Presentation 5. A comprehensive mobile application development and testing lifecycle

Abstract

Software Development Lifecycle is crucial in Desktop or web application development. Mobile applications are being developed for deployment in smart phones. Looking at the rising need of mobile applications and the associated development complexity, it is imperative to have a dedicated framework lifecycle for mobile application - Mobile Application Development Lifecycle (MADLC). The proposed lifecycle includes the following phases: Identification, Design, Development, Prototyping, Testing, Deployment and Maintenance. This lifecycle has been used for over a year in developing Android mobile applications. This lifecycle addresses some of the distinguishing characteristics of mobile applications like life span, complex functionalities, fewer physical interfaces, more number of screens for interaction, battery and memory usage, cross platform development and maintenance. The preliminary indicators are that this will benefit the mobile developers to follow the development process within MADLC to build robust and optimal control applications. In this research, Mobile Application Development Lifecycle (MADLC) has been proposed to bring out a formalized lifecycle procedure, which will aid the mobile application developers in developing high-end apps. This lifecycle includes the following phases: Identification, Design, Development, Prototyping, Testing, Deployment and Maintenance. Lifecycle phases in MADLC have been discussed which consists of different tasks and activities that takes place during the process. Following MADLC in a mobile application developed provides a preliminary indicator that this will not only help the developers in planning their tasks well ahead, but also, the project manager will be able to plan its Project Life Cycle activities in a very efficient manner delivering the mobile business solutions on time. This lifecycle also addresses some of the distinguishing characteristics of mobile applications like life span, complex functionalities, fewer physical interfaces, more number of screens for interaction, battery and memory usage, cross platform development and maintenance. The testing component of a software development lifecycle is one that enhances the robustness in delivering bug free applications in production contributing and for the success of the organization. When it comes to testing a mobile application - we face many challenges due to various different devices, OS Versions, Services. Same codes are being used across multiple platforms delivering the same application. The aim of this thesis is in structuring the mobile application testing methodology across Native, Web and Hybrid applications. Alongside, this study will also aim to identify and overcome challenges faced during the implementation of various functional and non-functional testing. This will contribute in bringing up a new Mobile Application Testing Strategy Solution. This solution will showcase the difference between various testing strategy across Desktop and Web. The significant challenges associated with mobile application testing makes an impact on production of mobile application. The importance of testing mobile application before developing it in live environment cannot be neglected. An application with issues and bugs can hurt not only the business but also the reputation of an organization. The selection of the target devices and operating system platform making use of the available stimulator/emulator and automation testing tools can maximize the test coverage. Adoption of automation testing framework for the mobile application testing provides an effective way and reduces the long term testing cost. Factors such as support for applicable multiple platforms, multiple devices script reusability and cost are some of the factors to be considered while selection of the automation framework tool. Adopting various types of testing and mobile application testing strategy discussed can mitigate challenges with mobile application testing. This research will help the organization to formalize a strategy for testing mobile applications.