How to test a smartphone application?

After the final stages of development work, it’s time for testing. This is the final step before the launch of mobile applications in their environment. After that, communicating on a mobile application is possible. Why subject it to these tests before installation?

The stores examine each application before accepting it. Checking them before this verification promotes the success of this passage. In addition, users must be satisfied from the first use. Slow loading is the 1st reason for deleting an app (Source: Testapic). Here ‘s how to test a mobile app .

1 – The different ways to test an app

2 – Definitions of the specific criteria to be tested

How to monetize an app on the AppStore?

How to launch a mobile app on the PlayStore?

Creating mobile applications: what are the steps to follow?

1 – The different ways to test an app

How to ensure the good design and the good functioning of the app? Various approaches exist, structured around two types of tests. You must choose one for your app verification. The question of how to do it arises later.

Manual or automated tests? How to choose ?

Manual tests are longer, but essential. It is often users who have not created the app who will test it. Problem: they can miss details. The advantage is to have a UX-oriented critique of the work provided. The elements of analysis are human, generally focused on manipulation. These representative “listeners” will naturally borrow plausible scenarios.

Among the manual types, crowdtesting and beta tester exist. They can easily increase the number of testers and sample situations. Apple and Android offer possibilities to organize these crowdtests. The objective is to frame the uses to verify that everything works. Isolating variables to analyze the reaction of the app is one of the strategies. One of them is the signal level. These groups will perform checks at different rates. Following these tests, the logs are uploaded. This makes it easier to find the origin of a bug.

The automated tests are carried out by specific software (Appium, Calabash). They save time. Some processes may run without interruption. But on the other hand, sometimes complex scenarios have to be written. Moreover, automated tests cannot be applied to all areas.

Test on the device or via an emulator

An emulator reproduces the behavior of mobiles in a web environment. In short, it mimics a smartphone on your computer. Mobile versions, brands, screen resolutions can be configured. This is a considerable time saver. Apps are also virtually simulated. But they don’t control all the features.

Most well-known emulators are available on mainstream IDEs. Android studio and Apple Xcode embed dedicated emulators. However, a physical test on the device is mandatory for iOS and Android. You have to install the ahoc version. It is an exact copy of the final native app submitted to the stores.

This is the only way to check 100% of the functionalities and validate the development. Push, geofences, beacons, authentication via social networks are some of them. This is imperative to create an app with perfect ergonomics and flow. AppBuilders like GoodBarber offer a back-office preview of mobile applications.

If you choose to create an e-Commerce mobile application, you will need to test all the functions. Product creation, purchase circuit, making a sale, discount and balance, exchanges with customers, transport prices… It’s a long process but it guarantees that your customer will then be satisfied.

2 – Definitions of the specific criteria to be tested

Features and Navigation

It is a major task. You have to try to find all the scenarios for using the app. Opt to work from examples of concrete situations, it’s inspiring. Anticipate navigation and user experience issues. For this, you must understand 100% of the ergonomics of the app. Do not hesitate to push it to its limits. Users sometimes take routes that you hadn’t thought of.

Compatibility with the main devices on the market

The mobile market is immensely large. It is in perpetual evolution, in particular on the versions and the natures of OS. It is necessary to establish the compatibility of the app with as many devices as possible. All brands and all screen sizes must be ideally addressed. However, it is almost impractical to test everything. Focus on the most popular mobiles (Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi). For this verification, you must download the ad hoc version of the app.

Regression criteria

The regression relates to a technical defect that occurs following modifications. But this failure occurs by ricochet. An additional element has been made to a particular feature. It causes bugs on related functions until then without problems.

How to monetize an app on the AppStore?

How to monetize apps? Different methods for mobile apps on iPhone are available. Since 2016, a specificity has existed, Apple Search Ads. It’s a paid way to promote an iOS app. It is a “cost per tap” operation. This can be a complement, upstream of a monetization strategy.

How to launch a mobile app on the PlayStore?

To launch an app on the PlayStore, you must follow the design steps. These start with the reflection on the idea, the search for the target. The creation itself follows with appropriate software to develop (Android Studio). It will then be necessary to know the specific programming languages ​​(Java).

Creating mobile applications: what are the steps to follow?

To create smartphone applications , there are different methods. It is possible to call on a coding professional (agency or developer). You can start creating yourself. However, you have to have the necessary skills. It starts with knowing the languages ​​to code.