Data-driven test automation is the best mobile application testing strategy

Using software for execution of tests as well as determining whether the predicted outcome and actual outcome are same or not on basis of those tests is known as test automation. Automation phases in software appears during the testing as well as implementation phase. Automated testing helps organizations accomplish the goal of adequately tested software as fast and thoroughly as possible. The coverage is also increased and the need for testing manually is reduced. Through this type of evaluation, minor defects which remain unexposed by manual testing are discovered. In fact, there are plenty of other advantages associated with this kind of evaluation, making it absolutely indispensable in the world of software. This is especially so for testing of mobile applications since it is a much more complicated process with the number of varying platforms along with operating systems of tablets, smartphones, etc.

Automated tests need proper execution environment; in this case it is an automation or testing framework which is an overall system for the automation of tests. The framework or support or work platform for the evaluations constitutes a set of concepts, practices as well as assumptions. The framework is application independent and can be easily expanded, maintained and perpetuated. Testing frameworks are of different types- modular, keyword driven, hybrid and data driven.

For data driven testing, data files supply the test's output and input values. Separate files store the expected output and input results. Although, the file is generally in tabular formats, it can be a CVS file, Excel file, DAO object, ODBC source, ADO object, etc. In such a framework variables are used for output verification values along with input values. All coded information related to navigating through evaluation status logs and application, reading of data files, etc are there in evaluation scripts. The test case remains encapsulated in information files and scripts remain a means for data delivery or a “driver”. Just the test information is contained in the data files of this type of evaluation.

Data-driven testing framework has a number of advantages like-

• The scripts can be created even during the ongoing development of applications.
• You can greatly reduce unnecessary duplication as well as redundancy of automated test scripts creation because records and files are used for verification of data along with input and also because of the modular type design.
• When there arises changes in the functionality, all you need to do is revise the script of the specific “Business Function”.
• Details as well as information like expected results, outputs or inputs are stored in form of text records which can be managed very conveniently.
• Errors can be handled better which results in more robust testing scripts. This is mainly because during the calling of scripts the functions return with “FALSE” or “TRUE” values, the entire thing is not aborted. Just creating a nice “recovery” program results in the execution of test scripts without needing any attendance.

Data-driven frameworks have certain disadvantages as well. For the automation tool, you need to be an expert on the scripting language; for each test case, many data-files are needed. In fact, evaluation plan information has to be re-entered by test engineer in varying data-files and on top of that the test plan has to be properly managed as well. However, the advantages of data-driven test automation outnumbers the disadvantages. With this type of testing, new test cases can be easily added just by adding new entry into information source. Also different sets of information help cover many aspects of the features of applications, thus increasing the test coverage. One script can test application functionality which makes this automation framework the best mobile application testing strategy.

You can hire software testing companies who can help you create and execute the perfect mobile app testing strategy.

We provide mobile app development as well as software testing services. If you would like to speak to expert mobile app developers from our team about the ways in which we go about doing app testing, please feel free to contact us. We will be glad to get back to you.

How are 2nd hand markets turning apps into money makers

Most app makers are always on the lookout for ideas on which they build their apps and these ideas should be personal to the makers and they should be confident as well as comfortable enough to work with it, so that the ultimate result is mind-boggling. But nowadays the concept of flipping or selling through second hand or flea markets have become very popular. Most people can relate to this concept while trying to sell some of their used things. The idea in case of mobile applications works almost on the same principle. The creators of some app who do have the inclination or time to monetize or service the apps sell them at fixed amount of money. The applications are then tweaked if needed and monetized or resold to some other party.

This concept has found much popularity due to the fact that it is not only easy to buy or sell apps but also for the fact that this concept makes quite a bit of money. Suppose the developer has spent some amount of money for the development but its popularity is not as much as he had hoped to be and he could find no apparent reason for that. The best solution for him is not to drag the weight and sell it off instead and make a neat profit. For the buyer also, this means a profit as he did not have to spend time and energy for the development. The buyer had plenty of time to gather info and input from outside, the users and he utilizes that to revamp the application at an extra cost that is not too much. If he is successful in fixing the glitches then it turns to be a money-maker for him.

Many a times, being too close to the project, the actual developers cannot really find the flaws, but the buyer can. In fact, there are many times when after the revamping the buyer again sells the app to its original creator for a neat profit. In a way both the parties are gainers.

This secondary market of mobile apps is a thriving one with many people opting for it and why should not they, given the win-win situation and simple as well as easy way of doing this. You do not need to resort to fancy sites for the bidding or selling; a blog or even a Facebook page is suffice. In fact, many prefer Facebook as its social aspect helps the fast build-up of the business. Besides this there are other sources as well like Apptopia, which allows you to leverage work done by someone else through license or purchase of source code. Apptopia allows you to get the app to store immediately, even before beginning the revamping or re-skinning procedure. Any other marketplace for source code does not allow you that liberty; the game has to be re-skinned before being launched, which adds up time.

While opting for such apps by purchasing the source code, it is better to buy code engines which have many number of levels or is “endless” in other words. The reasons for opting for this are:

• More opportunities for advertising which is the most important
• the user can be made happy
• few In app purchases can be sold
• re-skinning of multiple versions becomes a whole lot easier.

However, while on the re-skinning process it is best to note that the content should be left alone. The only thing that you should be re-skinning is the graphics. Also the theme that you choose for the app is very important; so opt for popular trends and flashy designs that can attract users.

You can hire mobile app programmers from top mobile app development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to speak to one of our expert mobile app developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

Predicting mobile app & software development trends for 2014

Technology is evolving and changing at a rapid pace. It is more evident than this seems to be in the mobile phone market as well as the applications. Every year sees innovations alongside new trends in phones as new apps are being developed to make it easier and seamless for the end users, wherever and whenever they are, to have access to all the information. As a matter of fact, enterprises are trying to employ the existing technology besides software in order to offer a number of new programs.

The latest trends of mobile application as well as software development do not focus on just individual customers, rather they target new businesses as well. In the present world of hi-tech sophistication, there is a sharp spike in the demand for smartphones, hence it has increased the requisite for new programs along with developers. Nonetheless, the trend has created a pool of new talents next door. With rising demand for offshore mobile application development, here are some of the upcoming trends that users can expect to see in 2014.

1. Demand for Mobile Apps

Demand for social networking or gaming applications is on the rise. There are various platforms relating to different fields present for the mobile app market ranging from IOS to Android applications, Blackberry and many more. To keep pace with the ever growing market demands while balancing the curve for consumer satisfaction, tablet and android application developers consistently deliver their services so that more and more customers start using these.

The focus is on the content sharing that adds a great deal of variation in the user experience. Apart from sharing pictures, songs or videos over the cellular internet as well as mobile phones, the process of content sharing also extends to information sharing, study media as well as notes sharing app.

2. Billing will Go Mobile with Progressive Software Development

Mobile Payment applications are gaining prominent grounds too. Mobile wallet is the service that has overtaken conventional operation of payment. It is a far better and more secure way that is now found to be commonly used in banks. Banking sector is getting into this market to provide the customers with mobile payment options.

This trend is expected to overtake the debit as well as credit card payment methods. With this amazing app technology and software development, just a single click on the mobile screen will help users pay their bill. It will also help a lot in decreasing the chances of theft. Therefore, with the development of such apps around the corner, billing will certainly go mobile.

3. Latest Business Strategy for App Stores

Across the board, app stores are seeing the most advanced products being offered to businesses along with individuals. A number of small scale businesses are not only purchasing apps which assist in streamlining their industry, they are also customizing them. Customization helps you promote sales as this trend focuses on combining special offers or coupons.

4. Role of Cloud Computing Technology

Cloud Computing constantly changes the way information is stored. Due to the increased market demand, cloud based applications are enhancing with rapid popularity. The eventual trend is intended to encourage industries in order to switch over to a cost effective and efficient way of doing business. With evolution in this technical field, security issues are also being worked out.

5. Location Plays a Major Role for Providing More Context Aware Services

Location is one of the vital factors and it helps in bringing forth services and information based on context to the users. Information such as the user’s location, gender, age and preferences are all taken into account for providing a more context aware service.

All these cutting edge future trends are some of the biggest expected evolutions in the mobile app and software development industry. Winning mobile applications will have unique features which also cater to the mobile environment instead of acting only as the cellular extension of the online peers. Companies, technologies as well as service providers, consistently stay abreast of the current app developments to make innovative market products while enhancing brand images and retaining user loyalty.

We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to speak to one of our expert mobile app developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.

How Much Does a Mobile App Cost? It Depends on What You Need

Mobile applications have been growing increasingly popular and these are being used for numerous purposes today. Be it with respect to business, fun or entertainment, businesses are increasingly realizing the need to develop the mobile apps and use them essentially for marketing or promotional purposes. However, while developing a mobile app is a necessity, the cost involved in designing the same is a major point of concern. Now, the cost of developing an app is dependent on a lot of factors that most importantly include the individual choices and necessities. So, the cost that you will have to incur will be determined by the kind of application you are looking for. Here is a detailed overview:

The Type

The type of the app is the predominant factor determining the development cost. Now, those with the simple and basic functionalities are less expensive while the complex ones are costlier. If you feel that your business needs one of those dynamic applications, you must have a higher budget range. The gaming based apps, incorporating 3D effects and so on, are naturally the most expensive of all.

The Design

The designing as well as the coding of apps require quite a lot of efforts to be put into the same. Now, web and graphic designers work on the design once the programming along with the functionality part is done. The overall design, which often determines the success or failure of the app, includes splash screens, tab icons and several other assets that automatically involve considerable costs.

Functionalities of the App

The kind of functionalities that the application will include, the category under which it will come and many other factors are taken into consideration. As such, the desired set of functionalities that you want your app to include will determine the price of the same to a significant extent.

The Engagement of a Developer

A qualified or skilled developer is must when it comes to developing a mobile application. Hiring a developer involves costs that the company has to bear. Again, the cost varies depending upon whether an in-house developer or someone on an hourly basis is hired.

Allowing the App to Go Live

After the app is built in the xCode, the developer can help get the same in the store. Now, if the store is iTunes for example, an iTunesConnect account needs to be set up and all the necessary information needs to provided. These are technical tasks that not only need to be handled by the experts but also require a great deal of financial resources.

With the application ready in the store, all the analytics can be monitored on the back side by means of the iTune Connect. Entrepreneurs try out several ways of deriving revenue from the applications such as that of advertising inside the app and so on. The PPC or SEO campaigns can be facilitated as well and this would involve costs in the initial stages to lead to the desired revenues in the long run.

Submitting the Applications

Submission of the applications is yet another essential factor determining the cost of developing an app. The popular application stores have to be targeted to get the highest- possible revenues from the applications. If professionals are being hired for submitting the applications, the cost will definitely go up to a certain extent.

With the above-mentioned factors playing crucial roles in determining the prices of the applications, it is always wise to devise a budget well beforehand. However, with the mobile applications turning out to be a dire necessity, it is obvious for entrepreneurs to be ready to spend some extra bucks to get much more in return.

You can hire mobile app programmers from top mobile app development companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide mobile app development services. If you would like to speak to one of our expert mobile app developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.