500 million and counting. Yes! As predicted – that’s the number of apps that will be in use per day by 2024! Quite a staggering number, isn’t it? These sky-high numbers are certainly good news for the app industry. On the flip side, however, it also raises user expectations about how each app performs. And the only way to meet these expectations is by putting an app through rigorous testing processes before getting it to market. That is why, in today’s article, we will go over some common app testing challenges and how to overcome them!
Now, you may be wondering: why do we even need to test mobile apps?
Well, that’s because app testing validates an app’s UI/UX, it’s performance, as well as functionality across multiple devices. And since mobile apps nowadays are increasingly complex, it’s important to test them to ensure that they’re running seamlessly on hundreds of devices simultaneously.
Speaking of app testing, do you have an app idea that you want to test out on the market? Well in that case, don’t forget to check out TheCodeWork’s MVP Development Program! Where we cover all app development and testing processes, A to Z!
And now, gear up, because we’re jumping straight into the topic of the day. Here we go!
App Testing Challenges You Need to Look Out For
With so many available apps and smart devices, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mobile app testing. There are several app functions that you’ll need to test before launching an app. And each comes with its own set of problems that have unique solutions.
Coming up next are some of the most common app testing challenges you might face, and how you can tackle them.
➡ Different Mobile Application Types
[Problem: The type of app you are testing – the respective tech stack.]
There are primarily three types of mobile applications: Native, Hybrid, and Cross-platform apps. But I am sure you knew that already!
By the way, would you like your app to be a Native app, a hybrid app, or a cross-platform app? Regardless of which app type you choose, the TheCodeWork team has got your back.
[Solution: Testing the apps on different platforms based on the respective tech stacks]
Now as you may already know, all these apps are built on different tech stacks, and their testing approach too might differ. Native apps, for example, will need less testing compared to hybrid or cross-platform apps. The latter, in turn, will need to be tested both on and off platforms.
However, you will have to test both native and hybrid apps for device compatibility, app functioning, platform interaction, and updates. Okay, let me list it out:
Built-in device functionalities such as location access or camera, and so on.
Gesture testing, which involves checking how the app responds to various natural gestures.
Examining the app’s response to features such as push notifications.
Whether the app works equally well in both landscape and portrait orientation.
Additionally, you should also test the compatibility of your app to ensure that it works on the more popular devices of the time. And don’t forget the connectivity testing to see how your app performs on various connections, as well as in offline mode.
I know. That’s a lot of tests to run! But here’s the good news! TheCodeWork can run these essential activities for you! Click below to give us a call now!
[Problem: Compatibility with various operating systems]
With so many operating systems in use today–iOS, Android, Windows, and more–it’s a task simply to ensure your app is compatible with all of them. And to make matters more difficult, there are multiple devices on any given operating system.
(Psst! Now you don’t have to worry about your app’s compatibility anymore. Simply outsource the tech team to our app developers at TheCodeWork! Be it iOS or Android app development, we have got you covered!)
[Solution: You need to test the app’s functioning on different operating systems]
And now, let me give you a small example here.
Suppose, someone is using your app on an Apple iPhone 14 and on a Samsung Galaxy S22 at the same time. Now your task is to make sure that the app is functioning seamlessly on both the devices and operating systems. And then repeat this process a few times over.
But don’t worry, because TheCodeWork team can do this job for you! Why not reach out to us with your app-testing challenges? We can sort it out in a jiffy!
The challenge here is this: with so many different smart devices out there, the sheer number of different screen sizes is astonishing.
And now, some smartphones even fold!
As good as that sounds, it makes the app testing process that much tougher. You have to make sure that your mobile app behaves in a consistent manner across all devices. Easier said than done, I know!
So what’s the solution, you ask?
[Solution: test & Optimize]
Test and optimize the app for the most popular screen sizes of the time.
Then you need a screen size simulator so you can see how your app looks–and performs–on these different screens.
I know what you are thinking here: this will take forever!
However, it doesn’t have to be all that time-consuming for you! Now you can sit back and relax, because TheCodeWork’s tech team can test your app across a variety of devices and operating systems.
Have an app that needs testing? Reach out to us now!
[Problem: Performance across various network and service providers]
An app’s performance might vary according to the speed of the internet, which depends on network operators. Different network operators might provide different signal strengths in different regions. So you need to check how your app performs in changing network conditions
So, you’ve tested all your app functions on multiple devices and—they’re performing smoothly! Congratulations! You deploy your app with full confidence that it’s going to function perfectly for everyone.
Now, imagine a consumer trying to use your app from a place with poor connectivity. Your app is probably gonna perform the function just fine, but a few seconds too late. The user might think that your app is lagging, or worse, broken, and delete the app. In fact, did you know that 70% of users will cast aside an app if it takes too long to load?
You don’t want this to happen to your app, do you?
So here’s what you can do about it…
[Solution: test & repeat. Network simulator can come in very handy]
You must make sure to test your app on various networks beforehand. When testing a WiFi network, keep the following things in mind:
What effects do different WiFi speeds, 4G or 5G networks, and weak signal strength have on the app?
How does the app function when it is not connected to the internet?
What tends to happen if you change from a WiFi to a network or vice versa?
Remember: Today’s consumers use apps on the go. That’s why your app must work properly in all environments, be it online, offline, real-time, or anywhere in between.
[Problem: Security testing across all the smart gadgets]
Security testing for an app can be a challenging process, especially given the sheer number of smart gadgets out there.
An app might contain a lot of sensitive or personal user information. So, it goes without saying that you need to take steps to ensure that this data is safe.
How to deal with this challenge, you ask? Well, here is your answer.
Solution: test the app’s security infrastructure and focus on vulnerabilities]
Firstly, you can simplify the process by dividing the entire process into two main parts:
Vulnerability assessment: Evaluate your app’s security infrastructure and mechanisms in order to detect potential risks and vulnerabilities.
Penetration testing: Focusing on the vulnerabilities that you identified in the previous stage. The aim is to find out exactly what will happen in case there is an attempt to hack the app.
Make sure to test the app on a private and secure cloud so that there is no data breach during the testing process. Here’s what you need to check for when you are security testing your app:
If there’s an effective security mechanism in place
Whether the app’s been tested at every stage of development with a variety of test cases
Have you identified and handled all potential app threats and risks
The user authentication procedure is being properly implemented
If the user data is being stored securely
Remember: Prevention is better than cure! So make sure you fix any security bugs before you launch the app into the app stores.
Or better still, let TheCodeWork team do the app security testing for you! Our experienced tech experts will run all possible security checks for your app. So you can rest assured that your app users’ data is safe and secure.
Want to make your app’s security infrastructure foolproof? Talk to our team now!
User requirements are an ever-changing process. They continue to evolve as time passes. And these frequently changing user requirements do pose a challenge to app testing.
Don’t you agree?
So how can you approach this problem?
[Solution: Agile testing]
You can get past this problem statement by using a dynamic app development process like agile testing.
Agile testing will allow you, the tester, to swiftly go over a new feature and conduct unit testing. Furthermore, it will also enable you to utilize tools that will let you automate the testing process.
How cool is that?
But the question remains: how do you find out what your users want? Well, I have the perfect answer to that: use an MVP! An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the most rudimentary, functional version of your app. It only contains the core functionalities of the app and not much else. Think of it as a cake without the icing. Basic, but still yum!
An MVP is the perfect vehicle to find out what your users want from your app. Which features do they like the most and which ones need a little tweak? The best part? You can launch an MVP at a fraction of the time and cost it takes to build a fully decked-out app! Quite advantageous, don’t you think?
That’s probably why many successful apps today–like Instagram, Uber, Instacart–all started as MVPs.
Want to build your app MVP with the best tech experts in the field? You have come to the right place! Reach out to TheCodeWork’s MVP Development Program to know more!
The market for mobile apps is ever-expanding. No matter what niche you pick, you’ll find a slew of competitors striving for recognition. This pressurizes the process of launching the app to the market as soon as possible. In this fast-paced environment, many developers make cardinal errors.
They neglect to go through the necessary testing procedures to ensure that the app is working as expected.
And the results can be disastrous.
So beware! Do not launch your app without following the standard testing processes first.
Keep in mind that the challenges listed above are certainly not the only ones you will face. There will be others, and some of them might even catch you by surprise.
However, don’t let that throw you off! Reach out to the TheCodeWork team if you face any hiccups while testing your app. Or if you want an expert tech team to test your app across all possible scenarios. We have got your back!
Click here to book a free consultation with our team now!
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