Mobile Test Automation – 8 Things To Consider Before Starting. In mobile app development, testing is one of the most important processes that validate the app’s features, performance, response time, and stability before it is launched. In mobile application testing, using a combination of manual and automated testing increases the scope and depth of the test operation.
Test automation brings various benefits to your mobile app test cycles. The test automation tools facilitate the interactions of test codes with the subject application. It is helpful if it involves you in the continuous development of mobile apps.
Test Automation Tool
Test automation tool has the potential to bring higher ROI in the mobile app development process. You can run the test scripts 24/7 and even perform them remotely. Test automation tools also minimizes your need to deploy many human resources. A test automation engineer can write the scripts to automate the tests. The QA team does not have to perform the redundant manual tests repeatedly again. Test automation tool also enables you to reuse the test scripts across different OS and device versions.
The global automation testing market size is expected to reach USD 68 billion by 2025. Automation testing is a more reliable solution than performing repetitive standardized tests. It helps to bring down the errors significantly and increases the chances of finding bugs and errors in the early stages of software development. You can reduce the expenses and time taken to fix the bottlenecks using the test automation tool.
Automation testing enables the QA team to increase the test coverage and test multiple devices simultaneously. With this, it becomes easier to draw detailed comparative reports using the same parameters and test scripts in less time. As multitudes of test automation tools are available in the market, you need to research the tools to know about the Mobile Test Automation process, which it incorporates.
Before you initiate the mobile test automation in your testing framework, here are few points that you need to consider.
Plan Your Framework And Identity The Testing Types
Start before you start your test operation, you need to identify the app type, whether it is a native, web, or hybrid mobile app. To plan a practical framework, ahead of implementing any tool, determine the target devices, platforms, and the OS on which you want to test your app. Analyze what tests you want to perform on the mobile app, i.e., if you have to perform front-end and back-end tests, and classify the functional and non-functional tests you must complete. It is a preliminary requirement to implement the right mobile test automation into your testing framework.
Development Of Test Scripts And Test Cases
In your testing method, you need to develop test cases for every function of your app. You should include the battery usage, app speed, load and response time, and memory. Keeping these functions in mind, develop automated test scripts, and depending on the project requirement; you can change the script to reuse it.
Cost
Cost is an important parameter that should be considered before starting the mobile test automation. You can perform a cost-benefit analysis of the testing tool to determine its usability and efficiency in your testing framework. Also, analyze the ROI to ensure the feasibility of the mobile app. The app should help you bridge the gap between a successful build and a quality build.
Reusability
One of the key features of mobile test automation is the reusability of the test scripts. Analyze its capability to refactor end-to-end test scripts. Depending on the app’s function, which needs to be checked, the test automation tool should allow you to reuse the test script with the new feature or function with minimal alterations.
Visibility Of Test Results
A mobile test automation framework should enable you to visualize the test results. The QA team can look into the results displayed in different formats, like charts, trees, tables, logs, or others, to analyze if the test operation yields satisfactory results. It should facilitate monitoring the tests in real-time for robust execution of test cases.
Intuitive Platform
Before starting mobile test automation, ensure that it has a friendly GUI. An intuitive platform enables the QA team to carry out the testing with little hassle. It should be easy to use and navigate and allow easy result validation and generation of reports.
Scope Of Tests
A comprehensive analysis of the scope and coverage of test automation needs to be performed before the mobile test automation framework is implemented. It should enable you to test and enhance the quality of apps and shrink the time to market. You need to blend automation and manual testing properly to increase the efficiency of your test operation.
Right Tools And Technologies
Before starting the mobile test automation, you need to select the right set of test automation tools. Consider essential features in your automation tools such as cross-platform support, multi-device, easy integration, and deployment. You can get a Proof of Concept to mitigate the risk related to implementing the automation testing tool.
To Conclude:
Automation testing is one step ahead of manual testing. You need to make an informed choice while choosing a suitable strategy for mobile test automation to leverage your test operation. It will help you to save time, costs and improve the usability and performance of your application for a better customer experience.