As a business owner, you know that a well-functioning mobile app is essential to your success. But how can you be sure your app is ready for prime time?
Testing a mobile application is essential to ensure that it works correctly and meets the needs of the users. By testing the application thoroughly, you can catch any errors or problems before the application is released to the public. This can help to improve the overall user experience and reduce the number of support requests.
If you want to ensure that your mobile app is thoroughly tested and ready for release, the best way is to hire a reputable mobile app development company. With their expertise, you can be confident that your app will undergo comprehensive testing, and that any issues will be resolved before your users encounter them. Check out our article for a complete checklist on mobile application testing to help you get started on the path to a successful app launch.
3 Prerequisites to Test a Mobile Application
The importance of testing cannot be overemphasized, especially if your mobile app is targeted at a large user base.
Here are a few key things to keep in mind when testing mobile applications.
1. Test the App on Multiple Devices
First, mobile applications are used on a variety of devices with different screen sizes, operating systems, and hardware. So, testing must be done on as many different types of devices as possible. For example, an app that looks great on an iPhone may not look as good on a Galaxy. To ensure that your app works well on all devices, test it on as many different types of devices as possible.
2. Test the App under Multiple Conditions
Mobile apps are used in a variety of locations and conditions. So, testing must be done in as many different locations and conditions as possible to ensure the best possible user experience. This includes testing in different environments, such as in a lab and the field, and under a variety of conditions, like different network speeds and signal strengths. By doing this, you can catch and fix any potential problems before your users do.
3. Constant Monitoring
Mobile applications are constantly updated. Regular testing ensures that the mobile app is still working properly. To keep up with changes, it is important to have a dedicated team who can test the updates as they are released.
How are Mobile Apps Tested?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to testing mobile applications. The best approach depends on the specific app and platform. Generally speaking, mobile apps can be tested in two ways:
- Automation Testing
- Manual Testing
For manual testing, people use the app to see if it works as expected. This can be a quick and easy way to get started with testing, but it’s not always feasible for large or complex apps. Automation testing, on the other hand, involves tools that automatically execute tests. It’s a more efficient way to test apps, but it requires more setup and knowledge to get started.
Both manual and automation testing have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right approach for your specific needs. In general, manual testing is best for small projects and initial testing, while automation is more suited for larger projects and ongoing testing.
What Are the Steps for Testing a Mobile Application?
Testing a mobile application can be a complex and time-consuming process, but some basic steps can help make it go more smoothly.
Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Devices
To test a mobile application, you will need a few things. First, you will need a mobile device. This could be a smartphone, tablet, or even an emulator.
Step 2: Finalize the Testing Platform
A testing platform is essential for quality assurance. It allows you to test your product against a variety of scenarios and identify any potential issues before release. There are many different options for testing platforms, so be sure to choose one that meets your needs.
Step 3: Create a Test Plan
Once you have the necessary tools and devices, you will need to create a test plan. This should outline the goals of the testing and identify the devices, platforms, and schedule.
Step 4: Execute the Test Plan
After the test plan is created, it is time to execute it. This involves running the test script on the devices and platforms outlined in the plan. This is an important step in making sure that the product is ready for release.
Step 5: Analyze the Results
Once the tests have been executed, it is time to analyze the results. This will help you identify any issues with the app and determine if it is ready for release.
What Are the Main Things to Test in Mobile Applications?
You need to test a lot of different things in a mobile application, including the user interface, functionality, performance, compatibility, security, and more. Here are seven important things to keep in mind while testing a mobile application.
1. Functionality Testing
Testing the functionality of a mobile application is critical to ensuring that users have a positive experience. Functionality testing is an important part of the development process and should be included in any quality assurance plan. By covering all the bases and testing for all potential problems, you can be sure that your app will be ready for users when it is released.
Common test cases that should be covered include:
- Starting & Loading of the Application
- Inputs & Outputs
- Navigation
- Buttons & Links
- Data Validation
- Error handling
Functionality testing can happen in three ways:
1. Manual Testing
2. Automated Testing
3. Using a Test Harness
a. Manual Testing
Manual testing is a way to test the functionality of an application by testing it manually. This means that you test the application by using your hands and eyes, rather than a tool or script. It can be a time-consuming process, but it can also be very effective in identifying issues.
b. Automated Testing
Automated testing is a way to test the functionality of an application by using a tool to automate the testing process. This process can help to find errors and bugs in the code, which can then be fixed before the application is released.
c. Using a Test Harness
A test harness is a great way to test the functionality of an application. By using a predefined set of test cases, you can be sure that all aspects of the application are tested. This can help you to find and fix any issues before the application goes live.
2. Usability Testing
Usability is a critical aspect of mobile app design. If an app is difficult to use, users will be less likely to continue using it. This is why user experience is so important. It determines how easy an app is to use. By testing the usability of the app, you can identify any potential issues that need to be fixed before the app is released to the public. It is also a good way to get feedback from users about how they like the app and what improvements they would like to see.
Use tools that allow you to test your app on different devices and see how people are using it. Also, watch people use your app and see where they are getting stuck. You can also use analytics to understand how people are using your app.
3. Compatibility Testing
When it comes to mobile applications, compatibility is key. You want to make sure that your app will work with the devices and operating systems that your users have. By ensuring compatibility, you can avoid any potential problems that might occur when the application is used. Checking compatibility is also a good way to ensure that the application meets your needs and that the app is compatible with all devices and operating systems.
Here are a few ways to check the compatibility of your mobile application.
a. Using Tools
Tools like the Android compatibility checker will tell you if your app is compatible with the most popular Android devices. Similarly, you can find dedicated compatibility checkers for iOS, Windows, and other popular operating systems.
b. Manual Testing
Another way to check compatibility is to test your app on as many devices as possible. This can be time-consuming, but it’s the best way to make sure that your app will work with all types of devices, including older models and different screen sizes. This will help you identify any potential compatibility issues.
c. User Reviews
Finally, you can always ask your users if they’re having any compatibility issues. This is a great way to get feedback and to make sure that your app is working for everyone.
No matter how you check for compatibility, it’s important to make sure that your app will work with your users’ devices and operating systems. By doing this, you’ll ensure that your app is successful and that your users are happy.
4. Security Testing
It is important to check the security of mobile applications before deploying them to protect your devices and customer data. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting mobile applications, so it is critical to ensure that your applications are secure. Checking for vulnerabilities and fixing them before release is essential to reduce security risks for your users and your business.
Many different types of security testing can be performed on a mobile application. Here are some of the most common tests.
a. Vulnerability Scanning
Vulnerability scanning is a process of identifying security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. This type of testing is usually conducted before deploying new software or systems to identify and fix any security holes that could be exploited.
b. Penetration Testing
Penetration testing is the process of simulating an attack on a system to identify its security vulnerabilities. It is used to assess the security of a system and to find and fix security flaws before they can be exploited by attackers.
c. Security Audits
Security audits are an important part of assessing and mitigating risk. This type of testing identifies potential vulnerabilities in a system or application and helps to ensure that data is kept safe.
d. Compliance Testing
Compliance testing is essential to ensure that a system or application meets all relevant security standards and regulations. By performing compliance testing, an organization can establish that its systems are secure and meet all required compliance standards. Some prominent compliance standards include SOC2, ISO, GDPR, etc.
e. Threat Modeling
Threat modeling is a process that helps identify potential security threats and assesses the risks posed by them.
f. Code Review
Code review assesses the security of code and looks for potential vulnerabilities. By identifying and fixing potential security flaws early on, code review can help ensure that your code is as secure as possible.
Each of these types of security testing has its advantages and disadvantages, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best approach uses a combination of these methods to comprehensively assess the security of your mobile application before it is released.
5. Performance Testing
Performance testing ensures that an app can meet the demands of its users. This can include things like load testing to make sure the app can handle large amounts of traffic, as well as functional testing to ensure that all the features of the app work correctly.
With so much riding on the performance of mobile apps, companies must take the time to properly test their apps before release. By doing so, they can confirm that their app will be able to meet the needs of their users and provide a positive experience.
Here are four must-do performance tests for mobile applications.
a. Load Testing
This test determines how the application behaves when a lot of users are accessing it at the same time.
b. Stress Testing
This test measures how the application behaves when it is under a lot of stress. By simulating high volumes of traffic or loads, you can determine how the system will hold up when it’s used by many people simultaneously. This is a critical step in ensuring that your app can handle real-world use.
c. Resiliency Testing
This test checks how the application behaves when it is subjected to various types of failures. By running a resiliency test, you can determine the robustness of your application and find potential areas for improvement.
d. Capacity Testing
This test monitors how the application behaves when it is used at its maximum capacity. To generate accurate results, it is important to simulate real-world conditions as closely as possible.
By doing these performance tests, you will establish that your mobile app can withstand the demands of users and provide a good user experience.
6. Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any app. If an app drains the battery too quickly, it can be frustrating to use. This is especially true for apps that are used frequently, such as messaging or social media apps. Apart from this, if the battery consumption is too high, it can lead to the application being unresponsive or even crashing. Additionally, it can shorten the battery life of the device, which can be a problem for users.
7. Pricing
Pricing is one of the most important aspects of launching a mobile app. If you price your app too high, you risk dissuading potential users from downloading it. If you price it too low, you may not be able to generate enough revenue to sustain your business.
The key is to find a pricing sweet spot that meets the needs of both your users and your business. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
a. Know Your Worth
Before you can price your app appropriately, you need to know how much it’s worth. This means understanding the cost of development, marketing, and maintenance. Once you have a good grasp of your costs, you can start to think about pricing.
b. Research the Competition
Check the prices of other apps in your space. This will give you a good idea of what users are accustomed to paying. It’s important to be competitive, but you also don’t want to undervalue your app.
c. Consider Your Target Market
Who is your app aimed at? If it’s a high-end market, you can price it accordingly. If it’s aimed at a mass market, you’ll need to be more competitive.
d. Decide on a Pricing Model
There are a few different pricing models you can choose from, and the one you select will impact how you price your app. The most common models are paid freemium and subscription.
By taking all these factors into account, you can develop a pricing strategy that ensures your mobile application is appropriately priced for the market.
8. Accessibility Testing
Mobile applications are used by a variety of people. So, testing must be done to ensure that the mobile application is accessible and usable by all, including specially-abled people. By testing the app, you can catch any potential barriers that may exist and fix them before the app is released to the public.
Testing a Mobile App for Accessibility
Several tools and resources are available to help with testing mobile applications for accessibility. The US Department of Health and Human Services offers an online tool, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Checklist, which can assess an app’s compliance with WCAG 2.0. The W3C also has a mobile accessibility testing tool, the Mobile Accessibility Checker, which can be used to test individual pages or entire websites.
When testing a mobile application for accessibility, keep these things in mind.
a. All buttons and links should be easily accessible and visible
b. The app should be easy to navigate, with clear labels and instructions.
c. All content should be easily readable, and any audio content should be captioned.
The Bottomline
As the world gets more and more mobile, it’s important to make sure that your mobile applications are up to snuff. Testing is a crucial part of the development process, and it’s especially important for mobile apps.
There are a few reasons why testing mobile apps is so important. First, mobile devices are a lot less forgiving than desktop computers. If there’s a flaw in your code, it will likely show up on a mobile device. Second, mobile devices have a lot of different hardware and software configurations. So, your app needs to be able to run on a variety of devices without breaking.
Finally, users expect mobile apps to be snappy and responsive. If your app is slow or buggy, users will delete it and move on to something else. So, if you’re developing a mobile app, make sure to put a strong emphasis on testing. It could mean the difference between a successful launch and a total flop.
If you are planning to develop a mobile application, think about the company you choose for the development and testing process. There are many factors that you need to consider while making this decision. But our customers agree – InApp is a great choice.
Here are a few reasons why you should choose us for mobile app development and testing:
Ø Pool of experienced developers and testers
Ø Access to the latest tools and technologies
Ø Competitive pricing
Ø Tailored solutions
Ø Proven track record
