The quality of a mobile application affects its sustainability in the market. The question is, how can app providers build high-quality products that stand out among the rest? The answer is with testing.

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What is mobile testing?

Types of mobile testing

Mobile testing best practices

Katalon for mobile testing

What is MobileApplication Testing?

Mobile application (app) testing is the process of verifying whether an app designed for handheld devices meets certain mobile testing requirements. “Mobile app" refers to three types of software: native apps, mobile web apps, and hybrid apps.

In all software development processes, mobile app testing is a must before an app is released into the marketplace. This step ensures the final product functions properly throughout its customer experience journey.

Mobile testing not only oversees the quality and functionality of the app but also effectively increases user engagement.

Why is mobile applicationtesting important?

Imagine yourself – as a user – trying out a new app. If the app takes too long to download, chances are you might exit before even using it.

If it functions well on Android but the UI is funky on your iOS devices, you may also drop out. If the app repeatedly crashes while in use, you may discontinue using it.

So thoroughly testing your app would eliminate risks like these and increase the app retention rate.

Why is mobile application testing important?

Types of Mobile Application Testing

Functional mobile app testing

Often applied to test UI elements, screen adaptation, core structures, and functions of the app. It also tests the installation and update processes, localization settings, compatibility, and accessibility of the application under test (AUT).

Operational mobile app testing

Operational testing assesses the AUT's response to events and changes in certain devices such as power cycling, data cable connection, Wi-Fi connection, and airplane mode status; then compare them with the defined requirements.

Interrupt mobile app testing

Interrupt tests imitate all possible interruptions, such as incoming and outgoing calls/SMS/MMS, pop-up notifications/reminders, etc. They ensure the AUT can handle all interruptions by going into a suspended state and restarting afterward.

Mobile app security testing

Ensures the AUT's absolute security over the users’ data to avoid risks such as leakage of sensitive information. Security tests will put the AUT's data and network security under adequate tests to meet the security requirements.

Mobile app performance testing

Determines how the application responds under a particular number of challenges such as low battery power, out-of-coverage network, etc. In general, performance testing will test the speed, stability, and scalability of the application.

Mobile app regression testing

Verifies whether or not the latest updates or patches introduce new regressions, or bugs, into the mobile app system. It is done continuously to ensure that new changes are feature improvements, not defects to the application.

Best Practices for Mobile Application Testing

Set out a clear mobile testing strategy and define objectives before performing the actual tests.
Carry out UI tests on real mobile devices, not just on emulators or simulators.
Make sure tests are applied in the initial phase as well as progressively throughout the development process.
Prioritize testing on certain devices and operating systems as it is impractical to test on all devices, OSs and network combinations.
Execute performance, stress, and security testing sufficiently.
Cover the app interoperability, battery consumption, and fault tolerance with suitable tests.

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