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Key Best Practices to Efficient Mobile App Testing

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Ankit Kumar
Key Best Practices to Efficient Mobile App Testing

“Mobile use is growing faster than all of Google’s internal predictions.” – Eric Schmidt

It is the world of mobile devices and mobile apps today. It needs no confirmation to ascertain the wide spread of mobile usage across the world. Looking at the below proven statistics explains the very importance of mobile devices and mobile apps in our lives.

Mobile app companies are offering best of their services and solutions, based on requirements by the users. Owing to critical information being shared and a lot of competition, offering high quality output and a seamless customer experience is on top priority. And to make that happen, what is of prime importance is a thorough testing of these mobile apps.

Mobile app testing is a popular procedure adopted by most organizations to ensure a smooth, effective, and successful implementation of their mobile apps. With technology advancing, there are intricate elements that must be tested in-depth before they reach the customer. There are diverse testing types, methods, plans, tools, and software components that are thronging the market. A thorough procedure to test mobile apps must be well defined right from the start of the project and guidance of an experienced IT services/QA partner is recommended.

Before we plunge into the intricacies of how best mobile apps can be tested, let us have an overview of what it means.

What is Mobile App Testing?

Mobile application testing is a process by which application software developed for handheld mobile devices is tested for its functionality, usability and consistency. Mobile application testing can be an automated or manual type of testing. - Wikipedia

Mobile app testing is

  • A process by which mobile apps are tested for serviceability, reliability, and functionality
  • A way of testing in which different user categories are offered various testing experiences to find out which one best suits the requirements
  • Considered ideal for testing business flows, UI testing and cross-platform reporting

Types of Mobile App Testing

  • Functional testing
  • Performance testing
  • Usability testing
  • Load testing
  • Operational testing
  • Security testing

Major Categories of Mobile Apps That Get Tested

  • Native mobile apps – These are related to either iOS or Android setup
  • Hybrid apps – Consists of a wrapper that is based on a native application and can avail all OS related competencies
  • Web apps – These can be accessed through mobile native browsers but are web apps
  • Progressive web apps – Possesses a web link particular to the OS and is the leading cutting-edge technology today

How Important is Mobile App Testing and Why?

Mobile app testing is an integral part of the success of any project. There are many reasons that contribute to its significance, because of why is it is an indispensable ingredient. Here are some of the key reasons:

  • Mobile app testing validates the performance of applications especially when the number of users increases. It checks for the response time and consumption of resources that helps in ascertaining the robustness of the application. It also ensures proper usage of hardware, CPU utilization and storage of server components.
  • It helps in determining the capabilities of the software application in terms of different key performance metrics like server response time, performance tuning etc. It also offers estimated performance measures that help testers determine the maximum limit of the system.
  • It enhances user experience and core metrics to offer a personalized feel. It maximizes the output of business applications to give an insightful view into the bulk of information.
  • It tests for all involved features apart from the basic app features taking the entire application to a different level. It takes care of specific requirements that belong to various user categories hence assuring a completely tested unit. Each user category can be targeted separately to ensure that all of them are well covered before it reaches the final stage.
  • It helps in reducing the risk of failure and other risks involved by testing all possible conditions right in the testing phase. This assures a well-tested and robust application that goes in front of the customer.
  • It facilitates testing of experimental features during the testing phase so that while it reaches the production level, there are least hurdles involved. Integration with various third-party applications can also be tested right in the testing phase.
  • It helps in faster execution and management of continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). A regular testing schedule can assure an organized release schedule and implementation progress.

Key Best Practices to Ensure an Effective Mobile App Testing Process

  • Alignment of Testing Goals and Business Needs Must be Ensured

The start must be right, and it kicks off with mapping of the business needs with the testing goals. If done accurately and in a timely manner, the entire mobile app testing process is sure to yield effective and successful results. Even all the functionalities and features that must be included in the test coverage schedule must be identified right from the beginning. This ensures no point is left out and hence helps in sticking to a proper schedule.

  • Work Out Testing Key Performance Indicator Metrics and Calculate Them As Needed

KPIs are supposed to be associated with each phase of the project. Mobile app testing has its own set of KPIs defined such as average response time, error rate, maximum response time, maximum number of requests, concurrent number of active users etc.

  • Prepare a Proper Testing Schedule Including Testing Types, Cases, Schedules, Tools

A carefully planned testing schedule will include different parameters that must be worked out, from start. This includes planning the various types of testing like manual, automated, functional, performance etc. It also includes working upon the test cases that will drive the testing schedule and the different dates that will cater to the entire plan. All these must be thought of, well in start to avoid any hassles later. The testing scenario must recreate a real-life scenario to encompass all possible criterion. Based on these conditions, it must be decided on which testing tools must be adapted in the projects.

  • Take Care of Bandwidth and Latency of Network While Performing Testing

Since mobile app testing includes mobile devices that have an internet connectivity through other service providers, the bandwidth and latency must be checked. Catering to a variety of combinations will help achieve a better application performance and enhanced customer experience.

  • Detect and Verify App Defects with Proper Tools

Extracting and solving defects is the main task of a testing team. Any mobile app testing process must include a well-defined defect management system in which defects are culled, analysed, and solved, with the help of cutting- edge testing tools. Defects must be categorized into different categories that define the severity of the defect. There must be a set mechanism that can attend the defects and rectify them, well within time limits.

  • Ensure Mobile Responsiveness and Usability

Building a mobile application has its own peculiarities and must be catered to. A mobile device could belong to any size and category and hence the responsiveness of the mobile application is a must to be tested. The mobile app must be tested rigorously for its usability, the customer must be keen to use it and there must be successful transactions out of it. In the world of multiple browser options, cross browser compatibility must be kept in mind while testing any mobile app.

  • Make the Most of Testing Tools and Technologies

Today’s technology driven world offers a plethora of tools and technologies that can assist in the best of testing of mobile apps. There are many tools that categorize according to the type of testing being performed. Prior to kicking off the testing project, there must be detailed skill evaluation to ascertain the presence of necessary resources in the chosen technology.

Challenges Encountered While Mobile App Testing

Performing a robust and secure mobile app testing isn’t an easy task. It involved multiple challenges that must be well thought of prior to executing the testing process. Here are some of the hurdles that testing teams may have to consider in advance:

  • Emulation of devices like camera, GPS, microphones etc.
  • Variations in OS versions, devices, page layouts, system fonts etc.
  • Installation and procurement of multiple devices, emulators
  • Complexities that arise owing to testing touchscreen mobile devices
  • Handling and managing device related features
  • Changing testing style depending upon the nature of the mobile application
  • Management of different network connections
  • Ensuring security protocols and risk to cyberthreats and malicious attacks

On a Final Note

Mobile app testing forms the crux of an effective mobile app development process. It has been evolving over time, with newer trends, technologies, and tools. It has been gaining prime importance and the year shall see more involvement of the same in delivering successful mobile app projects.

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