Testing is an integral part of any mobile application development process. In fact, to ensure the successful development of an app, quality analysis (QA) must be done at all stages of development, from conceptualization to requirements analysis and creation of testing specifications to releasing the final product.
Wondering where to start? The following is a step-by-step guide that you can use for any mobile application testing.
1. Begin by Planning
In this phase, you figure out what you’re trying to achieve and the constraints facing the development process. Some of the questions to ask in this stage include:
- Does the app interact with other apps?
- Are all the features functional?
- Is the app native, hybrid, or mobile-web?
- Is testing limited to the front end?
- Do changes in phone status affect app flow?
2. Identify testing types
Before you begin testing, it’s also important to pick the right testing strategy. Select the combination of manual, automated, and cloud simulator tests to deliver the best results for functional, usability, compatibility, performance, and security. Remember to choose the right devices for testing.
3. Test case and script design
Always prepare a test case document for every single feature and functionality. Whether it’s the social share button or mute feature, you need a complete test case for each. Additionally, some features need to be tested both manually and through automated tests. Prepare suites for each type of test as necessary.
4. Execute manual and automated tests
Now that you’ve identified the type of tests to run, it’s time to put them into use. Run the tests on basic functions to ensure there are no breakages.
5. Usability and beta testing
Usability testing requires maintaining cross-platform matrix to ensure that the app provides a satisfying user experience across all possible devices. Among other things, you want to test for compatibility, external factors, accessibility, and interfaces. After this stage is completed, a beta version of the product can be released.
6. Test for performance
Since mobile applications have limited device and power available, efficiency is paramount. Test the app across different networks (2G, 3G, Wi-Fi) to check for responsiveness, stability, battery consumption, and other performance issues.
Performance testing also includes checking functions such as; installation, upgrades, operations, sign-up/login, and error messages.
7. Test for security and compliance
All mobile applications must meet certain security and compliance standards. Data privacy, for instance, is a big issue today. Ensure that the app is secure by validating SQL injection, SSL, session hijacking, data bumps, and packet sniffing.
8. Device testing
You’re almost done. At this stage, you want to test the app on the earlier identified devices. Ensure to run all the test cases and scripts on each of the devices.
9. Complete testing and summary
In the final step, you repeat iterative and regression tests as necessary to stabilize the app and uncover/fix any issues left. The app is then cleaned up and a final version made available.
That’s it! Other developers might choose to follow a different path. But, this is basically how a mobile application is tested.
