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

1. Usability Testing: Ensure the app is easy to use and the navigation flows are intuitive.
2. Compatibility Testing: Verify the app runs smoothly on different versions of Android and iOS, considering the fragmentation in the market.
3. Interface Testing: Check the UI elements, such as menus, buttons, and transitions, for consistency and responsiveness.
4. Service Testing: Test the app in both online and offline modes.
5. Low-Level Resource Testing: Evaluate how the app interacts with device resources like databases and permissions.
6. Installation Testing: Validate the installation and uninstallation processes.
7. App Security Testing: Ensure the app handles data securely and protects user information.
8. 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

1. Sign Up for BrowserStack: Create an account on BrowserStack. They offer a free trial with limited minutes of testing on various devices.
2. 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

1. Upload the APK: Click on the upload button and select your APK file.
2. Install on Device: Once uploaded, the app will be installed on the chosen device.
3. Monitor Logs: Use Logcat to view application logs and debug any issues.
4. 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.

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If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading, and happy testing!