How is Mobile Testing Different from General Software Testing?
Both software applications and mobile apps are developed in specific programming languages. But the applications differ based on their running environment. The general software applications run on computers, whereas the mobile apps run on a variety of mobile devices. Also, the smartphones, tablets and phablets are primarily used by most users as a communication device. So the performance of a mobile application must be evaluated by keeping in mind the device’s communicational capability. With more and more companies investing in mobile app development, it has become essential for the testing professionals to understand the key differences between mobile testing and general software testing.
Why Mobile Testing is Different from General Software Testing
More Combination of Mobile Devices and Platforms
Normally, desktop applications are developed by targeting a specific platform. So it is easier to test the application’s performance on the platform. However, the performance of web applications must be tested across multiple web browsers. On the other hand, a mobile app must work seamlessly on several supported mobile platforms and devices. With more mobile operating systems and devices hitting the market, it becomes challenging for the testers to cover all combinations of mobile devices and platforms.
Limited and Constantly Changing Screen Sizes
Unlike software applications, a mobile app is accessed by users in a variety of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets and phablets. Many manufacturers further constantly change the screen sizes of the devices. So a mobile app need to complement the complement different screen sizes, layouts and configuration. In addition to adapting the app for different screen sizes, the testers also need to deal with limited screen size. The limited screens size restricts the options provided to the users. So the testing professionals must keep in mind the target users and their choices while testing mobile applications.
Complex User Interaction
Most users access desktop and web applications with keyboards and mouse. So the user interaction is both simple and limited. But mobile app developers always try to make the user interaction more fluid and flawless. The mobile device manufacturers further allows users to access the application though touch screen, voice commands and hand gestures. So the uses can control the application simply through eye movement, direction, acceleration, tilt, sound, surrounding and other complex gestures. The complex user interaction makes mobile app testing more complicated and time-consuming.
Merging Mobile Applications
The general software applications are straightforward. An application is developed to run either on desktop or web browsers. But emerging technologies like HTML5 have resulted in merger of mobile application. Nowadays, a mobile app can be native, hybrid as well as HTML5. So the testers have to decide the appropriate testing methodology and tools according to the type of the mobile app. Further, each type of app needs to be tested in a different way.
Security and Privacy Issues
Unlike a desktop or web application, a mobile app can access several platform features. For instance, most apps, nowadays, are designed with features to access pictures, videos and phone books. So the app must be effective in protecting the user data, and preventing the misuse of the personal information. In addition to keeping the mobile app secure and inaccessible, the testers also need to ensure that it is not accessing or intruding user data unintentionally.
Varying Networks and Carriers
While accessing a desktop or web application, users often use LAN or Wireless internet connection. So these networks, unlike mobile networks, are very predictable. The mobile users have option to choose from several internet connectivity options including 2G, 3G and 4G. That is why; the mobile app must identify the weak, no and powerful signals. Also, it must identify if the user is switching from cellular to wireless internet connection and vice versa. As the performance of a mobile app will vary from one carrier or network to another, testers need to ensure that it delivers rich user experience across major carriers and networks.
Nowadays, most people want to remain online and reachable 24 hours a day. So they mostly rely on mobile applications to gather information and perform specific tasks. Many people even frequently install, remove and update the mobile apps. Also, many users expect the app to access the features and capabilities of the updated mobile operating systems. So the mobile apps must be tested more thoroughly to deliver richer user experience.
We provide mobile app testing services. If you would like to hire testers for your mobile qa testing needs, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.