Two names dominate our thoughts regarding mobile apps and operating systems: Android and iOS. These are the most prevalent operating systems in the mobile market. While other operating systems exist, Android and iOS lead the industry.
Android app testing is used to ensure the app’s quality and performance. This process involves testing the app across different operating systems, browser and device combinations, and various scenarios to ensure it functions correctly. The insights gained from testing help predict expected behavior, identify bugs, and assess performance issues. Ultimately, this testing provides a comprehensive understanding of what users might experience, ensuring a smooth and reliable app performance.
In this article, we will cover everything about Android automation testing.
What is Android Automation Testing?
Android automation testing is a way to test Android apps using special computer programs automatically. Instead of a person manually testing the app, these programs can test the app’s different features and functions.
The main purpose of Android automation testing is to make sure apps work correctly, efficiently, and consistently. It checks things like:
- How well the app performs (speed, responsiveness, etc.).
- If all the features work as expected.
- How the app handles different situations like poor internet, crashes, or heavy usage.
Special tools and frameworks designed specifically for testing Android apps are used. These tools can run the app on Android devices and simulate user actions and scenarios.
For example, the tools can interact with the app just like a real user, tapping buttons, entering text, swiping screens, etc. They can also mimic situations like slow internet connections or multiple users accessing the app simultaneously.
As the tools run these tests, they record every step and provide feedback on any errors or issues found. This helps developers identify and fix problems before releasing the app to real users.
Android Automated Testing is the best for:
Android automated testing provides an optimal method for developers to verify the proper functioning of their applications. It can assess many aspects, ranging from fundamental functionalities to more intricate features. By automating testing procedures, developers can economize the time that would otherwise be dedicated to manual inspection, enabling swift detection of errors and issues.
Furthermore, automated tests can be executed concurrently on numerous devices, empowering developers to assess their applications across diverse versions of the Android OS. This assures that their applications are compatible with various phones and tablets.
The following are the key test scenarios where Android automated testing excels:
- Repeated Execution:
Repeated Execution, a form of automated testing, entails the repeated running of identical tests to guarantee the precision and dependability of outcomes. Its purpose is to confirm the proper functioning of software following modifications or the introduction of new features. This testing is critical for applications demanding elevated levels of precision and reliability, such as those in the banking or medical sectors.
Manually conducting repeated executions involves running identical test cases repeatedly, which demands significant time and effort. However, automation tools offer a solution to streamline this process, enhancing efficiency. These tools enable testers to configure test scenarios, execute them automatically, and swiftly compare results. Consequently, this reduces the time required to complete the testing process while maintaining accuracy.
- Regression Testing:
Given the frequent code changes inherent in regression testing, automated testing proves highly effective for swiftly conducting regression tests. This approach simplifies the repetition of tests with minimal effort and mitigates the potential for errors often associated with manual testing. Automated tests validate the correct functionality, performance, and security of applications.
Automation testing aids developers in promptly identifying issues and bugs in their code that may have been overlooked during manual testing. Additionally, it furnishes comprehensive reports on the application’s performance, facilitating developers’ enhancement of their products. Automated tests are particularly advantageous for extensive projects or intricate tasks encompassing multiple steps or processes. By automating these procedures, developers economize time and resources while ensuring the accuracy and consistency of their results.
- Performance Testing:
Automation becomes more practical when assessing the performance or speed of your Android application under the load of thousands of simultaneous users.
Automated testing can be easily scaled for larger mobile applications and proves to be more cost-effective than manual testing in the long term. However, the creation of automated test scripts is time-intensive, and not every test scenario can be automated. Therefore, it is prudent to prioritize and select the test cases for automation.
How to Perform Automated Android Testing?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform automated Android app testing:
Step 1: Set Your Testing Targets:
Before diving into the testing process, clarifying what you want to achieve through automation is essential. Ask yourself questions like:
- Do you want to test the app’s functionality, performance, user interface, or all aspects?
- Will automated testing save you time and effort?
- Will it help improve the app’s performance, reliability, and overall quality?
Make a list of your goals and determine which test cases suit automation. Repetitive tasks, time-consuming processes, and scenarios prone to human error are generally good candidates for automation.
Step 2: Plan Your Test Cases:
Following the definition of your goals, it’s time to strategize the test cases you’ll automate. Identify the diverse scenarios and functionalities across your app that require thorough testing. Consider creating a chart or checklist to ensure you don’t miss any critical areas.
Remember, not all test cases are suitable for automation. Tests that involve subjective feedback, multiple steps, or exploratory scenarios may be better suited for manual testing. Focus on automating repetitive tasks, processes with a high chance of human error, or tests that are difficult to measure manually.
Step 3: Opt for an Automation Framework:
An automation framework establishes the guidelines for creating and executing automated tests. Various frameworks are available for mobile app testing. Some popular options include:
- Linear Automation Framework: This framework records user actions and plays them back for testing. It is best for simple applications or unit tests.
- Modular-Based Testing Framework: Break down testing into smaller units or scenarios.
- Library Architecture Testing: Groups similar tasks into reusable functions and libraries.
- Data-Driven Framework: Stores test data and expected outputs in external sources like spreadsheets or databases.
- Hybrid Testing Framework: Combines two or more frameworks to leverage their strengths.
- Keyword-Driven Framework: Uses keywords and external data to execute test scripts.
Step 4: Determine the Suitable Automation Testing Tool:
Once you’ve chosen a framework, explore and select an automation testing tool that integrates well. When selecting a tool, consider factors like ease of use, compatibility with your framework, and support for your desired testing scenarios.
Step 5: Establish Your Testing Environment:
Mobile testing necessitates evaluating various devices, operating systems, and configurations, as app behavior can vary significantly based on these factors. Establishing a comprehensive testing environment can be challenging and time-consuming.
Some testing tools provide cloud-based testing on real devices with diverse specifications, models, and Android versions. This alleviates the burden of manually testing on numerous physical devices.
Step 6: Form and Execute Test Scripts:
Now that you’ve defined your goals, test cases, and framework and selected your tools, it’s time to write and execute your automated test scripts.
Begin by automating your critical test cases and scenarios. Pay close attention to areas prone to errors, such as user interactions, data inputs, and edge cases. Gradually expand your test suite to cover more functionalities and scenarios.
Best Android Automation Tools and Framework
Here are the best Android automation tools and frameworks:
LambdaTest
LambdaTest is an AI-powered test orchestration and execution platform that lets you run manual and automated tests at scale with over 3000+ real devices, browsers, and OS combinations.
Key Features:
- Supports various operating systems, browsers, and devices.
- It offers a real device cloud for testing in real-world environments.
- User-friendly interface for test creation and management.
- App profiling to track application performance.
- Parallel test execution across multiple devices.
- Comprehensive test reports and AI-powered analytics.
- Integration with popular CI/CD tools like Jenkins, Travis CI, etc.
- Support for multiple programming languages.
Appium
Appium is an open-source tool that is easy to use and supports multiple programming languages. It enables cross-platform testing, meaning developers can test their applications on Android and iOS devices.
Key Features:
- Automates testing across multiple devices, operating systems, and app versions.
- Supports multiple programming languages and testing frameworks.
- Rich set of APIs for app interaction and management.
- Supports manual and automated testing for better test coverage.
- Easy setup and use for real devices and emulators.
Espresso
We also have another open-source tool that is widely regarded as one of the top Android testing solutions available today, and for good reason – Espresso. Notably, Espresso boasts impressive speed, enabling developers to execute tests concurrently, thus markedly decreasing testing time.
Key Features:
- Fast and reliable UI testing for Android apps.
- Integrates seamlessly with Android Studio.
- Supports both Java and Kotlin programming languages.
- Rich set of APIs for app interaction and management.
- Supports testing of user flows and interactions.
UI Automator
Meet UI Automator, a testing tool developed by Google and bundled within the Android testing support library. Widely acclaimed as one of the top Android testing tools, UI Automator excels in conducting functional tests on an app’s user interface.
Key Features:
- Fast and reliable UI tests for Android apps.
- Integrates with Android Studio.
- Supports both black box and white box testing.
- Rich set of APIs for app interaction and management.
- Simultaneous testing on multiple devices.
Selendroid
Selendroid is yet another open-source Android testing solution. It allows developers to craft automated tests for Android applications by leveraging the Selenium 2 client API.
Key Features:
- Cross-platform automation testing for Android web apps.
- Integrates with Selenium WebDriver.
- Supports multiple programming languages and testing frameworks.
- Rich set of APIs for app interaction and management.
- Supports manual and automated testing.
testRigor
testRigor is a cloud-based automation testing tool that offers comprehensive testing services for Android and iOS applications, including functional, regression, and performance testing.
Key Features:
- Uses AI algorithms to analyze and prioritize tests.
- Integrates with Appium, Selenium, and Cucumber.
- User-friendly interface.
- Fast and efficient testing.
- Supports multiple programming languages.
- Provide comprehensive testing services catering to both Android and iOS applications.
Best Practices to Automate Android Apps
To automate Android apps, you can follow these practices that ensure successful outcomes and efficient development processes:
- Define a clear testing scope by understanding and setting achievable testing goals. This will set the right expectations across teams and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the testing objectives.
- Select the right framework based on the project’s requirements. Consider factors like app complexity and features before opting for a framework. Avoid the common mistake of selecting a popular tool that may not align with your project needs.
- Prioritize testing on real Android devices, as emulators fail to replicate real user conditions, such as battery life, calls, and network issues. Use real device cloud, offering access to a wide range of Android devices for more accurate and comprehensive testing.
- Enforce scripting standards, including consistent practices and well-commented and adequately indented code. This plays a pivotal role in maintaining readability and collaboration among team members.
- Stay updated with OS changes, as Android frequently releases updates. Ensure your automated test cases are adaptable to these changes, maintaining the compatibility and effectiveness of your tests.
- Measure the impact of automation by gauging the success of your automated testing efforts through essential metrics. These metrics provide insights into the efficiency and reliability of your automated testing process.
- Differentiate automated testing from manual testing, as they serve distinct roles in the development cycle. Avoid comparing them directly, as each contributes uniquely to the testing strategy.
- Use comprehensive test reporting, screenshots, videos, and text logs to focus on effective debugging. This helps identify and resolve failed tests efficiently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, automating Android app testing emerges as a potent strategy for enhancing the calibre and dependability of your applications. Using suitable tools and adherence to best practices, automated testing empowers you to identify and rectify issues in their nascent stages, saving valuable time and resources and delivering a refined end product to your user base. While setting up the automation framework and processes demands an initial investment, the enduring benefits of efficiency, uniformity, and elevated app performance validate the endeavor. Embrace automation as an integral component of your Android app development journey to ensure a seamless and gratifying user experience.
