Thanks to open source testing frameworks such as Appium, automated testing for mobile apps has become much more accessible to app developers. Automated testing does not eliminate the need for manual app testing. However, their combined advantages improve the app development process and produce a higher quality product. Here are a few of the benefits of automated testing for mobile apps:
Reduced Testing Time During App Development
The first benefit of automated testing is increased testing speed and efficiency. Thanks to automation tools, analysts can run a greater number of tests in a shorter amount of time.
Manual regression tests take an enormous amount of time and manpower. With Appium, testers only need to validate the failed tests instead of performing complete end-to-end regression testing numerous times. Additionally, test cases can be saved and re-run whenever a consecutive change is made. Due to this automation, developers can integrate additional app features without adversely affecting the time and cost of app testing.
Appium capabilities save developers from testing each codebase separately, since the system is not language or platform specific. Instead, testers can utilize a standard API with this flexible, cross-platform framework, eliminating the need to rewrite the testing code and test each platform separately.
Reduced Cost of App Development
When utilized effectively, the time saved by automated app testing can reduce the cost of the development project. However, the real cost savings comes from testing thoroughness, which reduces the occurrences of bugs found post-deployment. Launching an app with defective functionalities is problematic due to the likelihood of app uninstalls, poor user reviews, and a negative perception of your brand, as well as the post-launch cost required to fix the code.
Additionally, when an app or system does require an update or added feature, the previous test cases serve as the basis for continued regression testing. This leads to considerable cost savings versus starting from scratch.
One of the biggest advantages of using automated testing tools like Appium is the ability to schedule tests. Testers can set up nightly builds to trigger end-to-end testing through automated scripts. The test cases will then run overnight and send an email report of the results, flagging potential anomalies. When the testers arrive back in the office the next morning, they will go through the results.
Automation Complements Manual Testing
Tools like Appium approach testing in a systematic way, without human errors of overlooking documentation, missing critical features, or making subjective judgements due to performing repeated app tests. However, after initial regression testing, familiarity with the project becomes beneficial for test validations. That is why it is important to integrate automated testing and manual testing.
If an automated test case fails, testers will then manually validate the test. After reviewing the report, they will attempt to recreate the failure. Manual tests can be performed on a physical device or using a simulator.
Sometimes, a test will return a failure that is a false positive. Instead of a coding error, a tester may simply need to re-accommodate the test cases to account for an expected development change. If, however, the test validation confirms the failure, it was likely due to a code change that resulted in an undesired app behavior. The tester can then discuss with a developer what recent change may have triggered that error and have the developer fix what was broken.
Enjoy Faster App Deployment
The overarching benefit of utilizing automated app testing is a shortened development life cycle. Whether your business is launching an app for the first time or performing routine updates, you want it to be deployed and functional; reducing app down-time is imperative. Paired with the Agile development process, automated testing helps deliver rapid app development that produces top-notch results and a large ROI.
If you are considering an app development project, the team at 7T is ready to help. We take great pride in our ability to leverage cutting-edge technologies in our custom software and mobile app development projects. Our developers are experts in creative UI/UX design, mobile security and mobile analytics. Additionally, we utilize both automated testing and manual testing to provide the best quality apps for our clients.
Based in Dallas, we serve clients across the U.S. and beyond. To discuss your development project, reach out to the team today.
