Quality Assurance is an important part of mobile application development. In today’s scenario, mobile phones are not used just as a communication medium, but also as an important means of digital media and content. This requires continuous services depending on the user demand and interest. Poor-performing, slow and bug infested apps have no place in the mobile market. Research studies indicate that users are highly intolerant towards problematic apps and chances for the users to discard them are too high. This is the reason why companies should pay more attention to their mobile app testing strategies. A full range of QA and testing services should be performed to ensure that mobile applications meet the highest standards.
To deliver an efficient mobile application with flawless user experience, right mobile application testing strategy should be adopted. A mobile application testing strategy should ensure that the app does not block the main purpose of the mobile, i.e. communication. Different mobiles run on different operating systems and this requires the app to support more platforms and operating systems. Introduction of new updates of operating system software forces the developer to make changes in the app.
There exists a tough competition in the mobile market and users expect the vendors to update their apps frequently. Developers are forced to release new functionalities in a shorter time. In the absence of a proper testing strategy, the performance of the updated app or new version of the app cannot be validated.
By making use of a professional testing strategy, we can identify the issues present in the application and fix them before it is rolled-out. A rigorous testing helps to ensure that the functionality and usability issues are nil. A well-tested application can enhance customer satisfaction and apps rating.
In this article, we look at some of the essential stages in mobile application testing:
- Installation Testing: Testing is done to ensure that the user can install/uninstall the application smoothly. Testers should check that all the application data is removed when it is uninstalled. Tests are carried out to ensure that the application is updated properly while upgrading to a new version.
- Platform testing: Application must be tested across all major platforms and operating systems to ensure that it performs its functions as designed.
- Functional testing: Testing is carried out to ensure that the application is working as per the requirements in the specifications. Mobile devices come with hardware features like screen, camera, storage etc and sensors like ambient light, location etc. The mobile app should be tested in different sensor specific and hardware specific environments to improve the performance. Tests should be done to ensure that the application can handle interruptions like calls, SMS, network outage etc and resume the functions smoothly once the interruptions are over.
- UI Testing: The look and feel of the application is very important in providing an excellent end-user experience. Testing is done from the user’s perspective to ensure that it is simple to learn and easy to use. Navigation, menus, layout and design are tested thoroughly.
- Performance Testing: Testing is done to identify application and infrastructure bottlenecks, response time, network usage, energy consumption, memory usage etc. Testers also ensure that the application functions well under excessive loads.
- Security Testing: Testers check and ensure that the applications data storage is secure and is in accordance with the specified guidelines. Testing includes authentication, authorization, data security and vulnerability analysis.
Once mobile application testing is completed, final report is created that includes quality of the application, different types of testing performed with time taken for each testing and critical information revealed by the test conducted. The report helps the business to decide whether the application is ready for its launch in the market.
A systematic testing approach performed meticulously will guarantee a fully functional product of highest quality.
