Performance Testing Challenges – Performance Testing of Mobile Apps

So you’ve just launched a new mobile app to facilitate your customers. Congratulations! But in case you are feeling relaxed already, here’s a reminder – the work has actually just started. Before you go to market there are several things that need to be accomplished, testing being the foremost. Mobile application testing, in practicality, is a big field that includes different aspects like functional testing, lab testing, usability testing, interrupt testing etc. But our focus today is ‘performance testing’.

Scenarios Tested during performance testing of Mobile Apps

Mobile testing ensures consistency and flawless performance across mobile platforms. Performance testing falls in the category of non functional testing. An application’s performance on a mobile platform depends on the server through which the user accesses the application. Hence, in the process of performance testing, the environment keeps varying.

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In the former category, conditions like low battery, poor network coverage, low device memory, etc. are tested while in the later, the server is tested. As a tester, you need to understand how the app will react when a number of users are logged on to the server.

Performance testing helps in improving user experience on the application – an aspect that you cannot ignore.

Challenges Faced and the Right Approach to Performance Testing

A tester’s job is challenging, for there are many variables against which the application has to be tested. Some of the aspects that challenge the tester are:

Bandwidth variation – Users have the option of using different mobile networks which translate into differences in network infrastructure, bandwidth etc. As a result information processing on these platforms varies.
Multiple devices with different configuration – There are many different kinds of mobile platforms. Some have a QWERTY keyboard as input method while others have a touch screen, there is variation in screen size, hardware available, operating system being used etc. All lead to numerous challenges while testing.
Mobile users keep the connection open – Security is an important aspect and it needs to be taken into account while testing. However, the different kinds of unsecure connections that are being used make the testers’ job a nightmare
Frequent updates in mobile technology – Technology is changing so frequently that even the latest becomes outdated in time. In such a scenario, the tester has to integrate the aspect of relevance.

Performance testing the right way

When performance testing is done the right way, you can easily overcome the abovementioned challenges. Some of the things that can be done are:

Define the goals: Have a clear idea of what you want from the app so while testing it you can be sure that the results are in concurrence with your goals. For instance, have in mind the number of users the app can handle or the kind of response time you think is realistic and acceptable.
Create a realistic test environment: Your test environment should simulate real life conditions in which the app will operate. This will give you an idea of what will work and what will won’t.
Do not compromise: Never compromise on the load while testing because is one variable that needs to be simulated to understand how the app will respond to real life situation. If you have to, you could compromise on some other aspects but be careful about how it can impact the app.
Take baby steps: Start with smaller loads and graduate to the realistic one. This will help you figure out the errors when they occur and how can they be put right.
Address all errors: Any response that looks like an error should be addressed. Do not just focus on response time or performance error. Even if the data is wrong or when the app behaves in a way not expected – check it.
Document the test runs: Testing will have to be done over and over again to get perfect result. It will required iterations in successive cycles and hence you need to document them. This will help you understand in one go what works and what doesn’t.

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TechArcis’s Performance Testing:

Using our MagnaQ (MQ) Performance suite, We help you strategize and execute performance testing for a range of requirements such as responsiveness, scalability, reliability and availability. Our solution covers a wide range of applications and verticals.

Let us show you how our performance engineering solutions can be customized to your business for improved performance. Talk to us today

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Sailing with Selenium

To quote Bill Gates, ‘The first rule of any technology is that when automation is applied to any efficient operation which magnifies its efficiency.’ So, test automation is a primary method of accomplishing privileged competence…

Selenium: An Ivory Dome

Selenium is an open source RR GUI Testing Tool. Its RR (record and replay) feature makes it convenient for naïve users designing their tests even without knowledge of Selenium IDE, test scripting language. However,developing Selenium test scripts in Selenium IDE is quite easy. Thanks to the presence of a context menu that allows selection of a UI element from the browser’s presently displayed page at first, followed by a selection from a list of Selenium commands with pre-defined parameters in accordance with the context of the selected UI element, test cases can be created in an efficient way.

Innards of Selenium

Selenium RC:Its latest version being Selenium RC 2.50.1 which is an additional peg to automate multiple browser platforms. This version contains .NET binding for Selenium RC API. Selenium server is the browser driver. Supporting API implementation can be done for existing sturdy languages like Python, Ruby, Perl, PHP, .NET and Java (often operative via Groovy). Sel-RC is usually preferred over Sel-IDE for vigorous test automations. The constraint is with the functionalities, as those required to automate the browser is limited to the ones available in JavaScript Sandbox.

Selenium WebDriver: Its latest version being Selenium WebDriver 2.50.1 which embraces the .NET bindings for the advanced object-based Selenium WebDriver API. It uses indigenous OS-level events to operate the browser, sidestepping the JavaScript Sandbox and Selenium Server to automate it. One cannot traverse the API in order to know the WebDriver supporting functionalities.

Selenium Grid: It is a server allowing test to use remote web browsing instances. Its Central browser version and configuration management system allows parallel tests in multiple machines. Selenium Server comes with built-in Grid functionality.

Selenium IDE: As the name suggests, it’s an IDE and an impelling prototyping tool. It is invoked as Firefox Add-on. It helps to comprehend Selenium Script Syntax. The presence of Breakpoints, Startpoints, Testcase stepper, Locator Assister acts as an icing on the efficient functioning of Test Case development. Unfortunately, Selenium IDE is not very smooth in running conditional statements or iterations in test scripts.

Selenium Synthesis

Tools amalgamating with Selenium to expedite the process:

Jenkins: A java based open source continuous integration tool, to automatically execute Selenium Web Driver after deployment, using integration test phase supplied by surefire plug-in.

Grails: An open source web application framework handpicked because of its transparency in integration of classes traced with Hibernate ORM schema.

Apache Maven: A build automation tool, particularly a POM, which is integrated with Selenium Tool Suite for proper comprehension on dependencies of the software.

Drupal: It is integrated with Selenium because of its effective internal testing framework, which has system of call backs and hooks, usually used for core extension.

SOA Test: Provides reliable support to REST and other web services and meticulously tests composite applications, which is why it’s integrated with Selenium.

Silk Central: Selenium is integrated with Silk Central Management platform for effective execution of Selenium scripts and to perform real time reporting.

Testroid: It is used for real mobile browsers and devices.

Opportunities with Selenium

Following are the regions still to be conquered by Selenium to be perfect in all respects:

– Creation of in-built web-driver repository facility.
– Design of inbuilt framework for completion of various tasks which are presently performed by plugins like APACHE POI API, TestNG, Testing XSLT etc. for making Selenium a standalone package.
– Reduce the time lag while working with multiple windows.
– Design of Selenium for Windows-based application.
– Eradication of the issues often encountered while handling dynamic ID’s.
– Lack of direct support observed during application support troubleshooting, as Selenium is a freeware.
– Mitigating the Bitmap comparison support issues.
– Enabling Selenium support HTTP Basic and Digest Authentication.
– Completion of Selenium emulation.
– Formulation of Remote Selenium Web driver Protocol in JSON.
– Introduction of manual script writing for conditional loops in data driven testing.
– Utility for verification of images and pictorial data.

Selenium Server vs. Selenium Web Driver

Selenium WebDrivers are basically for writing scripts for automation of browsers and can be executed in local systems. Selenium Servers are particularly used to run in remote systems. So, Selenium WebDrivers and Selenium Servers work together to validate automation of any script.

Advantages of Selenium Tool Suite

– Selenium can be used for application testing of almost all mobile-based OS.
– Space consumption of the suite during Script consumption is amazingly less.
– It is usually referred for agile methodology for coding and testing.
– It is ideal tool suite for cross-browser or cross-platform qualifications.
– It has higher adoption capability with no language constraint for the user.

Despite some hitches, Selenium Packages are still robust, advantageous and reliable tool suites. With timely updation, sailing with Selenium will definitely prove to be a pleasant journey.

How to drive the Context Driven Testing?

Context Driven Testing (CDT) accentuates project appropriate application of skill and judgment. CDT adds to the dapper testing of any software or app. Context driven software testing methodology matches the framework of the project. But the question still remains intact— What is Context Driven Testing? To answer, Context Driven Testing is resourceful and continuous assessment of testing and projection of latent information and its significance. It emphasizes on skill, not procedure. It is a set of standards about assessment methodology. It overrules the traditional modus operandi of tests. In Context Driven Testing, each testing situation is considered exceptional in important ways and handled accordingly.

Essentials of CONTEXT DRIVEN TESTING

Following are the four essentials of a successful Context Driven Testing:

Testing should be Context Cognizant: As mentioned earlier, the tester should have harmony with the various aspects of testing for the betterment of software or app.
Testing should be Milieu Specific: Testing methodologies should be capable of coping with frequent changes and open to adjustments.
Testing should be Framework Imperial: With the changes in entities, the solutions to the tests should be unchanged. A solution is considered to be a failure if it doesn’t solve the problem.
Testing should be context driven: The dynamics of the testing problems should be crystal clear.

Ways to coerce Context Driven Testing

Project Detail Requisitions: The basic step of CDTrequires collecting details related to the development, testing and context of a software or app.
Planning in advance: Once project detail is understood, test plan should immediately be skeletonized. The test plan should have details of what all the planned results and expected results are.
Adjust test plan with real time changes: The present world of software development is temporal and ever changing. With time, schedules, requirement and a lot of other entities alter. So, the test plan should adapt accordingly and ensure maximum test coverage.
Completion standards should be clear: The standards which decide the completion of a project should be clear and should involve affirmation from end users as well.
Flexibility in application of rules: Sometimes, it becomes impossible to get proper details of a project or plan test cases in advance or set completion standards. Context Driven Testingis expected adapt to such situations because of its flexible nature.

Testing Techniques

Testing techniques developed in accordance of Context Driven Testing are:

Exploratory Testing: In this type of testing approach, it becomes the responsibility of a tester to optimize the quality of the software or app. The approach of this testing circles around ‘How’ (as in how the software will work, how it will ensure proper working in case of immediate entity alteration or amends). To achieve the effectiveness of the testing technique, pair testing and session based testing are being introduced. This type of testing is effective when requirements and specifications are incomplete or the project is time-deficient.

Gray Box Testing: Gray Box Testing is a combination of White Box Testing (internal or unit) and Black Box (external)testing. It is specifically used to find out application-based or structural defect. In this testing, intelligent test scenarios are handled such as data type handling, exception handling etc. It affirms the conditional report of the project. In case of any changes, rerunning of test cases is implied. It is prioritized over any other testing technique for web applications.

Challenges with Context Driven Testing

Testers cannot merely fail with Context Driven Testing when dealing with high risk projects. If the tester makes such mistakes, s/he is inviting some appalling letdown because of laissez-faire testing heuristics.
Context Driven Testing is not good for stable, predictable and repeatable projects; using it in such cases would be a waste of resources.

TechArcis is continuously working on innovations and investing in quality assurance in software testing. Many leading organizations have relied on our specialist in software testing services for over years. Partnering with a specialist QA service can help you readily adapt to the latest trends in testing. Know more on how you can benefit from TechArcis’ specialized services.

What is ERP Testing? and why is it important in 2022

Organizations of varying sizes and operations are increasingly opting for ERP solutions to deal with applications that are critical to business. With the transition from old IT systems to modern cloud computing and big data, the complexity and diversity of the application landscape has changed and continues to evolve, based on emerging technologies along with compliance challenges and demands. As businesses today need to manage complex environments with multiple parallel programs, mission-critical applications and initiatives, there’s a growing emphasis on ERP testing solutions to bring some kind of predictability and reliability to these.

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Why these ERP testing steps are important

For efficient ERP testing, the following steps are important:

Defining testing goals: Unless testing goals are set, it can’t be decided what kind of ERP testing needs to be done, who the testing team should comprise of and the tools required for handling the job. Thus, before debating on implementation, usability or functionality testing, it’s important to decide what end objective you want to achieve.
Identifying test cases and conducting tests: For identifying test cases, it should be remembered that the application needs to achieve critical business functionality. Due to their unique business requirements, enterprises don’t go live with standard/basic implementations. This makes it important to conduct exhaustive tests on areas which are customized to assist functionality in production. Testing ERP applications’ integration with existing legacy systems is also crucial to ensure they meet business requirements. After the initial tests have been build and run successfully, change in objective and maturity of application functionality will expand the set of test cases. Tests to regularly inspect problem areas in applications (like interfaces to legacy systems) can be added at this stage. Marking the chief business operations that will benefit from the ERP solutions and running the key ERP tests (Regression, Integration, Performance, Usability, and Security testing) also become important to save cost and time while ensuring the systems are monitored continually.
Analyzing defects and creating test reports: Analyzing the number of defects found in a system would help in the detection of the readiness of ERP application. When the test sets are executed, it’s important to track and analyze failures occurring within the tests and report all such defects. This information can help the testing team to measure and manage how they prioritize defects, fix them, retest and finally close them. Comprehensive reports that outline thorough documentation of all testing processes and outcomes will help the testing team to evaluate test results correctly, and reuses test scripts and cases in the future.

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Why you need test automation for ERP systems and ERP upgrades

ERP systems are usually installed in multiple locations, configured based on the local/unique business requirements and implemented to meet specific industrial needs. Thus, huge volumes of data need to be tested. Together with the ERP systems’ complexity and dependency on other modules and systems, this makes manual testing a difficult proposition. Dealing with security risks of transactions related to centralized databases like clouds and continuous testing of systems that are modified and updated regularly are other causes that make test automation the ideal solution.

The biggest advantage of ERP test automation would be considerable savings in cost, time and resources involved. With continuous monitoring of ERP systems being made easy, finding and fixing bugs would speed up, thus letting businesses avoid substantial loss. Business critical applications can be run easily as test automation helps in routine monitoring of data structures.

In brief, ERP test automation simplifies and speeds up the process of routine testing, apart from facilitating quick coverage of test cycles, including regression and configuration testing. However, it’s crucial to choose the right testing tools and procedures for business processes.

Challenges faced by businesses with ERP testing

Key challenges associated with ERP testing are:

Dealing with a complex technology: The domain needs complex implementations with industry-specific business processes as well as specific programming and configurations.
Extensive testing experience: With ERP systems across diverse locations, testers with an extensive level of expertise in enterprise-scale software testing are required, which is hard to find.
Integration: Integration of ERP systems with newer as well as 3^rd party/legacy applications is yet another challenge. Coordinated integration testing of multiple applications with different technologies is also a big issue.
Concerns with budget and delays: Budget overruns and schedule delays often escalate costs and trigger problems with testing and production issues.
Performance problems: It’s a tough task to test and ensure Performance SLAs of the integrated system. Absence of a comprehensive performance test plan can also trigger performance issues at different levels (database, application, load characterization, critical paths, tools, user roles, protocols etc).
Meeting regulatory compliance: As high priority is given to country-neutral and country-specific regulatory requirements and compliance, meeting them too have emerged as a challenge.

Final words

Testing ERP applications is a complicated task as a minor change can have significant effects on business process steps, interfaces,system configuration, supporting infrastructures or security. That’s why ERP testing of TechArcis follows a structured, planned approach to help businesses streamline their activities and deliver higher-quality products/services to their target clientele.

Mobile Application Functional Testing Tools – Your A-Z Glossary

96% of world population has mobile subscription of some kind. This means a lot of potential customers for businesses. It, thus, does not come as a surprise that all businesses wish to have a mobile interface to reach out to more customers. As a result there is a big demand for quality of applications on mobile devices. And mobile testing teams are on their toes to deliver the best to the consumer because statistics show that nearly 50% consumers will delete an app if they find even a single bug. The problem is that testing mobile applications is not easy. Testers need to find out ways to test apps efficiently and effectively, and the answer is automation. There are various tools that help in freeing up a tester’s time from critical manual testing process. We bring you a list of such tools to help you chose the one that suits your testing case.

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Appium

It is a cross-platform mobile automation tool that supports tests in any framework and language. The only thing is that an HTTP request should be created.

USP

– It has an easy setup process for running the test
– The app code does not need to modified for testing
– Any test is suitable to run on either iOS or Android on real devices or emulators.

Pricing – Appium is an open source test automation framework for use with native hybrid and mobile web apps.

Calabash – It is developed and maintained by Xamarin. It is used with Cucumber

USP

– It has two separate libraries one for iOS and another for Android which automate testing for native or hybrid mobile apps.
– The test cases are written in natural language and then translated to test scripts
– It works well with Ruby, Java, .NET, Flex and other programming languages.

Pricing – It is an open source and free testing tool.

eggPlant

The eggPlant functional conducts mobile testing using the iOS Gateway and Android gateway agents to connect directly with the mobile devices. The tester has full control of the devices and emulators.

USP

– One script works for all devices and platforms
– Unique image-based UI testing approach to test user-experience focused mobile apps
– There is no requirement for modification of the app

Pricing – eggPlant packages are available for different uses and cost differs depending on the type of package.

Frank for iOS

It is an iOS-only test framework combining Cucumber and JSON.

USP

– A statically linked server inside the mobile app under test interprets JSON and uses UISpec for execution.
– It does not require app code changes
– It is most suited for emulators and web-based apps.

Pricing – It is an open source testing solution

iOS Driver for iOS

iOS Driver utilizes Selenium and the WebDriver API for testing iOS mobile apps.

USP

– It runs on emulators, where execution is faster and scalable.
– No app source code requires modification and no additional apps are loaded on the device under test.
– iOS Driver is designed to run as a Selenium grid node, which improves test speed as it enables parallel GUI testing.

Pricing – It is an open source framework

Keynote

Developed by Dynatrace it is a leader in helping businesses with their mobile application testing

USP

– It provides cloud based solution for mobile app quality and performance which results in reduced complexity.
– It enables integration with agile development
– It helps shorten development cycles with test automation

Pricing – You can get Keynote for manula testing of mobile applications and websites starting $180 per month. Unlimited testing and other facilities are available in Pro Unlimited starting at $500 per month.

KIF for iOS

KIF stands for Keep It Functional. It has been developed for iOS mobile app UI testing.

USP

– It utilizes the Accessibility APIs built into iOS in order to simulate real user interactions.
– Tests are written in Objective-C, which is already familiar to iOS developers.
– It specifically tests only iOS mobile apps.

Pricing – It is an open source framework.

MonkeyTalk

It is simple to use but very powerful tool. It can test anything from simple smoke tests to sophisticated data driven test suites.

USP

– It can be used both by the testers and developers.
– It has threes components – an IDE that creates test scripts, an Agent which is the test instrumentation library and Scripts that used simple syntax fro execution.
– Tests can be data-driven from a spreadsheet using CVS format.

Pricing – It is a free and open source automation tool for android and iOS mobile apps.

NativeDriver

It is created by Google and is an implementation of the WebDriver API that drives the UI of a native application.

USP

– Functional testing of web applications on multiple platforms and browsers is possible.
– The gap between Web Applications and Native Applications are bridged with the help of webDrivers
– It is being developed ad a multi-platform tool.

Pricing – It is an open source testing tool

Ranorex

It is an automated testing tool

USP –

– It combines simple click and go solutions with hardcore coding
– Ranorex Test recorder can be used by non programmers
– The steps are well designed and can be used across multiple test cases saving time

Pricing – There are two payment plans for Ranorex – Node locked for euro1,990 and floating for Euro 3490

Robotium for Android

This is developed by Renas Reda and the framework is released under Apache License 2.0. It supports Android features like activities, toasts, menus and context menus.

USP

– It is aimed only at automatic gray box testing cases for Android applications including web, native and hybrid mobile applications
– It is used on conjunction with TestDroid Recorder where the JavaScript test scripts are created as the tester traverses the UI of the app under test
– ExtSolo, a free extension library adds multi-path dragging, auto-scaling for different display resolutions and other abilities.

Pricing – It is an open-source test framework

Selendroid for Android

It is a test automation framework for testing Android native and hybrid applications

USP

– Can be used without any app code modification
– The framework can interacts simultaneously with multiple devices or device emulators and also supports device hot-swapping.
– An inspection component records device UI state for test case creation.

Pricing – It is an open source test framework for testing Android Apps. Selendroid open source project is in active development and has already multiple contributions from different contributors and companies like eBay, Salesforce, Red Hat and Facebook.

Silk Mobile

Silk Mobile from Borland, Micro Focus is a mobile testing solution that ensures consistent user experience and lowers the complexity in testing.

USP

– The Silk Mobile testing solution increases the speed of testing for both mobile and web clients irrespective of the skill set of the testing team.
– It ensures that the mobile and web applications perform as per expectations
– It builds functional test automation that runs reliably across platforms and devices

Pricing – Start with a 30 day free trial version

UI Automator for Android

It is a UI testing framework suitable cross-app functional testing across system and installed apps.

USP

– The scripts are written in Javascript
– UIAutomator Viewer is used to run and examine test results
– User actions can be reproduces and it can access native device buttons too

Pricing – It is an open source test framework for testing Android Apps.

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[Infographic] How Automation is powering transition to DevOps?

DevOps is a process – a mind-set – that requires a cultural shift in the way most organizations work today. It has a straight advantage over the traditional software development and deployment approaches. It reduces the time spent on interleaved phases so that software delivery is close to immediate and glitch free. In such a highly integrated approach where development, testing, quality assurance, and delivery need to work in tandem, automation and system intelligence would come in to play a crucial role. Info graphic Here’s how.

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Role of Testing in Product Engineering Services

Product engineering is a vast domain that deals with various aspects of designing and developing a system, software or device, starting from quality and cost to performance, projected lifespan, dependability, user features and serviceability. Quite naturally, testing product engineering services too encompasses a wide field that’s different from testing your everyday software and systems.

Overview of testing in different areas and its role

Embedded testing

The world is increasingly running on embedded systems and software, from your cell phone and big screen home theater to the air traffic control station. Since most embedded systems are “real-time”, testing time constraints for an embedded system is as important as testing functional behavior.This becomes more important as some systems (like air traffic control or medical equipment) are safety-critical where failure isn’t an option.

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Embedded system testing is a difficult task due to cross-development environments, a wide range of execution platforms and deployment architectures, tight resources and timing constraints on platforms where tests are to be executed, together with emergence of newer certification and quality standards. Thus, embedded systems are categorized on the basis of hardware/software used or on their type (such as safety critical or technical scientific etc) to test them. Such systems can also be tested by classifying them based on platform used (like Host based Embedded System and Target based Embedded System). When testing real time systems, emphasis is given on time constraints, predictability and resources awareness together with execution efficiency.

Game Testing

Domain-specific tests in this domain include fun factor testing (evaluating whether a game is fun to play) that requires insight into game design along with what the target user group enjoys. Balance testing to assess balance between difficulty levels, monsters and events; AI testing for checking if computer controlled opponents work according to game design; and multiplayer/network testing (to check how multiple players are interacting with each other, computer controlled opponents and the game servers) are other tests run to evaluate games. Game testing requires a combinatorial experience to handle testing of various complex aspects and anyone thinking it’s just about playing a game to find problems grossly underestimates the whole scenario.

IoT Testing

From NFC payment tags used by banks for retail bill payments and payments through wearable devices to healthcare apps and assessing consumer behavior by studying NFC/ATM card usages etc, the scope of IoT testing is varied. Since the sub-components, subsystems and services are interrelated and possessed by multiple providers and third party units, IoT testing needs to access them all for effective testing of the complete system. IoT test cases could be varied – from checking if all the devices can register to a network and transmit massive user data (when required) to verifying data transmission in encrypted form/low power mode, testing what happens when data volume defined in the requirement is exceeded and more. IoT testing involves checking compatibility and connectivity issues to power problems, safety concerns and privacy/security issues, among others.

Key things to consider for testing these

Test data and test cases: Gathering the right test data and formulating targeted test cases is crucial. For embedded system testing, classifying the systems is crucial while for game testing, the objective (say, whether you want to do audio tests or realism tests) determines how the test cases would be developed. For IoT testing where multiple devices and elements are involved and where some devices may not be available for testing or are of inadequate capacity, proper test data is crucial for formulating test cases.
Automation:For embedded systems in action, automated regression tests can be performed. The interface you choose or configure is very crucial for automated embedded testing as it will define what testing you can perform. Though complete automation of game testing may not be possible, you can use automation for unit testing (w.r.t code), protocol/message level testing (in the context of system) and GUI testing (in the social context).API driven IoT test automation is still overshadowed by simulations run in virtual environments as IoT systems are complex and have their own protocols (like CoAP, MQTT and ZigBee in addition to Bluetooth andWi-Fi), are subject to regulatory requirements and use high-level programming languages.
When to stop testing: For game testing, IoT testing and nonsafety-critical embedded systems, subjective criteria like quality that’s good enough, budget and time to market decide when to stop testing. However, for safety-critical embedded systems, you can’t stop on the basis of subjective criteria as the bar for “good enough” is pretty high.

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Final words

New age testing practices help in improving the quality of product engineering services while supporting innovation, cost control and shorter product development lifecycles. TechArcis leverages its testing expertise and modern technology to constantly innovate and launch product engineering services that meet client needs and bring more business your way.

Connect TechArcis to leverage our unified test automation framework to overcome key challenges in test automation and get your Website/Web Apps functionally ready for your niche audience.

What All should you Test in your Healthcare Apps?

Technology has touched all aspects of our lives and healthcare is no different. Now at the touch of a button you have access to anything that you wanted to know about eating healthy, staying healthy, doctors and their availability etc. Whatever you can think of, related to, healthcare is now available in the form of an app.

A developer designs an app based on the ideas that he has. However, before this app is launched in the market, it needs to be tested and made foolproof. So, if you are looking to enter the healthcare field with an app, there are some things you need to test in your app.

The user interface (Source)

For any app, the user interface is of utmost importance. More so for healthcare apps because most of the ends users will be patients who will want a comfortable way to interact. Also in medical apps, a large amount of data needs to be entered and that too on a regular basis. The app therefore, needs to patient centric and patient friendly. It would benefit a great deal from an inbuilt memory to take care of the patient’s history – a factor that will come in handy for the doctor. In terms of design, it should have a positive impact on the patient hence you need to test it for a ‘feel good’ design factor.

Integration with other apps(Source)

Healthcare is a large field. One single app might not be able to fulfill all the requirements of the patient. Hence, a compatibility with other apps is essential. Once a patient becomes comfortable with a particular app and its interface, he would not like to change it. He would rather look for an app that offers the same comfort as a doctor. Hence, it is important to test the compatibility of the app with others.

Patient Privacy(Source)

In the field of medicine, privacy is very important. You need to test the app for its ability to keep secrets. Patients share many personal details and his/her medical history on the app which is very sensitive data and obviously should not become public. Though, in case the app does collect data for whatever reason, it needs to be brought to the notice of the end user in the form of a privacy policy that explains to the end user all about it.

Security testing

Security and authenticity testing is always an important step to be taken while launching a healthcare app. The app should comply with the regulatory bodies such as HIPAA.

Usability testing

Before taking out an app into the real world, it’s imperative to test it for its usability yourself that would get you an idea as to how well the users in real world would be able to use that app.

Performance and compatibility across platforms

People might not have the same phone but would like to have the same healthcare app and exchange notes with their friends. An app therefore needs to be compatible and be able to perform across different mobile platforms like Windows, Android etc. Often in making the app compatible, some features get omitted. As a tester you need to test compatibility, performance, as well as functionality of app across platforms.

Error Messaging

Any app is supposed to work well when a certain set of instructions is followed but what happens when there is an error on the part of the end user. Ideally, it should not process information and send out error message. A tester needs to address this issue as well and ensure that the message sent will help rectify the problem.

Functionally foolproof (Source)

Before releasing the app in the market, test it for functionality. This needs to be done at different levels. At the patient level, at the doctor’s level, at insurance provider level etc. In case of an app that requires location like running and fitness, you need to check the accuracy of the geographic location.

The market is flooded with many healthcare apps but the reason why some are more popular than others lies in their design as well as testing. A user who is spoilt for choice will not compromise on any factor. Your job as a tester then remains to ensure that the final version of the app that is launched in the market meets the entire criterion set up by the end user and gives accurate results.

TechArcis Mobile testing services include device testing, App testing, Functionality testing. This helps to release their products with accelerated time to market, generates quicker ROI & brings better brand reputation. To know more about our Mobile testing services, contact us today.

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How Agile Can Facelift Performance Testing ?

The success of apps in the market already saturated by similar apps depends on how efficiently they perform. Performance is a factor of quality. Organizations are realizing that quality is not dependent on a single department but a collective responsibility. This is the reason why and how over the past ten years, the software sector has changed in the way applications and programs are developed and tested. All applications need to be tested for how well they can function under a given load. Performance testing includes a range of tests that enable the testers to analyze the working of the system. It can be inbuilt in the design and structure of the system before coding. The aim of this testing it to improve page loading speed, ensure scalability for loads and stability that makes the app work all the time. Wal-Mart was behind the competition in the online sector till it improved the page load time. The result was a 2% improvement in conversion rate for every second.

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When is performance testing done in agile

In the conventional waterfall model of app development, the testing could happen only after the app was fully developed. Testing was the work of a separate department that worked in isolation and often at the last moment. Enterprises are these days favoring the flexibility offered by the Agile model. In this new method, development is no longer a step by step method. It is an iterative model where the app development and its testing go hand in hand and are both responsible for the release deadline. With Agile, there is a major ‘shift left’ approach that allows testing to start as early as possible and thus increases the efficiency. Scrum, Extreme Programming etc some examples of Agile testing that are being used widely.

Agile is preferred by developers because –it is iterative and evolves with every step. The product development cycle is broken into small increments thus the time spent for planning and design reduces. The time for iteration is short lasting typically from one to four weeks. There is a cross-functional team involved for planning, analysis, design, coding and acceptance testing. The stakeholders are in the picture with and involved at the end of the iteration thus making it possible to adapt to changes. The feedback loop thus becomes shorter and the team is able to analyze roadblocks if any much faster.

Agile performance testing challenges

Performance testing is an integral part of Agile. The process promises to develop quality software while reducing the development cycle thus affecting both the development cost and the release timings. In a typical Agile process, each project is divided into Sprints which are smaller projects. The aspect of performance testing is inbuilt in every sprint so that the project team can prioritize the defects and eliminate them in a logical manner. Keeping performance testing as the first and foremost necessity in any project, Agile allows the organization and end users to work closely. As a result, any issues related to performance that can affect the app can be identified as well as rectified early on in the development cycle.

Ideal environment for Performance testing

In order to succeed with performance testing, the testers need to be involved in every Sprint so that the end result of the Sprint development cycle is a quality product. On the part of the development team, the criteria for performance testing need to be spelled properly for every Sprint.

Further, the teams that have to handle the bugs need to prioritize and take action as per priority. The ideal testing environment is one that replicates the production environment but this is not always possible especially in case of bigger apps. Testing with one server for each layer with each server loaded as per the production environment helps identify the weak point. With these in place, Agile can be most effective for performance testing.

Automated Testing Services – Streamlining the FinTech operations with Agility

According to a FinTech report conducted in 2017 by PwC, FinTech has emerged as one of the most promising trends of the recent past. Increasing customer expectations, the expansion of venture capital funding, reduced entry barriers, and technology innovations have allowed the FinTech Industry to flourish in every sector. The methods of offering services through traditional firms have not changed much over the years. The rapid-changing industry and busy schedules of individuals have to the forefront many ambiguities in conventional financial systems. On one hand, traditional financial firms believe that their business is at risk due to FinTech start-ups; on the other hand, various traditional firms are partnering with innovative FinTech firms to tap the market. The FinTech ecosystem includes the given financial services areas – Banking, Insurance, Mobile Payments, Investments, Personal Lending, Asset Management, Fund-Raising, Digital Currencies and all these give rise to a function testing ecosystem providing to the customized requirements of this domain.

Download: pwc-global-fintech-report-17.3.17

Manual testing proves to be a slow process to match up with the agility expected from software testing for Financial Institutions. With frequent upgrades to the processes delivered through solutions and apps; it is no easy task to keep the vulnerabilities at bay. The speed, accuracy, and correctness of Test Automation remain the only way out for most of the test processes in the software for financial institutions which have specific traits setting them apart from other domains.

Intricate Workflows
Innumerable concurrent sessions
Multi-tier functional hierarchy
Integration with other financial solutions
Requires real time as well as batch processing
Expects flawless security measures
Strong audit trails and other audit mechanisms
Appropriate reporting and dashboards to keep a tab of the ongoing
Extremely large storages

It is quite clear that a test methodology with an appropriate maturity and meticulousness is of utmost importance for these organizations.

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Types of Testing Advocated for Financial Institutions

Considering the practical situations handled in the situations for software testing services for financial institutes, a comprehensive test strategy taking care of different types of testing, automated as far as possible and where applicable can serve the purpose.

Usability Testing

Since the services of a financial institute, typically a bank can be availed by a diverse customer base, the test strategy should lay a lot of stress on Usability testing and ensure expected behavior even when a non-proficient user makes mistakes.

Security testing

These systems are easily the most vulnerable and are always on the hit list of hackers and malicious activities. Penetration tests and vulnerability checks are the backbones of the test strategy for these applications.

Functional testing

Functional testing for these enterprises needs to make sure that the requirements and specifications for the intricate workflows are in place.

Performance testing

Financial activities have their shares of spikes and low days too. Unaffected performances in the event of a higher number of activities need to be ensured.

Database Testing

Keeping the data safe by ensuring data integrity and data validations are of highest importance for any system, especially financial institutions. Rules need to be followed during data migration and data exchanges over communication channels as well.

Security is one of the most important aspects requiring testing in a FinTech application. Financial data used by applications contain sensitive information that can be misused by hackers and malicious software. As such, security testing, including penetration and vulnerability checks, is important.

Data safety, data integrity, and data validation is important for any system but is especially essential for financial systems. During data migration and data exchanges over communication channels, proper procedures and rules regarding tables and records must be followed.

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ConclusionFinTech applications are implemented to increase both the reach and ease of business. Applications have to be user-friendly so that any user is able to operate it. Consequently, this requires usability testing with the help of real users. Furthermore, functional testing ought to be an integral part of test strategy given that applications interact with many other applications. Mobility, Security, Load and stress capabilities for applications should also be checked.

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How Agile Can Facelift Performance Testing ?

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When is performance testing done in agile

Agile performance testing challenges

Ideal environment for Performance testing

Automated Testing Services – Streamlining the FinTech operations with Agility

Download Whitepaper: ROLE OF TESTING IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Download Whitepaper: Automated Testing for Mobility