Smartphones have gained importance in the last decade or so, and now, it is very difficult to imagine our life without a smartphone. These mobiles are a complete package and are used as a replacement for a lot of devices. Features like GPS, camera, music, Internet and much more are offered by a device with a wide range of apps available to make your task convenient and hassle-free.
By the end of the year, there will be 2.08 billion smartphone users in the world (based on the statistics provided by statista.com). The increase in the number of mobiles means a requirement of more mobile apps serving different purposes. These apps need proper testing before being available for public use as there might be some issues in development or some bugs that are needed to be fixed. Testing part is equally important for development because the first impression of your product on the user must be strong. Failing that might not make your app popular, and the number of downloads will be less.
You can have a look at the ways mentioned below that can help you improve the testing results of your mobile app and provide you with a better outcome.
1. Testing Needs a Plan
A pre-planned process is much effective and efficient one. Therefore, you must have a strategy designed for the mobile app testers during the development of the app. It will definitely provide you with a better result, and as there will be fewer bugs, it will be easier for you to manage the outcome even after thousands of downloads.
2. Select Testing Devices
The testing devices hold a significant importance in this process. The selection of these devices is what needs to be done beforehand. While testing a mobile app, you have to keep three major things in mind –
- Screen Resolution: Use devices having different screen resolutions and sizes to get a better idea of its view.
- OS Version: Test every app separately for all OS versions.
- Compatibility: Check whether the app is working fine on different devices or not. Also check whether or not, the functions of the website are similar or corresponding on each and every browser out there in the market.
3. Understand the Needs of the Users
You should be well aware of the expectations and needs of your users. The knowledge of the target audience lets you work accordingly and leads to better result. Once you are aware of the requirements and usage patterns of your customers, you will be able to test the app in an improved manner. You can alter the functions according to the users and enhance their overall experience, which will ultimately benefit the application.
4. Use Real Devices for Testing
In the early stages of development, testing can be done on simulators or emulators. But, you need real devices for testing to generate actual results and make corrections or changes based on them. Only real gadgets would bring out some small issues that might not be visible on emulators or simulators.
5. Prefer Automated Testing
Fix a testing schedule and prefer automated testing so that the number of errors can be kept to a minimum. Doing this work manually takes a lot of time and energy, and also increases the probability of flaws. On the other hand, automated testing ensures timely check with less human efforts required.
6. Opt for App Testing on Cloud
Cloud computing is a useful method of app testing as you get a web-based platform. Easy management being the key, Cloud-based Mobile Application has several other benefits too, including creating your own test environment, synchronized architecture and more.
7. Check Operation on Different Data Networks
For an uninterrupted operation of the app across all devices, you need to check its functionality on different data networks like 3G, Wifi, LTE, etc. Different connections and network speed should not affect the performance of the app; it should always work swiftly.
8. Performance Check
Have a proper check on your app and its performance. Sometimes, an app gets affected when there is less storage space left on the phone. This case should be avoided as nowadays people have a lot of data on their mobile devices and the memory problem is quite prominent. These problems can be eliminated easily in the testing phase.
9. Test for Security
The data and information on the phone of the user are important to them, and they do not want it to share it with you. So, the app should only use the permissions that are required for its betterment. Keep your database protected from the hackers so that users can rely on you. Do not forget, testing for security is an important task.
10. Test with Hardware Features and Battery
The app should be tested with all the hardware features of different devices so that there is no hindrance in the use of the app once it is available for the people. Also, the app should not keep the processor active for a long time as it results in fast battery consumption. Most smartphones do not have a good battery backup, and if your app is high on battery consumption, then the users will lose their interest in it.
11. Test Frequently and in Different Languages
You are well aware of your target audience, and you know the languages that will be used in your app. To avoid issues later, keep a proper check on the app in various languages. The frequency of testing also matters a lot. Moreover, a regular follow-up will reduce the number of bugs and issues.
Conclusion
A mobile app needs to be updated on a regular basis. After the testing phase is gone, you might face small problems like a few bugs that keep on coming once the app goes functional. These issues should be resolved soon to offer an unmatched experience to the users.
Ajay Seth, founder of Syon Infomedia – Mobile app development company says, “Mobile app testing is something that gives you confidence in your end product. It is the backbone that strengthens your perception and allows you to achieve the goals you are craving for. Testing is a continuous process, it starts with the initiation of the project but hardly ends. Make it a mandatory process and it will definitely pay its debts back.”
Mobile app development is not an easy task because there are many things that you have to keep in mind. This work can only be done with the help of skilled professionals who can work based on your requirements. Please share your views on the topic and let us know some more ways you have in mind to enhance the mobile app testing results.
