As smartphones become more common, developers are finding work in mobile app development. There are many apps available on the market. Only a few apps can make it big in the mobile market. Mobile app testing is becoming more important.
What is the Importance of Mobile Application Testing?
All over the globe, mobile devices have experienced remarkable growth rates. This has opened up new opportunities for career advancement and business growth. Although you may not be able to find a website manual testing today to promote your business, you can easily find a mobile application for it. To keep your business ahead, mobile apps are vital. You will need a mobile app that is high quality. Only rigorous mobile app testing can achieve this.
Main Differences Between Desktop and Mobile Apps?
Mobile applications are clearly different from desktop apps. When testing, this should be considered.
Let’s take a look at the key differences between desktop and mobile apps.
- A mobile device is one that doesn’t have any power. It can’t be used as a personal computing device.
- Testing mobile applications is done using smartphones (Apple and Samsung, Nokia, etc.). The central processor is used to run the desktop app.
- There are many colors and extensions to mobile phones’ screens. A mobile phone’s screen is smaller than one on a desktop.
- The primary purpose of the phone should be to make and receive calls. The application should not interfere with this primary function.
- There are many operating system and component options available, including Android, iOS, BlackBerry, etc.
- Mobile phone OS are quickly becoming obsolete. They are also limited in how often they can update the OS.
- Mobile devices can connect to the internet via 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi while desktops use broadband and Wi-Fi.
- Mobile devices constantly search the network. It is therefore important to test the app at different data rates.
- Mobile application testing is not possible with the tools that are used to test desktop apps.
- Mobile applications require multichannel input (keyboard, voice, and gestures). Multimedia technologies and other features that enhance their usability.
Another important aspect of the mobile app testing process is the type of application. There are three types of mobile apps: Mobile Web Apps, Native (Pure Native), and Hybrid Apps.
In reality, a mobile web application is the website that is opened on the device (smartphone or tablet, smartphone, or tablet) by using the mobile browser.
There are some advantages to the Mobile Web Apps:
- Easy development.
- Accessible from anywhere.
- Simple update
- Mobile Web App requires no installation.
Mobile Apps have some limitations:
- There is no support offline.
- Comparison with Native Apps or Hybrid Apps. Limited functionality (No access the file system, local resources).
- Redistribution issues: Google Play, App Store and App Store don’t support redistribution of Mobile Web Apps.
A native app is an application designed for one platform, such as Android and iOS, Tizen or Windows 10 Mobile, BlackBerry, Tizen, Windows 10 Mobile, or BlackBerry.
Native Apps are not without their merits:
- Native app can also be used offline.
- It has access to all features on its device.
- Advanced user experience.
- Push notifications can be used to notify users.
Native Apps have their drawbacks:
- The cost of creating native apps is higher than that of a mobile web app.
- Maintenance can be costly.
Hybrid App is a hybrid app that combines the Native App and the Mobile Web App. It’s a mobile website content exposition presented in an app format.
There are some advantages to hybrid apps:
- The Native App is cheaper than the native app.
- Distribution is simple
- Embedded browser.
- The device’s features.
The Hybrid Apps have their drawbacks:
- It’s not as fast as Native App.
- Native App is more familiar with graphics than the OS.
Simulators VS Emulators
Simulators are often used for mobile testing. What are emulators and simulators? These devices can mimic the behavior and function of mobile devices. They are very different.
Emulator is the original replacement for your device. You can run apps on your device and not modify them.
Simulator does not mimic hardware on your mobile device, but it can simulate the environment of your original mobile’s operating systems.
Simulators can be used for mobile application testing, but Emulators are better suited to testing mobile web applications.
Mobile Manual Testing or Automated Testing – What is Better?
While some testers support manual test, others believe that it will soon die. Both manual and automation testing are essential.
While there are some scenarios that can be best tested using automation testing, others are more reliable when manual testing is used.