We all know the Apple story. How Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak built the company from scratch and developed it into this massive success it is today. Apple has its own group of people who use only apple products. A family of a sort.

As we all know, iOS is the official manifesto of Apple Inc., licensed to be used in its apps. By the determination and the strategies by Jobs, it is designed to be like a family of users of the company. Like a large brood of birds. This means that no application in the Apple system can be used in other devices. On the other hand, today, the equally popular manifesto of Android can be used by any device. Though Apple is trying to focus on increasing the closed ménage of users they have, Android has the advantage of its reach to the masses. The competition is present and ever-growing.

Apple works along its popular patents such as iPhone, iPad, iPod and iPad Mini. Approximately 1 billion people are using about 1.4 billion Apple products today. To have a smooth and smart experience, the apps in the system should be bug-free. And here comes the need for iOS application are some pre-considered goals of iOS app testing. Being a type of UI testing, it focuses on the mutual workings of the various Functionalities of different apps and instruments, with giving support to a new instrument named as ‘Automation’.

Also, iOS testing gazes into the efficiency of JavaScript library. To validate an application, here are some basic utilities of iOS automation testing.

• It lets you collect different types of data and helps you to analyze it closely and smartly by putting that information side by side.
• Along with increasing productivity, it offers pocket-friendly results by minimizing the cost of software development.
• A vigorous tool that allows you to collect all the data regarding the response and performance of running processes, may it be a single process or multiple processes.
• Classification of the information can be done as either ‘File Access’ or ‘Memory Use’, with every instrument marked as a different type of information.
• The integration of many of the open-source testing frameworks can be done which supports iOS Application testing.

A conclusive answer to a Bug-Less App – iOS App testing.

It is a stated fact that to design and implement an iOS application, a large amount of time and hard work is required. If the errors and bugs are ignored, the usability and the functioning of the app can be effectively harmed. While keeping the quality on its mark, below are some basic ways to keep safe the apps of the sophisticated and giant company that Apple is.

• Applications’ crashing rate can be minimized or even completely cleared.
• Applications can be made more compatible for developers.
• To prevent the iOS devices from being hacked, it can strengthen the data security feature.
• Can offer a strong solution for memory leak incidents.

Check out the map below to get a clear idea of what to consider while testing iOS application by automation testing. It is important for a tester to have in mind all the aspects mentioned below.

Different ways for automated testing

• Unit test – To authenticate any particular case in any class and to confirm that the class is working, this test is done. It delivers a stand-alone result.
• UI/Integration test – To test the user interactions of the application and to ensure that all the cases are finely synchronized to give away the expected result.

Now that the Whats, Hows and Whys are clear, let’s get to the writing of iOS application testing cases.

1. Making a project using XCTest

XCTest is a quite resourceful tool to facilitate the testing. It is issued by Apple itself. Using the XCTest’s manifesto, a new XCode project should be made. The project includes 3 main elements.

• An individual target for every test
• A different group for every test class
• An analogy test

2.Creating iOS unit test

Below are the steps to actually create iOS unit test.

• Create a new test case class and name a new subclass
• Remove the boilerplate code
• Select the class to be tested and link your test to it
• Write a test code
• Include a private category
• By pressing Command-U, start and run the test
• Do analysis of the results. They will be displayed through the Test Navigator

By following the guidelines considerately, create unit tests to authenticate the iOS application’s performance. Do it neatly in an automated and programmed way. The iOS automation testing overrules the chance of any bug or issue and makes the Apple user’s performance smooth and crisp, keeping the qualitative value of the company up to the mark. So, if you are a tester, use the methods and tricks to test iOS applications. Have a go at it and surely you will have the best experience later.

Afterall, It’s the Apple Inc.!

If anyone had to pick one primary thing which shaped the day-to-day human culture in the past 20 years, it has to be the Internet and the explosion of social media applications. It’s like a part of daily routine of the current generation. All of us use social media for various direct and indirect purposes. To connect with the world, Entertainment, Businesses, Finding or offering jobs, Information gathering… the list is endless. But as we depend on them so much, it is necessary that these apps should be authenticated and verified thoroughly. Otherwise, they could bring about high-security breaches, which is unhealthy for the culture. Moreover, thousands and millions of Businesses and People are using these apps to make the ends meet. Any improper use of them in any strand can lead to a severe issue. Therefore, it becomes prominent to test these Social Media apps properly. Here, we are going to talk about the Proper Testing of Social media applications.

Why is it necessary to do the testing?

As estimated in a recent study by our folks at Statista, the number of users of Social media apps is to rise to about 3.2 Billion users in 2021. Considering this, any major error in the testing of these apps is quite affordable as the error might affect half of the worldwide population.

Different Models of Social Media Testing

Testing social media apps is not as easy as using it. It requires a dedicated expertise in the field, a sense of the digital culture and a proper skillet. The types of testing include:

• • Enterprise software testing: These apps are generally very vigorous to test as they are used by a large number of users and hence require crisp security testing and a technically sophisticated enterprise testing remedy.
  • Web 2.0 Testing: Early involvement of testers is essential to the testing process as these apps are Web 2.0 Applications. Due to their susceptibility to frequent changes, the test cases of these apps should be preferably automatized.
  • The Web Testing of these social media apps should be done considering its Compatibility, Functionality, Security Testing, Performance and Database testing etc.
  • SaaS testing: Software as a Service model also known as SaaS testing is a method to authenticate correct functioning of these apps.
  • Web Analytics Data: As Social media holds and works along with large amount of data, it collects, analyses and reports the data based on user’s earmarks. Web analytics testing helps in doing so.
  • Acceptance Testing: This includes tests for apps’ engaging and user-convenient attitude.
  • Content Management Testing: As we know that there is an enormous amount of content on these applications. Every day, thousands and millions of users upload large bunch of content. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and many other applications are used for content creation. To keep check on what is being posted and to check whether its appropriate or not is a constant task. It is a requirement to manage this content and avoid any content-related concern.
  • SEO testing: Search Engine Optimization testing, commonly known as SEO testing is a necessity to boost up your applications online. It guarantees your application’s growth and development.
  • Online Advertisement Application Testing: In the current Scenario, Online advertisement is largely used by people to promote their businesses. Authentication of the functioning of these Online Advertisements becomes a key factor in testing.

Testing Process

A proper step by step testing process is a sign of authentic app testing.

• • • Requirement Analysis
      Analysing test requirements is the primary step. It includes scope determination and listing objectives of test. Basically, listing down how many and what resources you will need and how much time the test will take.
    • Test Planning
      Like in any other project methodology, Test planning has to be done on the basis of tester’s objective. One should be clear in his mind about what does he want to achieve through the test. Based on that, a proper plan should be made.
    • Resource Allotment
      Now based on your planning and analysis, allocate human and other resources for the testing. Decide the timing. Now before starting the test, consider the different methods used in Application testing as shown in the picture below.

       

      

      Here, for functional testing, jot down a few things like which OS you are using, various device platforms, networks, etc. And for Non-functional testing, select from various methods like Scalability testing, Performance Testing, Load testing etc.
    • Creation of test cases
      As we get near to actual testing, this is the primal necessity for testing. Here one should create test cases considering the planning done in earlier stages. A proper Document should be made which must include all the features and functions of the application. Also, the test cases should mention all the test cases of both functional testing and Non-functional testing. Usability testing, Performance testing, etc. Other than this, It should also contain remaining test cases like Memory usability, Battery consumption, Data, and Speed related details, etc.
    • Automated and Manual testing
      It’s not all on only you neither it is all on the technology. It’s a collaboration between Automatic and Manual Testing. Hence defining the roles of each becomes important. Make sure you made different test scripts for both aspects.
    • Test Case execution
      The time has arrived. This is the step where you actually do the testing. One can choose where he wants to execute the testing. On cloud, in physical devices, or using testing tools.
    • Reviewing Errors
      All the bugs found in the testing should be reported to the Application development team to clear them.
    • Documentation
      Make sure you note down all the bugs, errors, and other notes which you have found in the testing. This Documentation helps in reviewing the test and also for later tests.
    • Completion
      The Application has to be tested again and again to make sure the bugs have been cleared. Also, to assure that the removal of bug did not affect the coding of the present functionalities. As we know, whenever any new code is added or replaced in the application, the test has to be done again. Hence there is no such thing as completion of the test. But still, A test is considered as complete when the bugs are removed.

For more effective testing, here are some expert tips.

• • • For Social media apps, Autonomous authentication is important.
    • The tester has to be good at designing and implementing Web 2.0 testing.
    • All-inclusive website testing should be carried out.

In conclusion, Social Media Applications are the of our times. To keep up and increase the tempo of the usage of these apps, it is quite essential to make sure they work better and are secure. So, test them out!

For those who got irked by the headline of this article – please hold on until you read the full article.

At vTEST, we all are testers in different capacity, skill set, years of experience and loads of passion to test anything and everything. As testers, we ought to be aggressive, pursuant and make things right by pointing out the wrong in it. Sounds ok?.

We want all testers (and to start with our Testomaniacs) to be FEARLESS like a Tiger. A fearless tester that will strive for quality to ensure that the best software is released on time. We need to train ourselves to be strong and powerful to not compromise on quality at all levels. Many a times, testers tend to agree with approach that is defined by non-testers or business folks. We need to be able to speak up and communicate our approach to publicist with all stakeholders rather than accepting any approach that will jeopardize the quality.

This is a shout out to all testers to be FEARLESS, be willing to bring the change even if it means to question the set standards. Yes, we treat all vTEST Testomaniacs like FEARLESS Tigers = Animals (as per the title of this article) that will be relentless to build and implement best testing practices. Happy Testing!.

The headline of this article poses a simple question that all testers should be asking themselves.

Before starting to test an application, testers are required to gather complete information about multiple aspects such as technology stack, application architecture, hosting details, testing scope, testing process, types of testing to be conducted, tools to be used and so on. If testers lack any of these information then it makes their life miserable and adds unnecessary delays in the testing lifecycle. Often testers tend to jump into logging defects and consider that as the most important deliverable of testing. It’s important to understand that defects are essential however it is equally or highly important for testers to first understand the application under test and conduct detailed analysis before starting to test.

Testers hence need to ask themselves on whether you are testing the software? OR is the software testing you?. A good and well prepared start will help each tester to organise their efforts in the most effective manner. A marathon runner also starts in a crouch position but only to push himself / herself ahead and bullet ahead to take best start. If we (testers) start to test without complete information then we are allowing ambiguity, incomplete understanding, uncertainty and improper utilisation of time to step-in to our process. In such cases, it’s the software that is testing you as we ignore to focus on the testing aspect and only follow what the software provides us with. The application under test drives us rather than the testers driving the test efforts and fully control on what and how to be tested.

Bottomline is for testers to start only when they have invested enough time on analysis, information gathering and understanding of what needs to be tested. All the best.

Your testing services vendor should be hitting it out of the park on each and every project they work with you on.

Unfortunately, many vendors in the software testing services space leave a lot to be desired. I have talked to hundreds of clients over the past 10 years as a senior consultant in the testing industry. Over that time, at least 1 out of every 2 clients has told me that they wish their vendor stepped up in several areas, including: a.) Their engagement (work harder to understand their business and unlock hidden technology value), b.) Their capability to innovate (drive new tools and processes into their service areas), c.) Their efficiency and effectiveness (in a measurable way), or d.) Their process improvement skills (including using metrics to improve testing while becoming less reactive/more proactive).

Many clients I have talked to also have told me that if a better service provider comes along with these attributes, they will not only listen, but seriously consider switching.

So what should you look for in a testing services provider? Here are a few key things to look out for:

• Make sure your vendor is responsive to your needs and is able to communicate well while working collaboratively across your organization.
• Make sure your vendor is transparent with the metrics that show how efficient and effective their testing services are. You shouldn’t have to ask your vendor for these metrics, they should be providing them regularly. And, they should tell you what they are doing to improve monthly (if not more often). They need to earn your business every day.
• Make sure your vendor is helping you discover defects as early as possible in your project life-cycle. This requires effort up-front and good planning, and almost always requires effective test automation and test-ops to be in place. The sooner defects are found, the better for your bottom line.

Few days back, someone asked me whether we at vTEST recruit ONLY Engineers for our Software Testing positions. I said a big NO and that’s when I thought of penning down this.

My thoughts –

–         I have been strongly advocating that you need not be an engineer to become a successful software tester. It has been observed that MNCs, SMEs or even startups have been restricting only Engineers to apply for their software testing positions.

–         In my 15+ years of software testing experience, I have interacted with 1000s of aspiring and budding software testers that come from varied educational backgrounds. In the US, I have met and admired few strong software testers that would have very different educational qualifications like Psychology, Arts, and Literature. Whatever their educational background, for me it is important that they can test and yes effectively.

–         I have often had healthy debates with folks from MNCs that would be adamant to hire ONLY Engineers and pay them better than any Non-Engineer. I have strongly differed against this school of thought.

My recommendations –

–         I would highly recommend that salaries be decided as per the skill set of an individual as against the educational background. I have nothing against Engineers per say, I myself am an Engineer.

–         The important fact to be considered is that we are hiring a skill set and not mere education. Again, I am definitely not against any educational degree but just holding a particular degree does not make you a better tester than others. It might help you get an entry to a job requirement that wants to hire engineers only but definitely not get the work done for you.

–         In India, there are 1000s of students that are unable to pursue engineering due to a number of reasons other than academic skills like lack of funds, lack of support, family commitments, and geographical location and so on. But should they be deprived of building their careers too?, absolutely not.

–         For specific testing requirements, you might need a distinct skill set that can be trained. If training needs to be provided to engineer and non-engineer and if both can grasp well then why not train a non-engineer?.

–         The best way to determine is your interview and that’s the time to judge engineer vs a non-engineer. If a non-engineer can get the job done with the right attitude, aptitude, communication skill and other secondary skills required then why not hire a non-engineer?.

What is vTEST?

–         vTEST is a team of “testomaniacs” that are ardent about quality and YES we hire non-engineers too.

–         We call our testers – testomaniacs as they love each bit of testing and are zealous to deliver best quality software.

–         Our testomaniacs are passionate in each testing type and equally professional. At hiring, we conduct tough interviews to ensure that we have the right talent joining us. After joining, training is provided to upgrade different types of skill sets and eventually make them awesome testers that rock!.

–         All testomaniacs are experts on different types of testing and take full ownership of application under test. 

–         vTEST provides testing services through dedicated and on-demand channels to multiple clients in 24×7 operating model. 

–         vTEST certifies each application tested and provides a digital certificate accompanied with detailed test summary reports.

Please note this is no way a marketing gig for vTEST. For any criticism / thoughts, feel free to reach me at [email protected]. Happy Testing!.