How to Test Mobile Applications Using BrowserStack’s App Live
Hey everyone, welcome to Testing Academy! My name is Pramod, and in this post, we’ll explore how to test a mobile application using BrowserStack’s product, App Live. We’ll cover an extensive checklist and key points to consider while testing mobile applications. This will be a practical guide, complete with a demo and sample APK files you can use for reference. Let’s get started!
Introduction to Mobile Application Testing
Mobile application testing is crucial to ensure your app is user-friendly, functional, and compatible across different devices and operating systems. There are various types of mobile applications, such as web-based, native, and hybrid apps. Each type requires specific testing approaches to ensure quality and performance.
Common Types of Mobile Application Testing
- Usability Testing: Ensure the app is easy to use and the navigation flows are intuitive.
- Compatibility Testing: Verify the app runs smoothly on different versions of Android and iOS, considering the fragmentation in the market.
- Interface Testing: Check the UI elements, such as menus, buttons, and transitions, for consistency and responsiveness.
- Service Testing: Test the app in both online and offline modes.
- Low-Level Resource Testing: Evaluate how the app interacts with device resources like databases and permissions.
- Installation Testing: Validate the installation and uninstallation processes.
- App Security Testing: Ensure the app handles data securely and protects user information.
- Operational Testing: Test backup and recovery processes to prevent data loss in case of crashes or network issues.
Types of Mobile Applications
- Web-Based Apps: Test mobile websites for different resolutions and browser compatibility.
- Native Apps: Apps built specifically for a platform (iOS or Android) using platform-specific tools.
- Hybrid Apps: Combine elements of both native and web apps, accessing device features while using web technologies.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Sign Up for BrowserStack: Create an account on BrowserStack. They offer a free trial with limited minutes of testing on various devices.
- Upload Your App:
- Use the “Test with Sample Apps” feature to upload APK, IPA, or AAB files.
- You can also sync with App Center or integrate with TestFlight for iOS apps.
3. Select a Device:
- Choose a device from the list of available Android and iOS devices.
- For example, you can select a Google Pixel or an iPhone model to test your application.
4. Install and Test the App:
- Upload your APK file and install it on the selected device.
- Use the dev tools available to view logs, inspect elements, and monitor network activity.
# Perform Various Tests:
- Usability Testing: Navigate through the app to ensure ease of use.
- Compatibility Testing: Test the app on different versions of Android and iOS.
- Interface Testing: Verify UI elements and transitions.
- Service Testing: Check the app’s behavior in offline and online modes.
- Operational Testing: Test backup and data recovery features.
# Local Testing:
- Download the BrowserStack local desktop app to test websites hosted on local servers.
- Ensure the app or website behaves as expected on mobile devices.
Example: Installing a Sample Application
- Upload the APK: Click on the upload button and select your APK file.
- Install on Device: Once uploaded, the app will be installed on the chosen device.
- Monitor Logs: Use Logcat to view application logs and debug any issues.
- Test Features: Test various features like geolocation, network throttling, and language changes.
Additional Features
- Zoom In/Out: Adjust the view to focus on specific UI elements.
- Dev Tools: Use inspect elements to get XPath and other details similar to Appium Inspector.
- Report to Jira: Log bugs directly to Jira for tracking and resolution.
- Switch Devices: Switch between different devices to test compatibility.
Conclusion
BrowserStack’s App Live is a powerful tool for mobile application testing. It offers a range of devices and features to ensure your app is robust and user-friendly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can perform comprehensive testing and improve the quality of your mobile application.
Join Our Live Classes
If you’re serious about becoming an automation tester and want live classes with me, Join our new batch at https://sdet.live/become Use Code “PROMODE” for 10% OFF!” We’re starting a new batch soon, and I’d love to help you on your journey to becoming an automation tester.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading, and happy testing!