Advanced tools have made it easier for companies to build cross-platform mobile applications by leveraging a single code base. Developers can use specialized tools to quickly update the application across multiple platforms and devices. However, it is always important for the company to customize the application for each platform to improve its usability and user experience. In addition, the company must test the cross-platform mobile application thoroughly and effectively to make it popular and profitable in the long term.
5 Cross-Platform Mobile App Testing Best Practices
1) Clearly define the functional requirements of the application
To identify all defects and flaws in the application, QA professionals must have a clear understanding of its functional requirements. Clearly defined functional requirements will further help the company test the application effectively across multiple devices, platforms, and networks. The company should prepare a complete list of the functional requirements of the application and share it with the testers from the beginning. The list will make it easier for testers to identify expected bugs or defects in the application by testing the application in the most appropriate scenarios.
2) Follow the guidelines of each mobile platform
Every mobile platform requires application developers to follow certain guidelines. Therefore, each company must follow the standards recommended by each mobile platform in terms of functionality, content, and user interface (UI) design. When the app meets these guidelines, it will run smoothly on the mobile platform. The company must ensure that both developers and testers are aware of the recommended guidelines for each specific mobile platform. The understanding will help QA professionals to test the application on each platform in accordance with regulations and standards.
3) Keep the balance between simulators and real devices
By testing a cross-platform mobile app, no business can afford to invest in a wide variety of mobile devices powered by major mobile platforms. Many companies use simulators and emulators to test mobile applications without spending a lot of money. But every company should remember that emulators and simulators do not provide 100% accurate and reliable test results. Therefore, you must create a test lab that contains both real devices and emulators. It is also important that the project manager divides the tests between real devices and emulators. For example, emulators can be used for unit testing and integration testing. On the other hand, testers must use real devices to perform device profiling and regression, performance, compatibility, and security testing.
4) Choose the right cross-platform mobile app testing tools
No business can rely on manual testing to effectively evaluate a cross-platform mobile app. It is always important for the company to establish a test lab that consists of the appropriate test automation tools. Each business has the option to choose from several cross-platform mobile app testing tools, including MonkeyTalk, M-them, eggPlant, Squish, DeviceAnywhere, and MobileCloud. Most of these tools are cloud-based and evaluate applications through cross-platform scripts. But the company must remember that each of these tools has its own strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, you need to choose the right tool and framework according to the specific requirements of the project. A business may also consider investing in testing tools that support multiple specific mobile platforms.
5) Test the application under real user conditions
To accurately assess the functionality, performance, and user experience of a mobile app, testers must test it in various environments and conditions. It is also important that the company explore ways to test the cross-platform mobile application in real user conditions. A company also has several options to test the mobile application in real user conditions. For example, you can facilitate field testing to make it easier for testers to evaluate the application under various conditions and at different network speeds. Similarly, a business can opt for collaborative testing for real users to test applications across different devices, platforms, and conditions.
It is also important that the company create and implement a custom testing strategy for each cross-platform mobile application. The comprehensive strategy will make it easier for QA professionals to thoroughly evaluate the application across multiple platforms and devices according to specific business requirements and goals.
