In today’s world, where technology is constantly evolving and mobile devices have become an integral part of our lives, it’s crucial to ensure that our mobile apps are of the highest quality. Mobile app testing evaluates an app’s functionality, performance, and usability to ensure that it works smoothly and provides an exceptional user experience.
In this blog, we will delve into the significance of mobile app testing and the various methods and benefits of conducting thorough testing on mobile apps. From ensuring compatibility with different devices to identifying bugs and performance issues, mobile app testing is a crucial step in the app development process. So, buckle up and join us on this informative journey to understand why mobile app testing is critical and how it can help deliver world-class mobile apps!
What is Mobile App Testing?
Mobile App Testing is checking the functionality and usability of a mobile app (for Android or iOS) before its public release. This testing helps confirm that the app meets the desired technical and business specifications. To ensure successful testing, teams must test the app on various screen resolutions, operating system versions, and network bandwidths. This guarantees that the app will function seamlessly on various device configurations once made available to the public.
In general, mobile app testing involves:
- Examining the app’s performance on different OS versions (incl., Android 7.0, 8.0, etc.)
- Checking the app’s display in both Portrait and Landscape mode
- Confirming the app’s compatibility and performance when used under specific settings
- Ensuring the app’s compatibility with mobile sensors like the Gyroscope, Accelerometer, GPS, etc.
- Evaluating the app’s GUI (Menus, dropdown, navigation buttons, etc.) for proper functionality
Benefits of Mobile App Testing:
1. Guarantees Proper App Performance
The QA process’s main objective is to ensure that the solution operates smoothly. Additionally, QA specialists verify that users can easily download the program on various devices to produce a properly functioning product.
2. Anticipates User Experience
In this stage, specialists take on the end-users role and assess the solution’s appearance and feel. Then, they use the app to determine if its navigation is intuitive, logical, and convenient for users in various situations. This helps predict whether customers will continue using the app or uninstall it from their mobile devices.
3. Enhances Customer Loyalty
By ensuring easy usability and proper app performance, customer satisfaction will increase, leading to a larger audience and a good reputation in the industry.
4. Generates Higher Revenue
Although testing may require initial investments, it helps avoid fixing issues and rebuilding a product at the final stage, saving time and reducing the overall cost, allowing for a quicker time-to-market. In addition, by collaborating with testing experts, you can expect higher returns in the future.
5. Decreases Testing Time During Development Phase
Manual tests require a lot of time and workforce. With automation testing, analysts can perform various tests quickly, improving testing speed and efficiency.
6. Lowers App Development Cost
The efficient use of automated app testing can lower the cost of app development. Thorough testing is the primary cause of cost savings and helps avoid the emergence of bugs after deployment.
7. Speeds Up App Deployment
The combination of automated testing and the Agile development process leads to fast app development, delivering excellent results and increased ROI. In addition, automated testing reduces the app development life cycle, resulting in more rapid app deployment.
What are the Different Methods of Mobile App Testing
The mobile app market is highly competitive, leading developers to establish a testing plan before starting a project. A general mobile testing process includes ten steps:
1. Sketching the Process –
Initially, compile a comprehensive list of test cases you intend to run, including all the appropriate test plans and use cases. Subsequently, determine which tests you wish to conduct in each sprint and the anticipated results.
2. Picking the Type of Mobile Testing-
Once you have created a testing plan, the next step is to determine whether you will perform the testing manually or use automation. This stage involves evaluating options for deciding between manual testing and automation.
Automated testing is an excellent option to consider if you face the following scenarios:
- Predictable Test Results: Automation is ideal for conditional testing where the outcome is known, allowing developers to monitor the testing process and output closely.
- Frequent Use Cases: If you have to test the app’s core functionality regularly, automation can help save time and reduce the risk of issues that may arise from repetitive manual testing.
- Device Diversity: Compatibility testing can be time-consuming with various screen sizes and types of devices. Automating the testing process can help overcome this challenge.
It’s important to note that smaller tests are more manageable and efficient when automated, while the goal of manual testing may be preferred for repetitive system testing.
3. Developing test cases for various functionalities
Once you have decided on the type of testing to perform, the next step is to define the test cases. This can be done using either of the following methods:
- Business Scenario-Based Testing: This approach allows you to evaluate the system from a business perspective.
- Requirement-Based Testing: This method focuses on testing specific app features to assess performance.
The type of test you choose will determine which test cases to define.
All app tests can be further categorized into two main groups:
- Functional Testing
- Non-Functional Testing
Once you have defined the test cases, you can start with the selected testing process.
4. Manual Testing
Many developers prefer automated testing for Agile testing, but a combination of manual and automation testing is often recommended.
According to the app’s test plan, the testing of each sprint should start with manual testing. This is because manual testing requires no initial investment and is often preferred.
It’s essential to keep records of the testing session in a document, such as Excel or Word. You can save time by conducting manual tests simultaneously if multiple testers are available.
5. Automated Testing
Once you have completed a few manual testing sessions and identified patterns in the results, consider automating the repetitive or predictable tests. Experts often automate load testing, performance testing, spike testing, or stress testing.
When it comes to automation, selecting the right tool is essential. Several options are available, and you should consider a few factors when making your choice.
6. Usability and Beta Testing
There is a common misconception that beta testing can substitute for usability testing, as both identify similar errors. However, it is recommended to perform both.
- Usability Testing: Begin with a usability testing session during the design phase, as it allows you to gather feedback from real users. In addition, this type of testing helps developers showcase potential features and narrow down the list of those that have been well-received by users.
- Beta Testing: This type of testing is most suitable when the product is ready and developers seek feedback before release. It allows developers to understand user behavior, what features are most desired, and what direction the app should take in the future.
7. Performance Testing
After testing the performance of each feature of the app, the next step is to test the overall system’s performance. This is where performance app testing is conducted to evaluate scalability, speed, and stability under heavy traffic. It also checks for any system errors.
Before starting, it’s crucial to determine what the app can do, under what favorable conditions, and for what intended use cases the system needs to perform well.
It’s recommended to run performance testing sprints while conducting unit testing, which is considered a robust approach.
When evaluating the app’s performance, consider it from the user’s perspective, not just a developer’s. This way, you will be able to determine the effectiveness of the performance testing.
8. Security and Compliance Testing
Before release, the mobile app must comply with various data security guidelines. In addition, you need to implement different data security standards based on the features included in the app.
Here are some standard security guidelines:
- HIPAA is the security standard for mobile healthcare apps that collect, store, or process medical data.
- PCI DSS is a set of data security requirements for mobile apps accepting payments.
- FFIEC is a set of guidelines for banks and financial institutions to secure sensitive financial data.
When conducting security testing, be aware of industry standards and translate these guidelines into practical measures. A security tester must also be prepared to handle expected and unexpected conditions. Also, be sure to accurately document all security practices in case they need to be evaluated.
9. Device Testing
Mobile device testing, which tests mobile apps’ usability, functionality, and consistency, can be performed manually and automatically. It involves testing cases and scripts on each previously identified device, either on physical devices, in the cloud, or through testing tools.
10. Releasing Final Version
Once all essential tasks are complete, developers need to run an end-to-end testing sprint to ensure that the app works correctly at the server level and back end and is ready for upload.
Conclusion-
Mobile app testing ensures a mobile application’s quality, functionality, and user experience. The benefits of mobile app testing include improved user satisfaction, reduced downtime, and increased revenue.
At Scrum Digital, we understand the importance of mobile app testing and offer comprehensive IT solutions to help businesses develop and test their mobile applications. Our team of experts can help you navigate the testing process and deliver a high-quality, functional, and user-friendly mobile app. Contact us today if you want to learn more about our services and how we can help you take your mobile app to the next level.
