Recently, there was a market research report from 1 of the premier analysts which states that the Global market for out-sourced software testing will continue to grow at an annual growth rate of 10% over the next 4 years. The main drivers for this growth are the need to reduce Operational cost and time. The report goes on to state that one of the key challenges to this growth is the lack of skilled resources. So, while there is the opportunity, we still face the challenge of updating our skills and demonstrating measurable value in each of our projects and assignments. The focus this time is on Mobile testing. This issue includes an article on the use of appropriate Automation strategies and tools for Mobile testing. This is an important topic considering the growth of Mobile technology and will be informative and thought provoking as well.

1. November 2013
Marlab’s
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
Mobile App Test
Automation
2
Marlabs Testing
Updates
5
Cartoon Space 5
We are back with the 3rd Edition of Test Digest. Recently, there was a market
research report from 1 of the premier analysts which states that the Global market for out-
sourced software testing will continue to grow at an annual growth rate of 10% over the next
4 years. The main drivers for this growth are the need to reduce Operational cost and time.
The report goes on to state that one of the key challenges to this growth is the lack of skilled
resources. So, while there is the opportunity, we still face the challenge of updating our skills
and demonstrating measurable value in each of our projects and assignments. The focus
this time is on Mobile testing. This issue includes an article on the use of appropriate Auto-
mation strategies and tools for Mobile testing. This is an important topic considering the
growth of Mobile technology andwill be informative and thought provoking as well.
Happy Reading! And keep the feedback and contributions coming in.
Volume 3

2. T E S T D I G E S T © 2 0 1 3 M A R L A B S S O F T W A R E P V T L T D P A G E 2
Mobile Application Test Automation:
Challenges & Strategy .
Unique challenges in testing mobile business applications
The unique challenges in testing mobile business applications arise from the diversity of the de-
vice environment, equipment and networking considerations, and types of applications, namely
Native, Web and Hybrid, as explained below :
 Device Diversity: Multiple platforms and browsers ,Rendering differences ,Varied applica-
tion run time
 Hardware Challenges: Limitations in processing speed. mobile memory size, Differences in
device communication protocols (e.g., WAP/HTTP).
 Testing Across Diverse Networks: MOBILE TESTING CHALLENGES UNIQUE TO NATIVE AND
WEB APPLICATIONS:
Mobile Application Test Automation
As in other areas of testing, Automation & use of tools has become a key value add in Mobile
testing. These are the different options or strategies – which need to be used appropriately for
the situation:
1) Cloud based test automation tools
2) Lab based test automation tools
3) Open Source /Platform – specific tools
4)Use of emulators and actual devices
1) USE OF CLOUD BASED TEST AUTOMATION TOOLS
Cloud-based test automation vendors support Web-based QA across platforms. Cloud-
based automated solutions are highly effective as they are offered as a unified package
(functional, Performance, Image verification, pixel to pixel based verification, network,
compatibility, installation, etc. . Cloud-based test automation is one popular means for
Ravindra Pilli

3. achieving automation of native and hybrid applications. Popular tools include (Perfecto Mo-
bile, Device Anywhere, See Test)
2.2 USE OF LOCAL BASED TEST AUTOMATION TOOL
There are multiple tool sets with different capabilities available for organizations interested in
a lab-based approach. Tools such as Eggplant, Jamo, See Test, ZAP, Silk Test and Test Quest
provide industry tool add-ons. They are useful in enabling automation in a closed environment
for continuous automation or to achieve test regression functionality. They also cover non-
functional scenarios that handle features largely relevant to mobile apps.
2.3 OPEN SOURCE/PLATFORM-SPECIFIC TOOLS
 Open source tools such as Selenium for android & iOS testing of web applications and Ro-
botium for Android platform are commonly used tools. However, they often require additional
programming skills.
 Device platform-specific tools provide highly reliable testing features Eg. iOS instruments for
iOS.x
2.4 USE OF EMULATORS, SIMULATORS AND ACTUAL DEVICES
In many ways, the use of mobile emulators and simulators is essential for developing and test-
ing a quality application. Such technology enables developers to verify certain functionality
that is not specific to any device, carrier or operating system.
P A G E 3
continuation of ‘Mobile Test Automation’ ...
T E S T D I G E S T © 2 0 1 3 M A R L A B S S O F T W A R E P V T L T D

4. P A G E 4
continuation of ‘Mobile Test Automation’ ...
APPROACH
TYPES OF
TESTING
MANUAL TESTING AUTOMATED
TESTING ON THE
DEVICESUsing Devices Using Emulators
Standard testing
Unit Testing No Yes No
Integration Testing No Yes No
System Testing Yes No No
Regression Testing Yes No Yes
Special Types of
Testing
Compatibility
Testing
Yes No Yes
GUI Testing Yes No No
Performance
Testing
Yes No Yes
Testing Types
(relevant to Enter-
prise business
apps)
Security Testing Yes No Yes
Synchronization
Testing
Yes No No
T E S T D I G E S T © 2 0 1 3 M A R L A B S S O F T W A R E P V T L T D
Recommended Strategy for Testing
Organizations intending to deploy mobile applications must plan their testing strategy across
manual and automation testing approaches for efficient and error-free delivery. In addition to
real device-based testing , emulators should be included as an integral part of the testing pro-
grams. Enterprise applications require special testing techniques.

5. P A G E 5
The Selenium Automation framework
The Selenium Automation framework & solution developed for one of our
prestigious clients by Siva Prasanna Vanapalli was very well received and
impressed them to plan for extending Test Automation across other business
areas.
Client Demos
Cultural Activities
Testing Team Folks won the First Prize in ‘Ethnic Day’ competition conducted in Marlabs Mysore
on 18th Oct’13
Few of senior QA folks from client visited our Marlabs Bangalore Office during Oct 21 - Oct25 2013. The primary
objective of the visit was to personally meet and appreciate the QA team for the quality of the work and to meet
the QA team members.
Feedback in Client’s QA Manager’s words :
“I wanted to express my sincere thanks to you all for such a wonderful time during our time in Bangalore. It was
great to meet and get to know all of you and work together for the week. The time we spent together was both
positive and productive and I hope we can take what we have gained and use it to improve our team communica-
tions and processes.”
“On a personal note, we felt extremely welcomed and the hospitality that was shown was humbling. You all have
left a lasting impression on us, thank you for hosting us and taking care of us during our stay. “
Client visit to Marlabs Bangalore
T E S T D I G E S T © 2 0 1 3 M A R L A B S S O F T W A R E P V T L T D