Mobile Application Testing: Understanding its Best Practices and Challenges

When it is about mobile application testing, unlike, web or desktop applications, mobile applications consists of multiple devices, sensors and network variations which need a different set of test exercises.

Test pyramid for mobile application testing comprises four steps including manual and Automated Testing. The most significant step is manual Testing and creates a solid foundation for each mobile app project, supported by end-to-end Testing, Beta Testing and a top layer including unit testing. 

Unit tests and end-to-end tests have the same intensity and represent automation testing, while beta tests and manual tests have some value which serves manual Testing. The beta-testing layer is new to the pyramid but required for every mobile app plan. 

Keeping the high expectations of mobile users in mind requires this layer to be part of every mobile project to get early feedback from your mobile customers. You can either use a crowd testing method for your beta testing or you can ask your partners to beta test old versions of your mobile application to provide critical feedback.

Unlike web apps, not every unit of mobile applications can be tested in a private manner. In some cases, various APIs, layers or arrangements may need to be simulated or mocked to get the small unit to work. 

Kinds of Mobile App Testing

Functional Testing

Functional Testing analyses whether the functionalities are operating as per needs or not. For example, it tests user interactions with the application, like launching the app, logging in, playing a song, reviewing an account balance and other straightforward user flows.

Because functional Testing combines with app’s UI components, database layer, network layer and more it is frequently a time consuming and complicated method. You would need the right balance of various functional testing types to get the most out of it.

Regression Testing

As the name designates, regression testing verifies whether new updates, bits or configuration modifications hadn’t brought new regressions, or bugs, in both the functional and non-functional fields of a mobile application testing. Regression testing verifies that any modifications which are made by the development that is walking through to the improvement.

Performance Testing

Performance testing is the method of ascertaining how a system responds under an appropriate workload or task. In general, performance testing examines the speed, endurance, and scalability of an app. It is performed on both the client side and server side.

Security testing

Security can be critical—for example, when hackers steal consumers’ data—thus making it an essential part of the development and Testing method of the mobile application. Mobile application security testing is a complicated topic that requires expertise in many various areas, such as client-server communication, software design, and system design.

Usability testing

In usability testing, real users review the characteristics and functionality of the mobile app. The principal focus of this testing is on quick and straightforward use of an app, simple onboarding and user’s content with the whole experience.

Compatibility testing

Due to the variation between mobile devices and platforms, compatibility testing for mobile apps is necessary. Compatibility testing is performed to check the application performs as required across the combination of mobile devices and browsers.

End to End testing

End-to-End Testing is a method used to test if the course of an application is operating as intended from start to finish. The objective of carrying out end-to-end tests is to distinguish system dependencies and to assure that the right information is passed among various system elements and methods. The entire application is tested in a real-world situation, such as communicating with the database, interface, tools, and other applications.