Why is Mobile App Testing Important for Application Development?

Below is an analysis of this important aspect.

Quality Assurance

Once mobile app developers are fully done developing their mobile app, it’s likely that are anxious and eager to launch the product to the market. However, before the launch of an app, it is wise to check whether the app is flawless in performing fundamental functions such as downloading and execution.

The best personnel to undertake this is the QA team as they supposed to scrutinize on the standards of the mobile application. This encompasses assessing the compatibility of the app with the existing infrastructure.

So what tests does the team conduct?

1. Manual Testing

Simply involves reading through written documentation to confirm that the set requirements have been duly met. This is critical in counterchecking if any step or piece is missing in the code used in writing the app.

2. Scripted Testing

After going through the manual, the QA team advances to create and run a script to test the app. If there is an omission, in terms of workflow and logic, then a responsive action should be undertaken.

It should also be noted that scripted testing is time demanding thus app developers ought to be thorough and patient.

Capitalize on Revenue Generation

An estimated 2 billion mobile and tablet users made some form of mobile commerce transaction in 2017. With projections only indicating an increase in this, there is no turning back on m-commerce. It is up to businesses to capitalize on this venture and earn more revenue.

By testing the app, you get to determine whether it has a competitive edge over others in mobile commerce.

App testing will aid in strategizing on how to allocate resources for activities such as development, maintenance, marketing, branding, and launch of the app. When all this is captured then you will minimize costs and maximize the profit.

Finally, do not forget to dedicate substantial resources on testing itself.

Helps to Improve App User Interface

Is the mobile user interface friendly?

Is it easy to operate your app? What’s the average load time and speed?

Are your customers satisfied with what they see?

These are just but a few questions that serious mobile app developers should interrogate.

To win on this, it is wise to take up simplistic designs for your application user interface. So how do simple layouts look like?

• Easy to use and navigate – The content used in the app should have a logic flow. This should be throughout the pages provided.
  Keyboard versus touch space- always ensure that the app provides more touch compared to keyboard space. Notwithstanding, users should not strain when it comes to typing.
• Incorporates user feedback – it sucks when users cannot share their experience on the app. To address this, the app should encompass a feedback option.
• Include a search feature– what better way to aid in navigation that having a search alternative on your page.
• Shareable – provide share options where users can tag their friends on social media and email.
• Fast page load time – app users are notoriously impatient when it comes to response time. Strive to design the app with to facilitate between 20-22 seconds page loading time.

If you realize that your app is lacking in some of these aspects, then you can redeem yourself by including them.

Guides in Checking and Releasing Updates

Well, there are dozens of ways of checking on new updates such as online research. Nonetheless, app developers are urged to conduct rigorous tests to determine when and where to update their application. For instance, if you detect bugs during the early stages it is prudent to develop an update to improve the app’s performance.

Aside from this, the app may fail to be compatible with newer versions of software and firmware used. To avoid this, you can go the extra mile of trying out all the new options to timely detect any glitches. This gives you ample time to plan for the next step and maximize profits.

Helps in Reducing Risks

Based on surveys and statistics, it’s estimated that business apps cost between $100,000 and $500,000 to develop. Imagine how heartbreaking it can be to lose your mobile application due to negligence. Since we don’t wish you such misfortune, it’s recommended that you pay keen interest in app testing.

By forecasting challenges such as bugs and crashes, it is easier to mitigate the issues in good time. You also reduce the risk of losing your target users by ensuring that the objectives are met.

To Win in SEO

As you effortlessly work to woe more users on your mobile app, it is important to also pay attention to search engine optimization. Here, Google crawlers will scrutinize your application to check for bugs and crashes.

It will be unfortunate for you to have a poor ranking on search results simply because you underestimated the need for testing.

Builds your Brand

Users often distance themselves from botched and underperforming apps. For that reason, mobile app developers should endeavor to create an impressive brand for their product.

So how does testing help in branding?

Well, the recommendations emerging from app testing should first be implemented. After doing this, then you’ll realize that more users appreciate and enjoy using the app. From here the word spreads to other customers.

Aside from this, app developers should be wary that global app marketers, such as Apple store, are stringent on restricting faulty apps on their platform.

Attracts Loyal Customers

If all aspects of your mobile application fall into place then you attract die-hard users. What this means is that the strong user base will come in handy in marketing your app. By sharing and recommending the app to friends, you gradually gain popularity.

Additionally, visitors will be drawn to try out your app due to the conviction that its functionality is reputable.

Promotes Compatibility with a Variety of Devices

With millions of smartphone sold each year, it is a daunting task to ensure all users interact with your app. It’s for this reason that app testing is detrimental in helping with enhancing software and hardware compatibility.

For instance, the tester introduces your app on Android, Apple iOS, Windows and Blackberry to measure the performance on each. The same procedure is followed in hardware compatibility testing.

You can borrow from the likes of Facebook and Google who are thorough in testing compatibility with new smartphone versions. The more compatible your app is the more users you get on your mobile application.

Common Platforms used for Mobile App Testing

Since we are discussing the importance of app testing, in app development, it is worth mentioning the steps of testing on different platforms.

A. Phone/ real device Testing

This simply entails running and testing the app on a smartphone or tablet.

1. Unit/basic test

Notably, this is the spine of the entire testing procedure. So what is unit testing? This technique is integrated into the initial stages more so during the coding of the app. Here app developers are able to assess the functionality of the app in terms of how it performs in different situations.

2. Monkey test

Here, testing is carried out by automated tools. However, it is not an absolute testing tool. So what does it do? Firstly, it’s conducted on System under test (SUT) and builds on the unit test.

From this analysis, it is possible to identify loopholes that could lead to the failure and dismal performance of your mobile app. An example of such a platform is Netflix’s ChaosMonkey.

There are two types of monkey testing;

• Smart monkey testing– used to test for stress and loading speeds
• Dumb monkey testing– pinpoints bugs and crashes

3. Visual test

Here the QA team conducts tests to ascertain that the Graphical user interface is projected correctly to users. In relation to this, visual tests have been found to aid in checking the language input. So how does it achieve this? Well, the test reaffirms that the native language concurs with the selection made by the user. In other scenarios, it scrutinizes that the text is written in the right direction to avoid confusion.

The tests also reveal whether the display matches the resolution, screen size, orientation of variant gadgets.

4. Performance tests

To validate whether the app meets the set goal, app owners should test performance metrics such as stability, use of resources, app responsiveness, and user interface.

Come up with a checklist to counter-check the app’s performance. Below are things that you should encompass.

• Installation and uninstall
• Orientation
• Application start and stop
• App updates
• Voice call and text message services
• Location
• Performance
• Security and privacy
• User interface
• Notification
• Platform specific

5. Generate a test summary report

The testing team should release a detailed test report to be used as a reference for the company. This information should include; the type of testing adopted, the quality of the software placed under test and the time taken to carry out the tests.

From this report, mobile app owners can substantiate on whether to still use the test or switch to another one.

Pros

• Easy to test.
• Gives real insights into how the app will perform on the actual platform.
• Easy to identify bugs to be encountered in the real environment.
• Aids in testing interruptions such as voice calls and text messages.
• Also favors testing for push notification and connectivity features such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Cons

• Time-consuming and expensive
• Limited in terms of availability of some of the used devices
• High maintenance costs

B. Cloud Testing

Essentially thrives on the shift to cloud platforms for storage and communication. In this scenario, the crowd technology involves the indulgence of multiple smartphone devices and operating systems. Also with platforms such as Google Docs, it’s quite easy to do some benchmark on what other companies are doing.

Nevertheless, there are a set of conditions to be met to effectively integrate cloud testing. One is the assessment of the device architecture, available support systems for hardware and software, security constraints in transferring data.

Some of the common cloud testing platforms include; Perfecto, Sauce Labs, AWB Device Farm, Experitest, and Kobiton.

Pros: 

• Saves on the cost incurred – Pocket-friendly for mobile app developers as they invest less on infrastructure such as storage devices.
• Reliable and always reliable – All you need is an internet connection and you’re good to go. This is regardless of the device you’re using to access the services.
• Allows parallel tests to be done on varying devices.
• Provides customization options – Offers the QA team the freedom to formulate tailored tests to suit their mobile application.
• Promotes nimble interaction – This means that all members of the development team can be engaged at a go. It thus ensures everyone is onboard and on the same page.
• Data recovery – Provides backup for team members to retrieve data if lost.
• Central data services – Output and information provided from different offices are gathered in one central place. From here members can remotely access the data.

Cons:

• Limited to internet connectivity – You can only use cloud testing when connected to the net.
• Issues surrounding bandwidth – If you’re unlucky with the bandwidth at disposal, then the quality tests may be compromised.
• Does not guarantee security and privacy – Since the cloud is an open source platform, you are entitled to full proof security on the data shared.
• Rigidity – This is manifested when it comes to making agreements with vendors. Some only have non-negotiable agreements which inconvenience a number of enterprises.

C. Mobile Simulator Testing

There is a thin line between the performance of emulators and simulators. Basically, emulators duplicate the entire app including both the hardware and software. This is then allowed to run on the platform.

As for simulators, they replicate the same platform allowing you to view the OS and interface. The difference, here is that the platform hides some glitches and problems experienced.

Pros

• Highlights unexpected app behavior.
• Allows the app to run unmodified.
• Simulates both software and hardware.
• Relatively cheap

Cons

• Time-consuming especially for the engineering team overseeing the process.
• Capital intensive- to build your app to seamlessly work on various platform and infrastructure requires you to dig deep into your pockets.
• More investment is also needed to cater to the myriad types of smartphone models.
• Requires frequent updates

Conclusion:

Other types include manual and automated testing and network connectivity. After walking you through the importance, steps, and types of app testing, it is your duty to bag these tips and embrace testing for your mobile testing.

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