Why Should You Opt for Automated Testing for Your Android App?

Unlike other popular mobile operating systems like iOS and Windows Phone, Android is open source. Google has released its mobile operating system under open source licenses. This feature makes it easier for mobile device manufacturers to access and customize Android's source code to deliver distinct user experience. But the openness of the mobile platform makes it essential for developers to ensure that their mobile applications function flawlessly on different devices, and multiple versions of Android.

As an app developer, you must implement a complete mobile application testing strategy to release a bug-free application. However, you can either test the app manually or automate the testing efforts. A number of reports have highlighted how an app developer can deliver a high quality product and get higher returns by automating his Android application testing. At the same time, you can also automate your mobile testing efforts without investing a huge amount of money. There are also a number of reasons why you should opt for automated testing of your Android app.

7 Reasons Why You Must Opt for Automated Android App Testing

1) Apps Must be tested on Many Devices

The Android devices completely differ from each other. Each device is designed with distinct screen size, resolution, form factor, processor instructions, and Android version. Likewise, some devices are designed with special features like front camera and external keyboard. So you need to ensure that your app runs smoothly on many devices manufactured by different companies. The automated testing tools will make it easier for you to evaluate the app's performance across many devices without putting any extra time and effort.

2) Apps Must Run on Different Versions of Android

Apple allows users to upgrade to the latest version of iOS without changing their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. But the Android users have to change their existing mobile devices to access the most recent version of the mobile operating system. Often users take time to migrate to the latest version of Android. That is why; your mobile app must be compatible with different versions of the mobile operating system. You can use testing tools to assess the app's performance accurately across different version of Android.

3) All Tests must be completed by the Deadline

You need to perform a variety of tests as part of the testing process to evaluate all features and functionality of the Android app. Also, all these tests must be completed within a stipulated timeframe to shorten the time to market. When you automate your testing efforts, it becomes easier to complete all tests within a shorter amount of time. Also, you can use the tools to execute the tests frequently and repeatedly to identify all flaws or defects in the application. The quick completion of tests will help you to reduce time to market.

4) Deliver a High Quality and Flawless Android Application

To get higher ROI, you need to explore ways to increase the number of app downloads. Nowadays, the profitability of each mobile app is directly impacted by its quality and user experience. Each user expects the app to perform flawlessly on his mobile device and platform. So you must assess all aspects of the Android app to identify all defects and performance issues. The testing tools enable you to identify and fix all flaws in the app within a shorter amount of time. Thus, you can automate the testing efforts to boost the app's quality and user experience, hence get higher returns.

5) Option to Use Open Source Android Testing Tools

Often developers have to invest in both software and hardware to automate their mobile testing efforts. But you still have a number of options to assess the Android app thoroughly without investing additional funds. You have option to choose from several testing tools for Android. There are a number of open source testing tools that come with advanced and innovative features. For instance, you can consider using some of the popular open source mobile testing tools for Android like Robotium, Monkeyrunner, Appium, selendroid, calabash-android and Uiautomator. You can use these tools without paying any licensing fee or royalty, while availing the assistance of a large community.

6) Option to Reuse Test Resources

You also have option to reuse the test resources across multiple projects. You can reuse the test scripts for several projects with minimal maintenance. Also, you can easily expand the test coverage without requiring any additional time. There are a number of cloud-testing platforms that allow you to run more tests without investing additionally in server and other testing tools. Thus, your initial investment in testing tools will help you to test several Android apps without increasing project overheads. Also, you have to deploy less manual testers as manual testing efforts have been reduced significantly.