- What is mobile app testing?
- Variety of mobile programs
- Automatic vs. manual testing – what to choose?
- Features of mobile application testing
- Tools
Nowadays, a company that does not employ mobile applications to advertise or engage with potential or existing consumers is hard to imagine. A rise in the demand for testers on the labor market in many nations coincides with the growing use of such a technology. To become an expert QA engineer and carry out these duties, enrolling in and completing the DevEducation mobile app testing course is vital. You can learn the fundamentals in the course, hone your talents, and uncover new facets of the direction created for distinct operating systems.
In this article, we will talk in more detail about the mobile testing features and the tools which can be used to carry out such tasks.
What is mobile app testing?
Application testing is the procedure for testing software designed for smartphones, tablets, and other similar gadgets of any operating system. The specialist examines:
- functionality
- performance
- comfort
- security of the app
A specialist’s primary responsibility is ensuring the tested software completes all the assigned tasks. The expert should verify that the intended outcome matches the actual one, all requirements are met, and there are no significant errors. Overall, application testing is the process of ensuring software satisfies business needs and user expectations.
Variety of mobile programs
Before considering methods to check apps, it is critical to figure out what types of utilities the experts work with. Traditionally, they are divided into three key categories:
- Native applications. These utilities are created to fit a specific platform in one particular programming language. They are installed on a mobile device solely from an official resource or store.
- Web applications. They are created with the help of server-side technologies and operate within a mobile Internet browser. They can be divided into adaptive and progressive ones.
- Hybrid programs. You can install such apps only from the official store, and at the same time, they function based on web technologies. The critical difference from traditional web apps is that hybrid versions get more access to device functionality, capabilities, and modern features of a pre-installed operating system.
You can test mobile apps manually or in automatic mode.
Automatic vs. manual testing – what to choose?
Automated mobile testing is believed to be a more critical and effective procedure. However, testers can also use the manual method, especially when working with small and simple programs. The Android utility store has a great array of software, so manual verification is quite popular.
The automation of this process will be the best choice if:
- it is necessary to do this work in the shortest possible time;
- there is an impressive variety of devices on which the utility works;
- fairly broad targeting of the target audience is used.
It’s critical to understand automated testing won’t be able to accurately test a mobile application’s performance. However, you may significantly speed up the process, improve efficiency, and save time and money with the help of automatic verification, so you shouldn’t give up the procedure.
Features of mobile application testing
You will need to understand the features of the process when selecting the types of mobile app testing. Let’s look at a checklist of procedures which will help you perform the task as efficiently as possible.
Consider all gadget models
It is crucial to remember there are countless operating system versions and other technical aspects of devices. To determine which model range of smartphones and tablets is sought-after by the target audience and to test it on such devices, you should gather statistical data at the beginning of the project.
Test browsers, old and new OS versions
If the utility does not support the OS installed on the user’s device, they cannot download it to a smartphone or tablet. With this feature in mind, software developers may put a unique stub with a notification that the browser or operating system needs to be updated to a specific version.
Run test cases
The expert must consider how the target audience connects with mobile software. As a result, test cases are developed with a detailed explanation of each step needed to test a particular option. They are entirely based on user scenarios, which are in-depth diagrams showing how the target audience representatives utilize programs to address problems that have emerged and obstacles getting in the way.
Ensure the new version is comfortable
Issues and errors should not accompany software updates. Therefore, while testing mobile applications, the mobile app testing checklist must contain a point dedicated to finding out how the utility will behave if users have not updated the version.
Operation with poor network signal
The expert must examine and assess each situation which arises when utilizing the software, including any difficulties with the Internet connection. Ensuring the mobile utility responds uniformly in all Wi-Fi connectivity issues is crucial.
Test user communication with the interface
Novice testers always try to find an app testing example and build on it in their future work. In all cases, the specialist must check these app’s characteristics:
- functionality
- safety
- performance level
- comfort, and ease of use
At the same time, every fine point must be considered – from simultaneous use of other programs to changing the font’s size. Native programs use the device’s built-in features, such as a microphone, but they must ask permission to open it on iOS devices.
Tools
When it comes to mobile app testing, choosing the right tools is critical to ensure the app is flawless and provides the best user experience. The key is understanding your needs and goals and selecting the right mobile app testing tools that align with them. Luckily, developers today have a wide range of options when it comes to software designed explicitly for testers. From manual testing tools that allow testers to conduct tests and identify bugs to automated testing tools that streamline the testing process and save time and resources. Some of the best options:
- Gadget emulators. These programs enable you to simulate the operation of mobile devices with various parameters and functionality.
- DevTools. It is the best choice to test within a web browser. Such a tool makes it easy to assess the network connection’s speed, the layout’s adaptability, and the accuracy of altering the screen orientation.
- Services Beta, TestFlight. The software is perfect for doing beta testing.
- Sniffers. The tool is your go-to option when checking the correct interaction with the backend. Using sniffers, you may analyze https requests, different response codes, and software responses.
You might discover a mobile app testing example and learn the fundamentals of working with tools on your own. The best option, however, would be to enroll in a QA engineering course. It offers students both fundamental academic knowledge and practical skills for all aspects of mobile testing, including software creation and understanding the intricacies of testing. With expert guidance from seasoned industry professionals, students gain real-world experience while expanding their knowledge base. But don’t just take the word for it – dive right in and start honing your skills. The opportunities to gain success are endless with DevEducation.
