Reasons Why Mobile Apps Need Testing

For any mobile app developer hoping to produce a top quality mobile application, app testing is an essential part of the app development process. Here are several reasons for getting your application tested by a mobile app testing professional before its consumer release:

Check the Basic User Experience
After designing and developing a mobile app you will need it to be tested by a group of eager mobile users. This simply requires the application to be test run in it’s simplest form – fully using the app for it’s intended purpose. Users at this testing stage should be asked to give feedback on the complete user experience and record any glitches they discover. Screenshots can be extremely useful at this point, and if the app in question is iPhone based there is no excuse for making the most of the screen capture function.

Test Navigation
Whilst basic user testing may bring awareness to navigation problems, computer based app testing is the most accurate way of checking full app navigation. This process will check all menu functions are correctly working and that both internal and external links are accurate.

Test System and Negative Usage
By performing app tests, a developer can accurately determine how your application will function in various conditions. Testing the apps reactions to system changes such as low memory or low battery as well as putting the application up against negative challenges such as malicious attacks.

Check for Hidden Defects
If all is well with the general user experience of your app, there could still be hidden issues that could cause sporadic performance or later problems. These defects are found through both software and hardware tests and are only completely detectable through professional services.

Check Connectivity
Many iPhone apps rely on internet connectivity in some form or another after original download (even if just for updates). Monitoring how a mobile app functions in conditions of low internet connectivity or mobile signal is a very important stage in mobile app testing and will ensure that any problems formed during app development can be corrected before release.

Test Audio Functionality
Another area which needs to be tested is the apps ability to interact with various audio settings on different handsets. App details including audio and vibrate feedback (when a sound or buzz plays on a touch) also need to be thoroughly checked to eliminate any future glitches.