What is Mobile App Testing?
With the digital age on the rise, mobile apps have become a necessity for businesses wanting to broaden consumer reach. While people are able to look at a company’s content online with a computer, having a custom-built application that is compatible with mobile devices is essential in order to make the everyday lives of consumers a little easier. When people are on the go or don’t have access to a computer, having easily accessible information is key.
Defining Mobile App Testing
App success can be measured by the number of downloads and the positive comments, as well as a rapid implementation of new features and bug fixes. Above all, not to be underestimated, word of mouth.
So, what exactly is mobile app testing and why is it important? Mobile app testing is the process in which application software developed specifically for handheld mobile devices is tested for its usability, functionality, and consistency. Testing for quality is an essential part of the software application process because an app’s success is determined by whether or not the quality meets high enough standards.
A poor-quality app can not only hurt the essence of your brand, but also potentially drive people away from using it all together. According to Sauce Labs, “App success can be measured by the number of downloads and the positive comments, as well as a rapid implementation of new features and bug fixes. Above all, not to be underestimated, word of mouth.” In order to constantly implement new features and specs that appeal to your audience, as well as minimize the number of bugs within the system, mobile app testing is vital for application success.
Challenges
Application testing allows developers to ensure the app is successful and getting the attention it deserves. However, there are many challenges that come with application software. With a fast-growing number of different mobile devices constantly hitting the market, there is great fragmentation causing many challenges due to the huge variety of physical devices, versions of OS, screen sizes, and much more. This fragmentation further instills the importance of mobile app testing and what it could mean for the quality, compatibility, and usability of your mobile app.
One of the main challenges with mobile app testing is the number of different mobile devices there are today. All of these devices are different in size, shape, hardware, and software, so creating something that is unified as well as compatible across all devices can be a little tricky.
Another main challenge with mobile app testing is the fact that people are constantly on the go and moving from place to place. Changing networks and roaming can bring about some complications, so it is important to test for how the application responds to changing environments.
Approach
While there are many ways to approach mobile app testing, two main ways to do so are with manual testing and automated testing. There are many pros and cons to both of these methods.
Manual
Manual testing is simply software testing completed directly by a human with little support from tools or scripts. This is the best to use when trying to test for usability and user experience. Manual testing often makes it easier to directly identify and deal with more complicated user experience issues. However, one down side to manual testing is that there is often human error involved.
Automated
Automated testing is software testing where tests are run with the assistance of tools, scripts, and software. This is the best to use when trying to scan for issues on a larger scale simultaneously. Automated testing is also often more cost-effective for larger mobile apps over time. One down side to automated testing, however, is that it is unable to test user experience factors and it can only test what it is programmed to do.
Benefits
With testing, your app will be something people not only need to use, but want to use. Mobile app testing is something that is needed to not only develop a successful app, but keep the app successful over a long period of time. Through accurate and consistent testing, your business can develop an app known for its high quality and unique user experience. While mobile app testing can become a drawn out, tedious process at times, it is imperative to test your application software consistently throughout its life to ensure it remains user friendly.
“WITH TESTING, YOUR APP WILL BE SOMETHING PEOPLE NOT ONLY NEED TO USE, BUT WANT TO USE.”