Quality Assurance: Software Testing Tips

Poor ratings in the App Store or Google Play can shorten the life of an application because consumers are picky. Even with a three-star rating, the application fails for 50% of users. This requires software testing – preferably with a strategic approach.

Smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and wearables such as smartwatches – mobile devices have long since overtaken the PC as the main source of global Internet traffic. This evolution means applications need to work seamlessly across all of these devices. Consumers want an “intuitive” experience. To achieve this, apps usually undergo large-scale software testing in fragmented environments.

The tests pursue similar goals as those for web apps: They should guarantee device-independent quality, functionality, and usability. But the similarities end here because software testing poses further questions to testers. Five tips on how managers can keep the testing requirements of mobile applications under control.

Are no real devices available? use simulators

Ideally, mobile applications should be tested on all possible end devices and their different versions at an early stage of development. But buying every device available on the market is neither practical nor economical. Device farms aren’t a real alternative either – and even if you can get your hands on a “real” device, there’s a good chance it won’t work or won’t have the operating system you need. This can create bottlenecks that delay development and prevent IT teams from continuously automating software testing for CI/CD. Those responsible should consider several options: In addition to real devices, they can also use emulators and simulators.

Automate software testing via one platform

Alongside this, test teams should consider a simpler approach to device management overall. Because the world is full of mobile devices: how many old iPhones, iPads, or Apple Watches are still lying around? All of these devices come in different versions, and new ones are constantly being released. They each have their own operating systems, versions, updates, and other particular permutations.

If test teams were to subject every available device version to software testing, they would have to work around the clock, year-round. Combining tests across multiple devices, operating systems, and versions is recommended. This is possible via a platform that automates mobile tests. This way, the manual testing effort can be reduced enormously, and test cycles shortened. In this way, those responsible also create the basis for continuous testing.

Drag & Drop instead of complex script creation.

Conducting mobile software testing across multiple frameworks can be challenging for testing teams because the necessary changes to scripts and compliance with standards are time-consuming and inefficient. It is easier with a coding-free test solution. Such a mobile test can be created like UI and API tests – with drag and drop. This allows teams to create mobile tests without complex modifications or scripting.

Test internationalization at the beginning

What works for an application in one part of the world may not work in another – there are different time zones, date and address formats, currencies, or keyboard layouts to consider. Despite this, localization and internationalization tests are often only carried out at the end of the testing process. Instead, they should come first and align with the goals and strategies for the application. It’s about questions like Who is using the app? Where are the users mainly located? What language are they using? What culture do you live in?

Software testing: Observe user behavior

According to a study by Google, only nine percent of users stay on a mobile application if it doesn’t meet their needs. 66 percent of consumers even take actions that have a negative impact. For example, they immediately go to another provider’s app to get what they need (40 percent) or refrain from buying products from the same company altogether (28 percent).

For this reason, it is imperative to test usability. The test teams should first study how real customers interact with the mobile app. In this way, problems can be eliminated before the application is launched. An important factor is the screen size. Mobile devices usually have small screens that need space for a lot of information without the user interface needing to be clearer. Are subjects holding the device close or far away? Rather vertical or horizontal? Are the frequently used areas of the app easily accessible? Systematically asking these questions provides helpful insights into whether the application has the potential to attract and retain users.

Software testing: Focusing on the user experience

The success of an application stands and falls with the experience it offers users. To make this as positive as possible, extensive, targeted, and varied software testing is important. The application must be device, system, and version independent. This poses enormous challenges for developers and testers.

By developers automating tests, using test platforms, and focusing on ease of use, managers ensure that their mobile applications are of high quality and remain attractive to the user. In times of great competition in mobile applications, this is an absolute must to remain competitive.