Software companies use both automated and manual testing techniques. Android software development includes automated mobile app testing, where code is run automatically, and the results are given without human intervention. On the other hand, manual testing entails interacting with the app by human beings in various settings or circumstances to examine how it responds.
Speaking about the present trend, practically everyone who plans to create a website opts to create an Android app instead. The market for Android has grown rapidly because it is simple to tweak or build apps, offers a variety of capabilities, and Android devices are reasonably priced.
The necessity for testing Android applications has expanded along with the rise in the development requirements for Android apps to compete in a crowded market. Your application has to work with as many Android versions and devices as possible.
Automated Mobile App Testing
Automated testing’s efficiency and dependability are useful for performing time-consuming test cases and regression testing, and most automated tests are reusable. Nevertheless, in an agile setting, automated test scripts must be revised. The product flow of a mobile app varies with time, along with the specifications for the user experience and certain features. As a result, any modification necessitates updating the automated test script. The maintenance needed for automated mobile app testing is time-consuming and inefficient if you work on a smaller project, such as an MVP. Unless you keep a tight rein on things, maintaining automated test scripts frequently results in projects falling behind in sprint cycles.
Pros Of Automated Mobile App Testing
- Capable of running several tests concurrently
- Expandable for bigger mobile apps
- More affordable for larger mobile apps over time
- Executes tedious tests that put manual testers under pressure
Cons Of Automated Mobile App Testing
- It is slow and inefficient for a small-scale, minimal-feature mobile app.
- Impossible to test user experience variables
- Each mobile app normally has its code and customizations.
Why Do You Need Automated Testing?
The amount of time needed to test the application rises as well. Automated mobile app testing reduces that period to allow for frequent release. As a result, automated testing is essential to accelerating testing, cutting costs, and drastically cutting the time for feedback for serious issues from days to minutes. Using test automation, you can:
- Test cases with predictable results.
- Quickly build and run complex and time-consuming test scenarios.
- Repetitive test functions make manual execution prone to mistakes.
- The most significant benefit is that you can simultaneously test on several mobile devices, saving time. You may accomplish this without purchasing or managing the hardware using simulators or the cloud!
Manual Testing
As the name implies, humans conduct manual mobile app testing. As all manual tests are run by emulating the actions of an application’s end user, no programming expertise is necessary to run them.
Typically, manual tests are run after a set of Test Cases, which are also managed by testers. These test cases are test scenarios that are created based on the application requirements that the customer supplies. The test cases include step-by-step guidance on how to test specific mobile app capabilities. There are specialized tools for manual testing available in the market. One illustration is a cucumber, which is an extremely user-friendly gadget. Using Cucumber, testers may replicate their test cases as many as necessary and maintain a better log of any potential flaws.
Pros Of Manual Mobile App Testing
- User interface (UI) testing that is more precise replicates genuine user experiences and is quicker and more affordable for small projects
- Handles more complex use-case scenarios
- Makes it simpler to recognize and address app errors
Cons Of Manual Mobile App Testing
- It is not completely accurate as human errors are likely to happen
- It necessitates human resources to enhance performance
- It challenging to perform the tests
Why Do You Need Manual Testing?
Together with functionality, manual testing also offers some comments on usability and aesthetics. The tester assumes the role of a user who explores every aspect of the program and performs normal user behaviors to determine if or when the app crashes. With manual testing, you frequently receive performance, battery life, or overheating feedback in time to address issues before release. Often, the tester receives “free” feedback simply for paying attention.
Can Automation Testing Replace Manual Testing?
Manual mobile app testing will continue to exist alongside automation testing. Both manual and automated testing are necessary. Manual testing handles complex test cases, whereas repeated and simple tests are handled by automated testing. Thus, manual testing is still crucial. Yet, implementing automation testing increases the effectiveness of your manual tests.
Conclusion
Both testing techniques have benefits and drawbacks. The decision about the tests will frequently rely on specific circumstances. As was previously said, several criteria must be considered to choose the most effective technique for carrying out the required software testing. Also, the project budget and expected delivery time frequently play a major role in determining the sort of testing. Finally, always remember that manual testing is necessary to develop automated testing afterward.
