized.
3. Consider the hardware specifications and operating system of the device before testing.
4. Whenever possible, use real devices. The results are better.
5. Pick tools based on your comfort and not its popularity.
6. Use cloud mobile testing.
7. Maximum times, use development menu options.
8. Use Emulators and simulators if required. They can be your protectors.
9. Prioritize Performance testing.
10. Balance the modes. Manual is as important as Automated testing.
11. Beta testing is a bonus. Don’t miss it.
12. 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!