Mobile devices are growing in popularity at an indescribable
rate. Nearly every individual has a smart phone, tablet or another
mobile device; even household appliances are not immune to this growing market. The prevalence of mobile devices and applications means that
software testing is even more essential. Like with any sort of endeavor,
there are bound to be challenges in mobile testing. Below is a list of
the 7 most common obstacles organizations and QA engineers face in
testing mobile devices and applications.
Diverse devices, configurations and OS
Perhaps the most prevalent challenge with mobile testing services is the devices itself. There are numerous kinds of mobile devices, such as iPods, iPads, Android and Windows devices. There are also many different configurations and operating systems for each of these devices. QA engineers and developers have to make sure your application can function correctly across the vast number of devices and configurations.
Different types of apps
On top of seeing if an app will work across devices, carriers and OS, testers need to be aware of the different kinds of applications. QA engineers must consider particular requirements of native apps, web apps and hybrid apps.
Variety of screen sizes
Another obstacle that QA testers face is the difference in screen sizes. An application may work well on an iPad and the screen will show everything that is intended to be shown, but that application may not work as well on smaller screens.
Multiple carriers and connection types
Verizon, Sprint, T-mobile and AT&T are just a few of the carriers that mobile testers need to consider. Not all carriers will have the same network standards, amount of data or coverage. Also, QA engineers need to consider the various connection types as well. How will an app work using a 3G network as compared to a 4G network? How about over Wi-Fi? How will the app work in airplane mode or if there's no connection? Even though carrier testing is not that important any more, bandwidth and connectivity are all questions that QA engineers have to consider as they test your mobile application.
Internationalization
Another obstacle that mobile testers face is internationalization. Translating applications into other languages can prove difficult. This is especially true if the language reads right to left, such as Arabic and Hebrew, instead of left to right, such as English and Spanish.
Lack of time or tools
Some organizations simply may not have the time to thoroughly test their application. They also may not have the tools needed to properly test their application. These two obstacles could cause the application to be released into the market without adequate testing, which could result in dissatisfied customers and a loss in profit.
Inexperienced testers
Sometimes an organization's QA team simply doesn't have the experience or knowledge to test their application. Also, an organization might have their developers testing their application instead of QA engineers. Having developers test as well may seem like it will save money, however, that is not the case. The application will lose quality because developers are not trained to look at an app in the same way testers are. Testers are willing to "break" an application in order to ensure that the finished application is of the utmost quality. Developers, understandably, may not wish to "break" their creation. This could result in critical errors appearing later on.
How can one get past these challenges?
Diverse devices, configurations and OS
Perhaps the most prevalent challenge with mobile testing services is the devices itself. There are numerous kinds of mobile devices, such as iPods, iPads, Android and Windows devices. There are also many different configurations and operating systems for each of these devices. QA engineers and developers have to make sure your application can function correctly across the vast number of devices and configurations.
Different types of apps
On top of seeing if an app will work across devices, carriers and OS, testers need to be aware of the different kinds of applications. QA engineers must consider particular requirements of native apps, web apps and hybrid apps.
Variety of screen sizes
Another obstacle that QA testers face is the difference in screen sizes. An application may work well on an iPad and the screen will show everything that is intended to be shown, but that application may not work as well on smaller screens.
Multiple carriers and connection types
Verizon, Sprint, T-mobile and AT&T are just a few of the carriers that mobile testers need to consider. Not all carriers will have the same network standards, amount of data or coverage. Also, QA engineers need to consider the various connection types as well. How will an app work using a 3G network as compared to a 4G network? How about over Wi-Fi? How will the app work in airplane mode or if there's no connection? Even though carrier testing is not that important any more, bandwidth and connectivity are all questions that QA engineers have to consider as they test your mobile application.
Internationalization
Another obstacle that mobile testers face is internationalization. Translating applications into other languages can prove difficult. This is especially true if the language reads right to left, such as Arabic and Hebrew, instead of left to right, such as English and Spanish.
Lack of time or tools
Some organizations simply may not have the time to thoroughly test their application. They also may not have the tools needed to properly test their application. These two obstacles could cause the application to be released into the market without adequate testing, which could result in dissatisfied customers and a loss in profit.
Inexperienced testers
Sometimes an organization's QA team simply doesn't have the experience or knowledge to test their application. Also, an organization might have their developers testing their application instead of QA engineers. Having developers test as well may seem like it will save money, however, that is not the case. The application will lose quality because developers are not trained to look at an app in the same way testers are. Testers are willing to "break" an application in order to ensure that the finished application is of the utmost quality. Developers, understandably, may not wish to "break" their creation. This could result in critical errors appearing later on.
How can one get past these challenges?
- Hire a QA provider
- Have a testing lab
- Have experienced engineers
