How to Improve Mobile App Testing Process?

ImpactQA
4 min readJul 16, 2020
ImpactQA — Methods to Improve Mobile App Testing Process

The various methods related to mobile device testing are slightly complex and require expert professionals. We cannot deny the importance of testing and therefore it is essential to also focus on the associated challenges. For example, a lot needs to be kept up-to-date, be it mobile OS updates, latest features, hybrid apps, or web application frameworks. Also, we now have access to a new range of DevOps tools that ensure the performance and reliability of shipped mobile apps.

At present, the mobile app industry has grown intensely competitive. You can experience swelling dominance by leading mobile app testing service providers together with topmost messaging services. To stand out, there is a need to abide by a smart approach related to mobile app testing that allows the correct recognition of early defects. Such activity often supports quick development cycles that are part of agile practice. Here are a few tips for carefully improving mobile app testing routine:

Automated Mobile Testing

With mobile apps, automated testing is very important as compared to traditional apps. The use of automation permits you to run tests simultaneously across different emulators as well as real devices. As a result, test results pick up the pace and enhances time to market.

On the other hand, it should be remembered that every mobile app test need not be automated. There are certain tests which are best performed when operated manually. To manage test automation service for mobile apps, it is essential to arrange the correct set of tools. For example, Appium is regarded as a renowned open-source test automation framework for mobile applications that readily supports both Android and iOS. Hence, it permits you to write tests once to be further run on both platforms.

Test Various Network Settings

The most common difference between desktop and mobile devices is how they maintain their internet connection. It could be seen that phones and tablets frequently switch between diverse wireless networks, which is not a concern with PCs that simply stays connected to an Ethernet cable.

It is observed that the instability of mobile networks can pose challenges for certain applications. Some of these issues include video conferencing and VoIP that have minor scope for discontinuation or jitter. Furthermore, less demanding applications like messaging clients and mobile games can turn virtually useless if a steady IP network connection is not maintained. This is why it gets imperative to conduct IoT testing for spotting the response of your application when substituted from constant connectivity.

Mobile Performance & Load Testing

The inclusion of testing in the early stages of the development cycle does help in identifying bugs. However, with mobile performance and load testing, it is better to conduct these techniques later in the cycle. One can leverage several cloud-based emulators to replicate user behaviour while testing for traffic augmentation. Furthermore, using a tool like JMeter proves advantageous with load testing conducted at the protocol level.

In contrast, you will have to conduct mobile app testing for performance checks over several actual devices. This action is required to look for issues such as memory leaks, and disruption of calls and other apps. Do remember that with performance and load testing, one needs to put in varied tactics to include all bases, although it is necessary to ensure your app functions effortlessly post-release.

Strategy for Different Application Models

It is vital to understand that mobile apps are available in many forms. There are native applications which are primarily concerned with deep interactions including system APIs; you have web apps that run smoothly in the mobile browser and then there are hybrid apps which blend features of both these versions.

At the time of mobile app development, it is essential to note each application model has its own distinctive set of necessities. For instance, a native app should be optimized for a single platform since it permits tapping into the unique features of that particular OS. On the contrary, a web app needs to be attuned with several prominent web browsers and operate well on different device models.

Deploy Mobile Specific Tools

The actions associated with mobile app testing conducted in a correct order require specific mobile testing tools. Luckily, you can now find many competent tools specifically designed to serve diverse objectives in mobile app testing.

For example, one of the most effective mobile testing platforms is Appium. Apart from this, there are several other tools like Robotium which is basically an easy-to-operate testing tool built for Android. Espresso is another purpose-based mobile app testing tool that assists you in writing and automating UI tests easily.

With the above pointers, we now have a clear interpretation on how to better mobile app testing process. You can even learn about different alternative techniques for ramping up mobile app testing by gaining knowledge from a reliable software testing company.

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ImpactQA

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