Mobile devices and mobile applications have taken over our lives. There are so many options available to users now that the quality of a mobile application often determines its sustainability in the market. So, how can app developers create high-quality products that will stand out from the competition? The answer is simple — with mobile application testing!
What is mobile application testing?
It is a pretty straightforward term. Mobile application testing is a process through which apps developed for mobile devices are tested for performance and quality. It is one of the most crucial stages of the mobile app development process. It helps you assess whether the application meets all the industry standards, business requirements, and user expectations.
In this stage, the app is subjected to different plausible conditions, and its performance is analyzed. This process helps you determine whether the application has lived up to your expectations in terms of usability, quality, loading speed, and performance. You can also assess whether the intended functionality is in place and is functioning properly.
Differences between web and mobile application testing
Even though mobile and web applications almost look and feel similar, the approach to their testing process should be different. Since their development uses different kinds of technologies, usually they have different frameworks where they get tested. Also, web apps are cross-platform. So, they don’t have to be tested on different types of web browsers.
In comparison, mobile application testing is more complex and needs more resources. Also, during the testing stage, you will have to account for different kinds of devices, OS versions, screen sizes, hardware specifications, and more.
Importance of mobile application testing
1. Enhance user experience
Mobile application testing not only ensures that the app performs the expected function seamlessly but also tests the experience it offers to the users. Most software solutions are built with a primary goal in mind – to resolve a specific problem that the target audience has. And mobile app testing will guarantee that the app achieves its purpose.
2. Achieve performance metrics
Effective mobile application testing will make sure that the technical aspects of an app are up to par with other applications in the market. This includes assessing whether there are any performance hindrances and whether it functions seamlessly on all the target devices.
3. Improve brand reputation
Identifying bugs, glitches, and crushes and the reasons that cause them will decrease the number of poor reviews on different platforms. This will not damage the reputation of a company and persuade more people to utilize the application. Since around 88% of mobile time is spent on applications, a high-quality app will further stand out and improve the reputation of a brand.
4. Improve user-friendliness
Irrespective of the size and type of mobile application you are developing, efficient software quality assurance will ensure that the software functions well with a wide range of devices and thus can be used by a bigger audience.
5. Assure data security
When the app deals with sensitive data like personal information and user profiles, mobile app security testing will help in enhancing the security of the application. You can rest assured that the information is secure and well-protected against any type of attack.
Types of mobile testing
1. Functional testing
This type of mobile application testing ensures that all key functions of the app are functioning as they are supposed to. The process includes using each feature in different conditions and testing whether they work as intended. Consequently, UI testing is conducted that focuses on assessing different settings, menu options, each button, and interactive elements.
Additionally, there is a business flow testing that analyses app navigation and optimization of the user experience.
2. Non-functional testing
In this type of mobile application testing, it is verified whether other aspects of the application are up to standards. This includes performance testing, in which the app is put to test with different modes of battery consumption, different types of network connections, and with different sets of hardware.
Also, there is stress testing, that centers around intense environments. Mobile app security testing also comes under is another important part of non-functional testing and checks whether the data in the app is vulnerable to any kind of attack or can be accessed by a third party.
3. Testing in real environments
This is another major type of mobile application testing. It is true that not every company has access to all kinds of devices they plan to release their application on. However, even limited testing options in a real environment can showcase issues and problems that went unnoticed in a simulated environment.
The process involves testing on a low-level device or with a bad network connection or with other interruptions. Such extreme cases will very well show the other underlying issues with the app’s performance.
Best Practices for mobile application testing
· Start with a clear and focussed mobile testing strategy and define the goals and objectives before initiating the actual tests.
· Use automation to increase productivity and efficiency.
· Conduct UI tests on real mobile devices, not just on simulators or emulators.
· Ensure that your tests are applied at the beginning of the testing process as well as progressively throughout the development process.
· Prioritize mobile application testing on certain devices and operating systems since it is not practical to test on every device, OS, and network combination.
· Execute stress, performance, and security testing effectively.
Wrapping Up
Mobile application testing is a complex process and includes a lot of limitations and challenges. However, it is also an extremely necessary step that you simply cannot miss if you wish to see your app perform well in the market. So, irrespective of whether you are a newbie in the field or have experience with mobile app development, you will need some help from seasoned professionals.
Cleffex can offer you such assistance. Also, we can help with custom mobile app development, extend the capabilities of your software development teams, and provide many other services. You can also find useful information related to technology trends on our blog. Contact us to discuss your project!
Mobile Application Testing – Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Mobile devices and mobile applications have taken over our lives. There are so many options available to users now that the quality of a mobile application often determines its sustainability in the market. So, how can app developers create high-quality products that will stand out from the competition? The answer is simple — with mobile application testing!
