The Most Comprehensive Guide to Read On Mobile Testing

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Morris

Mobile Testing has become vital today as millions of mobile applications are available on the play store.
Over the years, the number will increase as more and more people come on the internet every year, and time spent on mobile applications increases every year.
People nowadays are very selective with which mobile applications they install; however, applications add value to their life; it might be educational value, entertainment value, etc.
But if your application is value-adding, excellent, has the potential to impress the user but if it’s not bug-free, has an error, the UI is not smooth, and hangs because of that, then it’s going out in the trash, i.e. the user will uninstall it.
Today software application demand is at the top; even small businesses want to make their application to scale their business; if you run a software development firm, you might be aware of this, and over the years application development demand is going to go up so along with software development, proper software testing is also essential.

What Is Mobile Testing?

Mobile Testing is the process by which we test the mobile applications which you use, me and millions of people across the world to check whether they are functioning properly if there are any bugs in these applications, are they user friendly, check their performance and this testing helps to know the bugs in this app which allows the developer to work on this application to make them more efficient, more functional, more user friendly.

Why Mobile Testing Is Important For Your App

Well, not all applications are Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, which almost every user will have on their Mobile.
If your app is not working properly and has problems like lots of bugs, or the app is taking a lot more processing power, affecting your mobile performance, or main features are not working correctly.
In all not like by the user, the user will not waste its mobile space for your application and will uninstall it, and worse, it will give a 1-star rating, which will lead to other people not installing your application. So to solve all these bugs, mobile testing is very much necessary.
User is everything, so providing a better experience is essential for your business success, unless how big of a problem you are solving, or you might be providing the best facility with the app. Still, if a user is not satisfied with your app, it will click uninstall button give a one-star review. They lose nothing, but you will lose potential users.
You can also read this detailed article on

Key Factors in Mobile Testing

1.Great User Experience

Any mobile app’s most crucial first impression is providing a seamless and appealing user experience. The user interface should be straightforward, effective, and simple to navigate. As a result, it is essential to test the mobile app using the user-interface crowd testing mobile testing method. This aids in comprehending the initial reaction and feedback from real-time users. It is also beneficial to test the app in real-world scenarios with users from various places to acquire a first-hand look and feel.

2. Impressive Performance

While utilizing a mobile app, users anticipate a positive response from the application. Users judge an app’s performance by how responsive it is, how quickly it starts up, how well it uses device memory, and how efficiently it uses device power, among other factors. Furthermore, a user’s expectation of responsiveness changes depending on the mobile device. For example, optimizing screen size is critical for delivering optimal app performance. Hence Performance testing is essential to ensure flawless app performance, as malfunctions may result in disengaged consumers.

3. End-to-End Security

With cyber threats all around and, in particular, mobile apps being widely attacked, it is critical to evaluate them thoroughly; Users need the security of their data and secure transactions. Therefore, we need to perform end-to-end security testing that should focus on mobile apps to execute stable payment integrations. Security testing aids in the identification of threats and weaknesses in the app and ensures data security.

4. Stable Operating Systems

There are several different mobile operating systems in use (iOS, Android, Windows 10, and so on), and this OS has multiple versions. The supported platforms’ complexity has increased to a new degree. Typically, organizations should ensure that their mobile applications run well on all operating systems and versions. Therefore, we need to perform end-to-end mobile app testing across OS versions to achieve cross-OS compatibility.

5. Compatibility Across Devices and OS

There are many different sorts of mobile devices, and the mobile application should work as intended across a variety of mobile devices and browsers.
We perform Mobile compatibility testing to ensure that apps work correctly on various devices and browser combinations and that interfaces and behavior are as intended. Compatibility testing is typically done for the following reasons:
Cross-platform Testing with databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, and others.
Cross-browser Testing with Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Mozilla, Safari, etc.
System software testing, such as web server and updates
Cross-platform Testing across numerous mobile platforms, devices, and networks
As a result, mobile compatibility testing ensures that the mobile app is compatible with all of them with so many different devices, platforms, screen resolutions, memory sizes, and connectivity possibilities.

6. Stable Network Bandwidth and Carrier Networks

The influence of internet bandwidth on mobile apps is significant. A typically sluggish or poor internet connection has a negative impact on the behavior of mobile applications for various users. As a result, users seldom wait more than 3 seconds for an app page to load. As a result, mobile testing should be conducted to assess the impact of disruptions and network fluctuations.
Interruption testing, in particular, is a method that replicates abrupt or unexpected interruptions in the app, such as battery removal, OS upgrade, plugging in and out of charging, network loss and restoration, and device shut down, to name a few. As a result, Testing mobile apps in real-world network conditions is critical for obtaining an accurate picture of mobile app behavior.
Mobile apps are typically created to accommodate numerous geographical regions and are available in multiple languages to engage end-users. These apps should be geo-located and tested across carrier networks to verify proper app usage in various locales.

7. Usability

Mobile apps should be user-friendly and intuitive to attract baby boomers, novice users, and experienced users. The app should be engaging, have a beautiful appearance and feel, and have easy navigation across all capabilities. Complicated user flows confuse users, and they may refrain from using such mobile apps. As a result, we should perform usability testing to guarantee that the app has a smooth and easy flow throughout its functionalities.

8. Scalability

When a mobile app gets successful, there is a noticeable increase in the number of users, which can sometimes be exponential. As a result, it is obvious to utilize Load testing to test the mobile app’s scalability with increasing and decreasing user loads. Load testing determines whether the program can scale when a large number of users access it at the same time.
Also Read : Security Testing: The Complete Guide!

Mobile Application Testing Strategy

Testing is a pivotal component in the lifecycle of a mobile application. It ensures that the app functions as intended, offers a seamless user experience, and adheres to security standards. Here’s a strategic approach to mobile application testing:
Define Clear Objectives: Understand the goals of your testing. Are you looking to identify bugs, improve user experience, or test specific functionalities?
Setup Mobile App Automation Testing Goals: Recognize the importance of continuous testing throughout the development and maintenance phases. As the development progresses, user feedback becomes a crucial form of testing, making automation more challenging.
Plan Test Cases: Utilize the Agile testing matrix to describe the test cases. Remember, testing isn’t just a step in the development process but an integral part of each Agile sprint. Prioritize tests based on their frequency, risk level, and potential for human error.
Choose A Test Automation Framework: Depending on the nature of your tests, select an appropriate automation framework. Whether it’s a Linear, Modular-Based, Data-Driven, or Hybrid framework, ensure it aligns with your testing needs.
Select the Right Automation Testing Tool: Your choice of tool should cater to your specific requirements, including the types of tests you’re conducting, the operating systems you’re targeting, and your budget.
Real Devices vs. Virtual Devices: While real devices offer an authentic testing environment, it’s often impractical to test on every available device. Aim to test on key target devices and use virtual devices for broader coverage. Consider the trade-offs between accuracy, cost, and speed.
Continuous Feedback: Regularly gather feedback from both automated tests and real users. Adjust your testing strategy based on this feedback to ensure comprehensive coverage and high-quality results.
By following this strategy, businesses can ensure a robust and user-friendly mobile application ready to make a mark in the competitive market.

Types of Mobile Testing

01 Usability testing

This, often known as user experience testing, evaluates an app’s usability. It examines usability and intuitiveness to provide a bug-free user experience. Because everyone determines the product’s success by appealing to its end-to-end user experience, it is best to conduct usability testing with genuine customers on real devices.
This is the most effective method for determining the target audience’s preferences. On the other hand, trained testers can perform user scenarios that mimic the behavior of actual end-users.
Things to consider during usability testing:
Layout and design that is smooth and visually appealing
A high level of intuition
Quick response time – Most consumers prefer apps that launch within 2-3 seconds of pressing the icon.

02 Compatibility testing

Compatibility testing is a sort of non-functional testing that ensures your mobile app works on various operating systems, devices and applications, network conditions, and internal hardware specs.
In particular, you should be aware if:
The app is compatible with variety of operating systems and versions (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.)
The programme works effectively with a variety of networks and their characteristics (bandwidth, operating speed, etc.)
The app works with a variety of browsers (Google, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
The app is compatible with various devices (screen size, data storage, etc.)
There are two kinds of compatibility tests to think about:
Testing the mobile app’s behaviour with earlier software versions is a step back.
Forward: testing the functioning of the mobile app with new – even beta – software versions

03 Security Testing

App users are getting increasingly concerned about data security risks. Most netizens are worried about their online privacy and the confidentiality of their data — 70% are anxious that their personal information would be shared without their permission. Eighty-one per cent of customers say they would delete an app and switch providers if they were concerned about security.
Security testing is critical to an app’s success. Because practically every app requires personal information to function, we need to perform tests to reinforce them to ensure data confidentiality. In addition, QAs must extensively test the application’s ability to protect its users from having their information leaked or hacked. This is particularly true for financial apps.

04 Performance Testing

Performance testing determines how effectively a mobile application runs under a specific workload. These tests are necessary to guarantee that your app is not broken.
The following are checked for during performance :
Device performance is related to the start-up time, battery usage, and memory utilisation.
Performance of the network: Errors or delays in getting information
Performance of the API / Server: When and in what format data is need to transfer
Furthermore, your app should include built-in backup and recovery mechanisms that store or recover user data that may be lost for any cause. This is where you would put that capability to the test.

05 Installation tests

Installation testing is performed to determine whether or not the program has been installed correctly in the new system and is functioning as expected. It is a stage of testing that occurs right before end-user interaction with the program. It is one of the most critical software testing life cycle stages.
Some of the features are as follows:
Aids in detecting faults and errors that occur throughout the software development process.
Aids in the delivery of optimal user experience.
Have a dedicated team for software testing in addition to the configuration.
This procedure can include both partial and complete installation and aids in covering the largest amount of ground.

06 Function Testing

Functional testing is a sort of software testing in which we validate software systems against functional requirements/specifications. It aims to test each software application function by giving adequate input and comparing the output to the Functional requirements.
This testing primarily deals with black-box testing and not the application’s source code. This testing examines the Application Under Test’s User Interface, APIs, Database, Security, Client/Server connection, and other features. We can perform this testing manually or automatically.

07 Regression testing

We do such testing to check if the most recent updates or patches have introduced any new regressions or issues in the mobile app system. It is done regularly to ensure that further modifications are feature enhancements rather than bugs in the application.

08 Interrupt Testing

Incoming and outgoing calls/SMS/MMS, pop-up notifications/reminders, and other interruptions are all simulated in interrupt tests. They ensure that the AUT can manage all interruptions by suspending them and then restarting them.

Types of Mobile Apps

01 Native

These mobile apps are designed specifically for a platform or operating system (OS). They have the extra benefit of being faster and more reliable in terms of performance, but they are more expensive to maintain because they focus on a single OS.

02 Hybrid applications

Such apps are a mix of native and web-based applications. They present the HTML and JavaScript files in a full-screen format using a web view control. These apps are both – very affordable and easy to create.

03 Progressive Web App (PWA)

A progressive web app is a web link that the user installs on iOS and Android devices. You can find PWAs on Instagram and Twitter. You may install these apps by creating a shortcut to them rather than visiting the App Store or Google Play.

04 Web Application

Web apps are comparable to native apps, except that we may utilize these apps on mobile devices through a web browser. It has modest development costs, but it relies entirely on the device’s browser.

Difference between Android and iOS Testing:

01 The hardware of Mobile Devices

Android hardware manufacturers are permitted to later versions of the Android platform, resulting in app design and functionality changes, making testing on real Android devices critical. As a result, testing apps on real devices is essential for both Android and iOS.

02 Software Upgrade

Android device manufacturers are in charge of OS updates. They select when to provide upgrades and whether or not users receive them at all. Users may not receive an update for the most recent Android version simply because it is not anticipated in the product line. Furthermore, it usually takes many months following a new version for Android users to receive updates for their devices.
iOS offers a whole different experience. Users can install its updates on all of their iOS devices simultaneously.

03 System’s Type

iOS is a closed-source OS developed by Apple, particularly for mobile devices. On the other hand, Android is Google’s open-source operating system that allows for extensive modification by the developer community and third-party manufacturers. Whereas iOS relies on the XNU kernel written in C/C++ and Objective-C, Android relies heavily on the Linux OS as a foundation for the kernel written in C/C++.

04 Apps Stores

We can download Android apps via the official Google Play store and other websites and memory cards. For example, you can download Apple apps from Apple’s digital distribution network – the App Store – as well as from other resources. Google Play and Apple Play both review Android and iOS applications. Apple, on the other hand, is way more serious about this.

05 Devices Variety

As there are many Android devices, Android upgrades typically take a long time to deliver. In other words, if you want to ensure that a new product and features perform flawlessly across a wide range of Android devices, you need to invest a significant amount of time and effort in Android app testing.

Why Choose Automation Testing Over Manual Testing?

01 Launch Application Fast

Bugs correction is one of the most important and most time-consuming works. In manual testing, you need to hire a team of testers which takes a lot of time, and then manual testers take a lot of time to test all frameworks, and there are chances of human error. So manual testing is time-consuming, not efficient.
But automation testing is the opposite and much better than manual testing. Thus, with automation testing tools like TestGrid.io, testing does not become a hurdle and instead becomes a smooth process.
With automation testing software like TestGrid.io, we solve all these problems as with TestGrid.io; you can automate mobile testing.
TestGrid.io detects the flaws in your application, checks that the code is performing the features correctly, and provides the report.

02 Anytime Anywhere By Anyone

With automation testing software like TestGrid.io, you can perform software testing anytime. Just execute the automation testing and do the rest of your work; after some time, it provides you with an accurate, detailed report of all testing done.
So basically, you do not need to assign someone for testing; this saves time for your developers and increases your firm’s utilization.
Also, with features like cloud infrastructure, testing can be done from anywhere. Instruction in automation testing applications like TestGrid.io is simple English, so anyone with zero programming knowledge can efficiently perform the test.

03 More Detail

With manual mobile application testing, there are chances that errors might be left. Still, with automation testing using software like testgird.io, there is no chance that error will be gone, as with TestGrid.io, you get the detailed testing with the proper framework working in the background; also TestGrid.io provides maximum testings in the market with a detailed report, so chances of errors are almost zero with automation mobile testing.

04 Simultaneous Testing

With mobile automation testing software, we can test the application along with the development, so if there are any errors in the early stage of application development, developers can find them early and solve the errors at that time, unlike the traditional method where software development is done and then moving to test

05 Saves Money

Testing is not a one-time thing. You need to perform testing every time, and if you add some new features, you need to test your application. If you provide some security update, you need to test your application, and with more projects required for application testing going to go up,
With mobile testing automation tools like TestGrid.io, you can automate all this process; you can test multiple applications and check applications after an update, with a cost less than the manual tester and thus saves your huge amount.

Benefits Of Using TestOS For Your Mobile App Testing

• Industry-leading mobile cloud with on-prem and hosted options.
• 90% faster than traditional appium based element extraction.
• Real-time display of the device screen.
• Ability to test user experience without any lags.
• Enjoy the same testing experience, whether onshore or off.
• Huge cost savings .

Key Feature Of TestOS Mobile App Testing Tool

• Scriptless automation test cases for Mobile.
• Generates XCUITest, Appium, TestGrid ,Selenium, and Espresso Code.
• Browser-based test case execution on real physical devices.
• Plug and Play Mobile Infrastructure.
• Cost-effective mobile cloud infrastructure.

Conclusion

Mobile software needs to be bug-free; end-users today uninstall, particularly if they feel that the application is not working according to their need; they uninstall it.
So if your application is excellent and bug-free, you are good to go!
If you want to stand out in the market and want people to install your application and make it more user friendly and bug-free
Mobile automation testing is the best way to test applications faster and make them bug-free.

Source : This blog is originally published at TestGrid

This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Morris