From last few years, mobile app testing is continuously growing as an important concern because of the increasing number of smartphone devices with different hardware configuration. App testing doesn’t only mean to find beta testers and implement the suggestions given by them. It is something which is needed to do in a thorough manner so that one can be sure everything is going well. Apart from beta testers, there are several tests required to perform on your app.
=> Features, Functionality, Usability and the User Interface Testing Checklist
Of course, beta testers will tell you common mobile application issues in terms of features, functionality, usability and the user interface. But still, mobile app developers have to execute some below given tests on their app.
1. Forms & File Manipulation Testing
Testing is must at the place where users can create, manipulate and store their files and documents, whether it is their own device or your server or cloud storage. It will make sure that the user’s data is safe and secure at anywhere, it is stored.
2. App Settings Inside
Many apps have a menu of settings within, and if your app also contains such, you have to implement a test for that. Whatever the settings an app contains, make sure that adjustments are actually applied and save new values. Also, don’t forget to ensure that settings are working correctly across all supported devices. Beta testers can do this in a perfect manner.
3. Media Playback Testing
Video, audio, animations, their sounds and their performance, all come under the category of media playback. They have to be smooth, seamless, and supportable across all low-end and high-end devices. They must function in a same manner as it is planned without any performance issues.
4. Integration of Third Party Services and APIs
Most apps are now coming with integrations of third party services and APIs like social sign-in via the app, synching, storage, and much more. For mobile app developers, all such features are truly essential to keep the users engaged at the maximum time. That’s why; they are important to take care of. Each third party function must be checked in regards with performance and vulnerability issues. Whatever changes take place in relevant to third party services and APIs, you must remain aware of all of them.
5. Navigation and Help Centre Testing
Most of apps are made on the basis of straight forward navigation, containing some taps, specific icons, and screen loads. You have to check that each link is working and giving the same access to the user as it is intended. Additionally, check the link is redirected to the correct page.
Help centre involves how to questions and answers, tutorials, videos, or anything that can guide users for their queries relevant to app. So, it should not be ignored at any cost as it derives a true value to the users.
=> Cross Platform & Device Testing Checklist
=> Security Testing Checklist
--> Privacy policy: Check your privacy actions as they are strong and working perfectly to assure users that their shared information and data are safe and secure.
--> Authentication: Access control must remain in the hands of the particular user and its device. Make sure that a third person will not become able to hack the passwords and other personal details of users.
--> Data Integrity: Testing is necessary not only for privacy and authentication, but also for how securely a data can be transferred from the device to the other servers.
=> Performance and Load Testing Checklist
An app is efficient to manage a limited number of users, but the problem occurs when the users are increasing at a high speed. Hundreds or even thousands of users are playing with the app, simultaneously. Your app and your efforts must be able enough to manage an additional number of users without losing the performance and speed of app.
Conclusion
Beta testers are an important part of app testing process, but they can’t replicate some important things which are needed to taken into consideration while testing. Performance issues, security issues, hardware configuration issues, etc., cannot be identified properly by beta testers. You have to test them all with your own or using some online tools.
Related: Your Guide to Successful App Development
=> Features, Functionality, Usability and the User Interface Testing Checklist
Of course, beta testers will tell you common mobile application issues in terms of features, functionality, usability and the user interface. But still, mobile app developers have to execute some below given tests on their app.
1. Forms & File Manipulation Testing
- Check all the features, allowing users for data submission like subscriptions, registrations, and in-app transactions.
- Check functions of file uploads and retrieval process.
- Front-end and backend testing to ensure sign-up, registration, or other transactions are working correctly.
Testing is must at the place where users can create, manipulate and store their files and documents, whether it is their own device or your server or cloud storage. It will make sure that the user’s data is safe and secure at anywhere, it is stored.
2. App Settings Inside
Many apps have a menu of settings within, and if your app also contains such, you have to implement a test for that. Whatever the settings an app contains, make sure that adjustments are actually applied and save new values. Also, don’t forget to ensure that settings are working correctly across all supported devices. Beta testers can do this in a perfect manner.
3. Media Playback Testing
Video, audio, animations, their sounds and their performance, all come under the category of media playback. They have to be smooth, seamless, and supportable across all low-end and high-end devices. They must function in a same manner as it is planned without any performance issues.
4. Integration of Third Party Services and APIs
Most apps are now coming with integrations of third party services and APIs like social sign-in via the app, synching, storage, and much more. For mobile app developers, all such features are truly essential to keep the users engaged at the maximum time. That’s why; they are important to take care of. Each third party function must be checked in regards with performance and vulnerability issues. Whatever changes take place in relevant to third party services and APIs, you must remain aware of all of them.
5. Navigation and Help Centre Testing
Most of apps are made on the basis of straight forward navigation, containing some taps, specific icons, and screen loads. You have to check that each link is working and giving the same access to the user as it is intended. Additionally, check the link is redirected to the correct page.
Help centre involves how to questions and answers, tutorials, videos, or anything that can guide users for their queries relevant to app. So, it should not be ignored at any cost as it derives a true value to the users.
=> Cross Platform & Device Testing Checklist
- App performance of various devices with different hardware function.
- App appearance on different screen sizes
- App performance on targeted platforms (if it is a cross platform app)
- Does it make any effect on an app with different network carriers? If yes, then which they are and how they can be resolved?
=> Security Testing Checklist
--> Privacy policy: Check your privacy actions as they are strong and working perfectly to assure users that their shared information and data are safe and secure.
--> Authentication: Access control must remain in the hands of the particular user and its device. Make sure that a third person will not become able to hack the passwords and other personal details of users.
--> Data Integrity: Testing is necessary not only for privacy and authentication, but also for how securely a data can be transferred from the device to the other servers.
=> Performance and Load Testing Checklist
- How well your app can perform when used by multiple users, at a time?
- Is there any limit on number of active users for third party services and APIs?
- Is there any limit for data transfer?
- How quickly you can scale your server to control additional users?
An app is efficient to manage a limited number of users, but the problem occurs when the users are increasing at a high speed. Hundreds or even thousands of users are playing with the app, simultaneously. Your app and your efforts must be able enough to manage an additional number of users without losing the performance and speed of app.
Conclusion
Beta testers are an important part of app testing process, but they can’t replicate some important things which are needed to taken into consideration while testing. Performance issues, security issues, hardware configuration issues, etc., cannot be identified properly by beta testers. You have to test them all with your own or using some online tools.
Related: Your Guide to Successful App Development