Mobile App Testing Tools
We previously discussed the nature of mobile app testing, common problems in the testing process, and testing strategies. Now, we’ll take a look at mobile app testing tools that can streamline the testing process. And since one of the best strategies you can use over time is to “automate whenever it is possible”, it is important that you don’t miss in automation tool selection.
Here we list five mobile app testing tools you can consider before you dive into testing your apps. Note that the basis for the inclusion of a tool in the list is the recommendations from other sources and that we don’t favor one over the other. And though not extensive, we hope that this list will be helpful for you.
Appium (Open Source, Cross-Platform)
Appium is a test automation framework that works for native, web-based, and hybrid apps. It also drives cross-platform apps through the WebDriver protocol. This means that you can create test cases with the use any WebDriver-compatible development languages and tools. Appium’s philosophy centers on the idea that app testing automation frameworks should let app testers use their preferred tools, test frameworks, and test practices.
BitBar Testdroid (Cloud-based)
This testing tool is available in either public or private cloud. It is a “mobile device farm” with an inventory of thousands of real mobile devices (Android and iOS) for manual and automated mobile app testing. These devices are accessible round the clock through the monitoring of distributed teams. That, and other services like quick delivery of test data, logs, screenshots, and videos are some of the reasons why this is the testing tool of choice of many payment providers.
TestFairy (Beta Testing Platform)
Testfairy removes one major problem with crowd testing – the guessing on what really went wrong. Testfairy’s solution is to provide a video of the exact test aside from the logs and crash reports. It also works on any development platform, whether native, web-based or hybrid. Another selling point is its compatibility with bug trackers like Bugzilla and Jira.
SIGOS (Cloud-based)
This is Keynote’s mobile testing solution. SIGOS boasts of the combination of powerful mobile app test automation features and total control on manual device tests. Testers can run exploratory tests from anywhere through the DeviceAnywhere cloud service. You can even test on newly-released devices using real mobile carrier and Wi-Fi networks.
Ranorex
Finally, Ranorex Studio offers to test for desktop, web, and mobile apps. It is a service marketed to both beginners and experts alike. At the forefront are easy to use automation tools that support many third party tools and frameworks. Features that stand out are the GUI object recognition, easy step by step setup and recording of daily tests, reusable code modules, and early bug detection.
