Taking a look at the state of mobile test automation today

1. The State of Mobile Test Automation Today

2. Introduction: The state of mobile test automation has undergone a transformation of sorts with the adoption of Agile and DevOps. The latest trends are about adopting new technology tools, methodologies like DevSecOps, and enabling cost optimization for enterprises. As Agile and DevOps methodologies are becoming mainstream, the world of mobile test automation is undergoing a transformational shift. The far-reaching scope and usability of mobile applications across business verticals are growing at a rapid pace. If statistics are to be believed, then the global app revenue had touched a whopping USD 19.5 billion in the first quarter of 2019. Further, mobile app development companies have created app stores catering to the users’ interest areas such as retail, gaming, banking, cab booking, travel, and so on. With high competition prevailing in the mobile app segment, not every app is hitting the gravy train of achieving ROI. In fact, most apps are lying in various app stores waiting for customers’ acceptance. Since mobile apps need to be compatible across devices, operating systems (Android, iOS, and Windows), and networks, they need to undergo thorough mobile app testing. This raises the cost of testing due to the following reasons: • Validate mobile apps on multiple device platforms, OSs, and combinations. • Execute mobile application testing more often due to OS version upgrades, the launch of new devices, and incorporation of new features, among others.

3. To achieve cost optimization in testing, test automation can help significantly. In order to aptly implement automation for mobile app testing, it is imperative to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying challenges, industry best practices, as well as the current trends. Let us dig in: An overview of mobile app test automation scenario It is not advisable to automate every test case, for the same would depend on a few parameters. These would include tool selection, feasibility, business process, and the functionality of test cases, among others. Even when organizations have the mandate to adopt automation, there is often a gap between the lip and the cup. In other words, the mobile application testing strategy would often vacillate in tool selection, especially when it comes to its features and compatibility. So, in order to save costs, organizations often go in for open source tools such as Appium, MonkeyTalk, Calabash, Robotium, and Selendroid, among others. Additionally, organizations can leverage cloud-based testing solutions to save costs with tools like DeviceAnywhere, Sauce Labs, and Perfecto Mobile.

4. How should enterprises deal with mobile test automation Adopting an automated mobile application testing approach can be a strategic decision. If done right, it can help an organization to become efficient in QA. Since mobile QA automation requires integration with multiple processes, business channels, and tools, organizations should consider these aspects while taking up the automation charge: • Combining mobile, web, and desktop application testing by leveraging technical innovations, tools, and functional knowledge. • Including the development team in unit testing thereby preventing the ingress of glitches at source. • Executing the strategy ‘automate from anywhere’ in the SDLC. • Preempting interdependence between the development and testing teams by avoiding code-intrusive tools. • Ensuring performance testing as an added benefit. Read the complete blog on: https://www.cigniti.com/blog/enterprise-mobile-test-automation-today/