In today’s technology-driven world, we have various options to access any application or website. We can conveniently view a website on a desktop if we want to view on a large screen or access it through our smartphone browser to get the necessary details on the go. Taking a step ahead, we have native applications as well that help us fetch information from the internet easily and quickly. For different types of applications, you need to implement different testing techniques as each delivers its own kind of user experience. In this blog, we are going to discuss mobile app testing vs web app testing – what are the core differences between both testing techniques that a web or mobile app testing company should consider.
But before that, let’s take a look at the different types of applications and application testing techniques.
Different Types of Applications
Here in this section, we will discuss the types of applications and the differences in approaches of Software Testing Services for these applications.
Basically, there are three types of applications:
- Web Application
- Mobile Application
- Desktop Application
- Web Applications
Web apps reside entirely on the server and run within a browser. Web applications can be accessed on multiple devices such as mobile phones, desktops, or tablets with the different configuration that is only confined to a web browser and internet connection. Moreover, if the application fits every screen resolution, you can view and access your web application efficiently.
- Mobile Applications
Mobile applications are again of three different types:
- Native Applications
Native apps do not need browsers as they run independently on mobile devices. This type of application is built specifically for a particular operating system or platform like iOS, Android, Windows, etc. One of the biggest advantages of native applications is that they have high performance and deliver an excellent user experience. However, the disadvantage of native apps is that it is very costly to build. Native app development has higher costs as compared to other types of apps.
- Mobile Web Applications
Mobile web applications run on a mobile browser. Mobile web apps can be accessed through a mobile device with a web browser installed in it and internet connectivity.
- Hybrid Mobile Applications
Unlike native apps, a hybrid mobile app is developed on different technology. The look and feel of the apps remain almost the same. These apps are compatible with multiple platforms, primarily iOS and Android. However, these apps have slow performance as compared to native apps.
- Desktop Applications
Desktop applications run on the desktop or laptop and have their own unique configurations and environments. This type of application is basically an executable file that needs to be executed on a computer to view and access the application and its content. Software testing services experts need to focus broadly on UI and a functional layer, load, and performance when it comes to testing the desktop applications. For instance, they can check how much memory is consumed when the application runs and what the status of RAM consumption is.
Now here’s come the point when you need to understand the differences between mobile app testing vs web app testing.
Mobile App Testing vs Web App Testing – Main Differences
- Web App Testing
- Compatibility and Cross-browser Testing
Software testing services experts need to ensure that the web applications have the expected look and feel on multiple browsers and operating systems. These apps should also be checked if they can fit and open with the same look and feel in shorter screen resolution devices such as mobiles and tablets.
- Broken Link Checks and Security Testing
When it comes to security testing, a tester needs to ensure that the user session is working correctly but longer time duration. The application must also be free from broken links. There are various open-source tools that help in checking and fixing the broken links in web applications.
- Cookies Testing
Cookies are small files that get stored in your temporary folder and are used to maintain the user session of your app. Software testing experts need to ensure the functionality by checking both on and off cookies in the browser settings.
- Mobile App Testing
When comparing mobile app testing vs web app testing, we find that mobile app testing comes with several limitations that a software tester needs to consider. User experience is a crucial aspect of your application. Even if your application is free from bugs, it may not be worthy enough if the user experience is not good. Here are some of the key areas that need to be covered by mobile app testing.
- Mobile App Installation/Un-installation Testing
This type of testing is covered in smoke testing. The mobile application should be easily installed and uninstalled on all supportive devices. Your mobile application should be useful and not have any upfront crashing. Also, when an application is installed, the app folder should be removed from the file manager in the case of the Android operating system.
- Network Testing
A mobile app testing company also needs to consider the mobile app’s network performance. The application should be tested in all aspects including 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, and Edge. Testers can implement prevention checks on all the necessary and security concerning modules that in a low or no network and avoid risky errors.
- Device Compatibility
The mobile app should also be compatible with multiple operating systems and device screen resolutions. Let’s say, for example, if you have an iOS app, it should work flawlessly on all devices such as iPhone, iPad, and with minimum to the latest available iOS version.
- Memory Testing
Memory testing is another aspect that a mobile app testing company may tend to overlook. Testers need to keep a check on the memory and RAM consumption from the application and also make sure to reduce the size of the app as low as possible.
- Native and Hybrid App Testing
While native and hybrid mobile apps may be built on different technologies, they have almost similar features. The testing approach for both types of applications would remain the same as both are built for mobile platforms.
- Installation Testing
Both native and hybrid mobile apps need to be tested based on the installation as both apps are installable files in devices.
Other than this, just follow the testing approach ideal for mobile application:
- User interface testing
- Functional testing
- Performance testing
- Compatibility testing
- Network testing
- Gesture testing
- Interruptions testing
- Notification testing
- Memory testing
Also Read – Automation Testing Vs Manual Testing: Which one to Choose for Software Testing?
Incorporating AI/ML Technology in Software Testing Services
While many software companies will be using agile methods to stay ahead in the competition, the incorporation of AI/ML technologies in software testing services is the new trend. These technologies are helping in improving the undiscovered areas of a software product.
A web and Mobile App Testing Company should be backed by a team of QA specialists who can perform software testing throughout the development phase. The future of web and mobile app testing will involve increased adoption of software testing automation solutions. By using automated software testing solutions, companies can ensure the quick delivery of high-quality applications that will add value to their business. Also, QA experts need to keep pace with the advancements and upgrades by working on their skills and following the best practices for software testing.
Now that you’ve understood the major differences between mobile app testing vs web app testing, you may approach a software development company for professional software testing services and solutions. You may contact our highly skilled QA experts for reliable, professional, and high-quality software testing solutions and services.
FAQs
Q.1. What is software testing used for?
Ans. Software testing is a manual and/or automated process of analyzing and verifying that an application or software performs as expected. Software testing is used for preventing bugs, improving performance, and reducing the cost of software development.
Q.2. Does software testing need coding?
Ans. There are basically two approaches to software testing – Manual testing and Automation testing. Different software testing approaches need a different skill set of testers. When performing Black box testing, the software tester does not need to have coding knowledge.
Q.3. What are the main types of software testing?
Ans. While there are different types of software testing techniques in practice, the two main types are Functional and Non-functional types of testing including manual, automated, and system programming testing types.
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