The Complete Guide to Mobile App Automation Testing

Mobile automation testing is a practice of using automated tools in testing a mobile application. This assures that the app operates as expected and satisfies the necessary quality levels before launching it to end-users.

This approach is a need these days since testing can be time-consuming and expensive, especially when done entirely manually. To reduce human errors, the duration of testing, and ultimately the costs of a mobile app development project, project managers can choose mobile app automation testing.

With current trends pushing for faster releases and tighter integration with DevOps practices, mobile automation testing helps teams achieve higher efficiency and reliability.

By finding the performance issues and bugs at an earlier stage, the enterprises can maintain the competitive advantage while providing the robust applications to the Play Store or App Store.

In this article is a comprehensive mobile app automation tutorial is provided that covers all the aspects.

What is Mobile Automation Testing?

Automated App Testing helps validate the working of the product before it goes to the production phase. In this process, automated testing solutions are rundown by the QAs for performing the testing scripts.

QA can easily test the product with automated app testing tools, prepare the bug/error reports, and analyze the actual results with the intended results.

Also, the automated testing provides several advantages, such as reducing regression testing time, faster delivery, and confirming quality products, and decreasing manual testing struggles.

Testing Approaches:

• Functional Testing: This type of testing focuses on verifying that each feature of the mobile app is in accordance with its original intent.
• Regression Testing: Regression testing is about running parallel tests to check whether new changes have a side effect on the existing functionalities. Therefore, the previously completed tests are re-run and the results are compared. 
• Integration Testing: Interactions are tested for different interaction and also dependencies among various modules or components of the mobile application.

Top Mobile Automation Tools & Frameworks

In this section the top eight mobile automation testing tools are presented. We will start off with a comparison table that will help us to understand quickly and then a detailed analysis for each tool. It will specify when to choose them, how to set them up, and real-world scenarios in which these tools excel.

Comparison Table

1. Appium

• When to Choose:
  Choose Appium if you are looking for an efficient testing method that is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms. It has incredible features such as compatibility with many different programming languages, which makes it suitable overall. Read the Appium Tutorial to learn more about automation testing using Appium.
• Setup Process:
  Set up the Appium server, configure your device, and write your test scripts in the preferred language. Online communities and extensive documentation are the strategies that assist in implementing the setup process effortlessly.
• Real-World Use Case:
  Many companies have also taken Appium into their CI/CD workflow for testing their apps across different platforms.

2. NightwatchJS

• When to Choose:
  The teams that need JavaScript and Node.js as first-class tools can rely on NightwatchJS. If you use it in combination with Appium, it provides an opportunity to develop mobile application testing with a simple, Selenium-based syntax. 
• Setup Process:
  Firstly, you must install Node.js and NightwatchJS, then, you should also configure it to support not only groovy but also Appium. Its simple configuration files and clean syntax contribute a lot to make the setup processes smoother.
• Real-World Use Case:
  It is the right choice if you plan to have a web and mobile team that wants to maintain the testing courses as simple as possible. Thus, it can be done through the existing JavaScript expertise.

3. Calabash

• When to Choose:
  A good fit for Calabash is in the case of teams that are applying the behavior-driven development (BDD) technique, where you can write test scenarios in a natural language using Cucumber. 
• Setup Process:
  Simply configure Calabash with Ruby and Cucumber, and then write your tests in plain language. Despite it being pretty much straightforward, the performance of Calabash could be a bit slow in comparison with other apps. 
• Real-World Use Case:
  Calabash is preferred by companies and organizations that lay emphasis on the use of the simplest and the most understandable test scripts and on the technical and non-technical team member’s collaboration.

4. XCUITest

• When to Choose:
  XCUITest is a well-established tool for iOS apps that provides the iOS native support and easy practice in the Xcode environment.
• Setup Process:
  Using Xcode, create a testing target, and then write the tests in Swift or Objective-C. Its close relation to iOS development eases out the configuration.
• Real-World Use Case:
  XCUITest is a choice for enterprises that mainly focus on supplying iOS applications of high quality. The app designs get tested in a very specific manner.

5. EarlGrey

• When to Choose:
  Google developed EarlGrey, it is a robust synchronization feature and correct error message module of iOS. That is what gives inventors control over the synchronization process and thus can avoid test breaks. 
• Setup Process:
  You need to integrate EarlGray into the Xcode project and then write the tests in either Objective-C or Swift. Superior capability of synchronization helps reduce the failure of test cases caused by time differential.
• Real-World Use Case:
  It is rather efficient in the case of app development, i.e., when the app developers need help in the UI testing and the diagnostic data when the tests fail.

6. Selendroid

• When to Choose:
  Selendroid is designed for Android applications, especially if you want to test on older versions of Android.
• Setup Process:
  Set up the Selendroid by integrating it with Selenium, then write the test cases in Java. You may go the additional mile and do some extra configuration for legacy devices running Android. 
• Real-World Use Case:
  It would be the best solution to use it under the conditions where older Android devices are to be supported, in this way it will make sure that legacy apps are functioning properly.

7. Espresso

• When to Choose:
  Espresso is a creation for the purpose of fast and effective UI testing, and it ensures a deep integration into the development in Android Studio. Espresso is perfect for Android user interface testing, made by Google.
• Setup Process:
  Begin by modifying your Android project so that it includes Espresso dependencies, and then complete writing the tests in Java or Kotlin. The simple-to-use and minimal API of Espresso promotes the development of the tests in a short time.
• Real-World Use Case:
  Android developers make use of Espresso so that they can check different kinds of UIs instantly and rectify any regressions, thereby giving quick feedback and a faster development cycle.

8. Robotium

• When to Choose:
  The Robotium framework is great for black-box testing of Android applications, especially when you need quick functional test results in order to run the application. 
• Setup Process:
  Include Robotium in your Android project, programming in Java, and then executing the tests through the device emulator in your development tool. 
• Real-World Use Case:
  It is a popular choice among the teams as it offers them the option of testing functional issues in a comfortable way together with “Android,” but it might be less effective for complex interaction.

Want to employ automation testing for your products? We, at Testscenario have great resources to help you. Connect with us.

How Does Mobile App Automation Work?

To test any application, a basic form of testing is used as a linear scripting framework. It utilizes test scripts that do not require less planning and do not cope with scripts used before.

A tester creates test scripts in the modular testing framework to validate small, liberated tests to reduce repetitiousness.

Data-driven test frameworks allow QAs to create test scripts that will work for many data sets. As a result, this kind of framework provides great quality coverage with lesser tests.

Keyword-driven test frameworks can be used with different table formats to outline keywords for individual function and implementation techniques. Those testers who do not have detailed knowledge of development can find keywords to improve test scripts.

Popular test automation solutions are open-source – Selenium 4, Cypress and Robotium.

Selenium is used to automate and run different web browsers and it works efficiently with all coding languages such as Python, C#, and Java.

Robotium is majorly used for user function, acceptance, and development tests for android. Integration, end-to-end testing, and unit tests work flawlessly with Cypress.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mobile App Automation

This section is a practical guide to help you set up the mobile app automation testing environment as well as write and execute tests.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Testing Environment

Start by installing mandatory tools for the chosen framework. Let’s say you have just installed Appium: 

• Download and install the Appium on your system.
• If you don’t have a node npm tool, for the Appium server to function properly, start by installing the Node.js tool.
• Set up whichever IDE you prefer ( such as Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ, or Android Studio). 

Configure Devices and Emulators:

• Simulators/Emulators: You do not need physical devices for the testing process because you can configure Android emulators or iOS simulators. 
• Real Devices: If you want to test the app more thoroughly, connect the real devices to your computer using USB or through a cloud-based device farm.

Step 2: Creating a Sample Project

• Project Setup:
  • Begin by creating a new project in the language you prefer (e.g., Java, Python, or JavaScript). 
  • Install any dependencies by using a package manager (e.g., npm for JavaScript or pip for Python). 
• Writing Your First Test Script:
  • Write a simple test to launch your mobile application and verify that it successfully starts without errors.
  • Verification of the key UI elements by employing basic assertions is a must.

Example (Pseudo-code for Appium in Java):

Step 3: Integrating with CI/CD

• CI/CD Tools:
  Set up integration with tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions to automate the execution of your test scripts. This integration ensures that tests run automatically with every build or code commit.
• Automating Test Runs:
  • Create a build job in your CI/CD tool that triggers your tests.
  • Configure the job to run tests on multiple devices or simulators if available.
• Reporting:
  Utilize reporting tools or plugins to generate test reports, highlighting failed tests and providing logs for debugging.

Step 4: Running and Debugging Tests

• Execution:
  Execute your test scripts locally and then via the CI/CD pipeline. Monitor the output to verify that tests are executed correctly.
• Debugging:
  If tests fail, review the logs to understand the issues. Update your test scripts or environment configurations as needed.

What Are The Benefits Of Mobile Automation Testing?

Improve Testing Scope

Automation testing helps to achieve several test scripts and strengthens the test scope with application quality. It also benefits in significantly reducing manual testing jobs and saving time.

Validates Test Precision

Manual testing contains human involvement and can result in untold faults in testing. Physical test cycles may lead to mistakes, but with mobile automation testing, there is an assertion that the testing process and support of the app are completed with precision as mistakes are recognized at every step.

Improve Timing of Regression Testing

Regression testing with physical methods takes human efforts and lots of time which might also cause unknown bugs. Also, replicating similar test cases, again and again, may cause unconcern among are test the app testers and might even lessen the overall testing proficiency. Again, though, these will be fixed when regression testing is automated with effective testing tools, which improves the quality of the product.

Bring Re-Usability in Test Scripts

Mobile automation testing simplifies the tester’s work by reducing the test scripts with a minor altercation. Additionally, these test scripts can be re-used because they can be saved and used to reiterate the testing.

Check Complex Scenarios Efficiently

Mobile automation testing is operational to validate many complex cases as many apps are complex with IoT-enabled devices. Moreover, mobile automation testing with different kinds of test automation solutions eases the app testing process because solutions can be implemented to test regardless of the time.

Wait, there are other benefits too.

Reduce Unnecessary Costs

With mobile automation testing, businesses can hugely save their expenses as the test is performed quicker, bugs are identified and fixed before moving to the production phase. Though automation’s preliminary expenses are elevated, once the automated framework is built, it simplifies the testing job and reduces the overall costs.

Augments Return of Investment

Every business aims for better profits from its savings. With an improved working test framework, yields are big as testing is achieved quicker with the integral features. Furthermore, mobile automation testing provides faster and quality outcomes improve delivery time, and ensures ROI growth.

Reduce Test Time

As app tests are run routinely 24×7, automated app testing benefits in saving time. Furthermore, with automated application testing platforms, manual scripts will be automated, and regression testing will be considerably abridged. This ultimately leads to recovering the market time of the app and mainly saves manual works.

Challenges Faced In Mobile Automation Testing

Require effective Collaboration between Team Members

For mobile automation, the test can be successful in DevOps and agile environments. There should be the correct and effective exchange between the developers, QA, and other teams to confirm quick releases.

Important to Select the Correct Test Automation Solution

For automated app testing to be effective, selecting the correct automated testing solution based on the app is important. As there are several paid and open source automation testing solutions available, companies can choose the tool depending on the app.

Implement Proper and Operational Testing Approach

Suppose the QA team chooses the correct automation test tool, tests automation challenges, and implements best practices to get test success. The QA should correctly plan and embrace a technique that best DevOps and agile practices where the app under test frequently vary during the build cycle. Therefore, the right test automation method is important, then only your test automation efforts will be successful.

Wrong Implementation Leads to More Errors

The QA teams need to contemplate and evaluate the automated test cases. Automation works well when QA know which test is need to be automated. Furthermore, it is also significant that the test scenario chosen for app automation should efficiently represent an essential segment of user activities.

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Choosing Which App Test to Automate

High charges of automation testing are the big issue in continuous testing. Although, you do not need to automate all the test cases? So, which kind of test cases needs to be automated?

A test case should be automated if:

• The work is repetitive.
• Need more time for development than testing.
• The requests, the task or the test, are stable, low risk, and unlikely to vary frequently.
• To eliminate human error in major testing.
• The test has major downtime between phases.

These experiences allow you to create standards for automating tests across the business and manage tests. This improves your releases on time and allows you to reach a good ROI on your test automation.

In many cases, unit testing is taken as a priority, then functional testing and integration testing. These app tests need to be automated and work in complex scenarios, specifically those that need a particular environment or data setup.

Unit Testing

This is the quickest testing method. Therefore, it should need to automate with utmost priority. That’s because it is quicker to debug and highly reusable. It is low cost to repair, and there is a complete hosting framework that can be used to execute this irrespective of your development language.

Functional Testing

There are hosted frameworks and tools that can be used to match your development base. Therefore, you should have a method that ideals it as a genuine concern. Controlling those tests will identify erupted ones, and you do not want to erupt tests.

Integration Testing

It is used when testing your modules or interfaces, can be taken as a priority. Such tests support you to ensure everything is working perfectly. When this test is automated, it will run more easily and can provide feedback immediately.

Remember, a test should be automated based on purpose. If you automate all processes of tests requiring a huge deal of maintenance, you are capitalizing additional money and time and that you don’t have.

As an alternative, you should emphasize implementing a risk-based method, such that you are only systematizing the most expensive tests. Then, take upkeep in programming those most costly features, and ensure that they are automated perfectly for long-term reusability.

Conclusion

Businesses and enterprises continue to request quality products and faster releases. Software testing performs a key role in creating quality products. It’s important to test the apps early to recognize bugs and make sure release timelines are achieved. Nowadays, with complex apps and devices in place, mobile automation testing is a functional technique for refining the test coverage and efficiency.

Businesses should use mobile automation testing tools to get benefits like the increased delivery speed with easy releases, reducing manual tester time, decreasing regression time, and for providing quality products.

Hope this automated mobile testing tutorial will help you understand all the aspects of mobile automation testing.

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