The Complete Guide to Mobile Testing

In their role, Android developers must validate the Android application (APK) during mobile app development. This validation needs to occur consistently after every code change. There are challenges and pain points that get in the way of optimal Android testing like dependencies on remote servers and remote workstations. Plus, new Android devices and OS versions are released constantly which also creates challenges for developers.

Google’s Espresso Android test automation framework is an open source tool that makes those challenges easier for Android developers to start building out a test automation process. In this blog post we explore the main benefits of using Espresso in the mobile app development cycle for Android developers.

Some of the most common mobile test automation frameworks include Espresso, XCUITest, and Appium. Many mobile developers and testers debate which framework is the best. While there are certainly reasons one platform may work better than the other, the real truth is that each platform has its merits and benefits. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to which automation framework you should chose.

Often teams will actually combine two platforms like Espresso and Appium to create the perfect framework that fits the unique needs of an organization. And we have been seeing a shift toward Espresso and XCUITest in the mobile app development industry. In this post, we dig into Appium vs. Espresso and XCUITest in this mobile app framework debate. 

Mobile screen size and resolution are key considerations now that almost everyone owns a mobile device – from your teenage cousin to your grandmother. Some consumers appreciate a larger screen for streaming videos, while other consumers value a compact screen that can fit in small spaces. Because mobile devices have such a variety of uses, there are now an almost-infinite number of screen sizes, resolutions, and PPI settings.

For mobile application developers, those details create hours of work. A large amount of time must be spent on testing mobile apps and how they perform under different resolutions, screen sizes, and PPI settings. Achieving thorough coverage is a moving target. In this blog post we explain how to maximize coverage no matter what resolution, PPI screen, or screen size is being tested. 

In the last decade mobile devices have dominated technology. Mobile devices are now as powerful if not more powerful than desktop computers and laptops. Today, entire companies and development teams are responsible for creating mobile apps for crucial industries from banking to healthcare.

Because mobile applications now represent a huge consumer industry, there is intense pressure placed on mobile developers and testers to deliver. The discipline of mobile app development is still relatively new, and it requires skill and experience. In this blog post we dive into the challenges facing mobile development teams today. Learn more about these pain points and how to overcome them for optimal mobile app delivery. 

In our culture star ratings and consumer reviews hold incredible power. For mobile apps, a 5-star rating can be a make or break detail that determines the future of a mobile app. In the app development industry, achieving 5-star ratings is a key success metric because they help elevate the visibility of an app in the app stores. Furthermore, when consumers browsing for an app see an app, high ratings help to influence decision making.

Overall, reviews drive more user engagement, downloads, and popularity of mobile apps. The more downloads of an app the more revenue for a company. In this blog post we explore further why 5-star rated apps are one of the top priorities for app development teams.

Mobile app consumers have high standards now that there are countless mobile apps to choose from for almost every use case. Of course, it’s essential to achieve high ratings for maximum visibility in the app stores. But what does it really take to earn 5-star app reviews? A mobile app needs to be both functional and offer a premium user experience.

For software developers this means app development and testing must be rigorous from start to finish. Testing must be done in real user conditions across as many device variations as possible. This is a tall order as new mobile devices and operating systems are released daily. Today’s mobile development teams must turn to innovative approaches like agile development and automated testing. In the following blog post we explore exactly what it takes to get rave reviews for a mobile app.