Understanding Mobile Application Testing
Testing on different softwares varies based on the device being used. In that context, mobile application testing is a lot different from general testing but is also one of the most commonly followed testing methods. Mobile software testing involves validating a mobile application, be it an Android or iOS one, for its functionality and usability before it is released to the general public. Testers will constantly have to remember that there are levels to what is expected from the whole testing process.There are business goals that have to be met, which can be considered a fixed goal or a benchmark. User expectations are also something testers absolutely cannot miss.
In addition to understanding what users expect and achieving business goals, a successful mobile application runs tests across various operating system versions, screen resolutions, network bandwidths, and more.
Five best tests to conduct on mobile applications with examples
a) Functional Testing:
Functional testing is undertaken for every software application. However, focusing on mobile applications, we understand that functional testing ensures that the app works according to the requirements. As the name suggests, functional testing ensures the application’s functionality is working as it should. Common goals this testing intends on achieving are whether it is a quality product, meets functional requirements, ensures customer satisfaction, and identifies and reduces any threat or risk.
Within the realm of functional testing, there are various other forms of tests that are run, including Unit Testing, Integration Testing, and End-to-End testing.
b) Usability Testing:
A good user experience is the ultimate goal of any application, and the same goes for mobile applications as well. During usability testing, testers are constantly questioned about whether the application has a good standard layout, whether the UI is seamless and intuitive, and overall whether it offers an easy user experience. Once after the usability testing, users should be able to perform their tasks effortlessly without getting caught up with the layout of the buttons.
This testing uses real devices to have a better understanding of user requirements. Enterprises often employ different methods to get user insights.
c) Performance Testing:
What happens to a mobile application when it’s put under a lot of pressure or load? Performance testing ensures that the application remains stable, functional, and responsive regardless of the pressure it’s put under. The workload can be with regards to mobile device usage, website usage, or application traffic.
Mobile applications are put through varied loads at different times, and it is essential that they respond quickly to any difference, be it in network or usage. Ideally, users would like to stick with one application rather than constantly switching service providers, but when they are put through poorly performing applications, they don’t think twice before switching to a better mobile application. This makes it imperative that performance testing be extensively done on mobile applications before they are released.
Under performance testing we have, Load Testing, Stress Testing, Endurance Testing, Spike Testing, and Volume Testing
d) Compatibility Testing:
While creating mobile applications, it becomes crucial that the app functions properly and is compatible with all the different types of mobile devices. Compatibility testing is important to ensure that users across different devices can use the application without running into any performance or functional issues. Compatibility testing includes listing out the challenges and mapping out how the application can be accessible across different devices.
e) Security Testing:
Security testing is the most crucial type of testing for any application. However, in mobile application testing, it broadly includes the following:
i) Authentication and Authorisation
Code that lacks effective authentication and authorisation checks may leave room for malicious attacks.
ii) Data Security
It is crucial that any possibility of a data breach be foreseen and addressed. Data security is a real concern as it can result in millions of application users’ data being stolen.
iii) Removing Hacking Possibilities
Hackers are always looking for vulnerabilities in applications, security testing ensures that they are foreseen and addressed.
iv) Safe Communication
Users’ sensitive data may suffer if sensitive data is transmitted over networks without encryption.
Mobile application testing checklist for effective mobile testing
Before a mobile application is released, testers generally ensure that they keep in mind the following checklist:
a) They carry out a detailed market research
b) Carry out a quality analysis of the product being tested
c) Evaluation of the application
d) Setting pre-launch goals
e) Creating a support team