iPhone Application Testing

The line of smartphones released by Apple are 3G, 3GS, 4, 4S and 5. The iPhone applications could be downloaded from the iTunes Store. The store consists of different types of applications, music, videos etc.

Reference Link: http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2012/10/12/apple-iphone-apps-3.jpeg

iPhone Applications Testing has different phases which must be considered:

INITIAL SET UP PHASE:

1. The tester must need a unique UDID (Unique Device IDentifier) when testing on mobile device. This can be obtained for free app ad-hoc helper or you can get it from iTunes.

2. An Ad-hoc provisioning profile must be obtained. It could be obtained from the business owner or by individual from apple website.

3. Connect the iPhone to the iTunes using USB cable and then click on the serial number. When clicked on the serial number the UDID appears. This UDID must be added to the provisioning portal user (http://developer.apple.com). 

4. In above link provided go to 'Devices' tab then add the 'Device Name' and 'Device ID'. Once added, tap on 'Provisioning' tab on 'Distribution' and create 'New Profile'.

5. While creating 'New Profile' select the Ad-Hoc distribution method. Give a profile name and then select the Apple ID, from the drop down list. Then select the device type from the list of options available. After submitting these details. The Distribution profile is generated with the Profile name you have given. Download that Distribution Profile.

Note: This Distribution profile is helps to restrict the application privacy or misuse during development stage.

DEVELOPMENT PHASE:

1. Now the developers will add this Distribution profile in their Xcode. The Developer builds for the device required and then releases Ad-Hoc provisioning profile. The developer then shares the application built with the Ad-Hoc mobile provisioning profile through email (Attachment size should be <10MB). 

Note: The application designed by developer could be sent in the different formats (.app, .ipa, .zip) and for Ad-Hoc mobile provisioning profile (.mobileprovision). Mostly the objective C programming is used for most of the applications.

2. Unit testing is a must and it should be done by the developer before releasing the build. This helps to reduce large number of bugs and also helps to reduce the development life cycle. 

INSTALLATION PHASE:

1. The tester needs to just simply connect the device which is already ready for testing. Extract the files and directly drag and the application with provisioning profile to the Library. 

2. Now from Library drag and drop the application into the device connected. 

3. Please make sure that the application is installed with its provisioning profile. Then only the tester can test the app, else the application will not launch.

4. It is always advisable to disconnect the USB cable after application is installed successfully. Once the cable is disconnected launch the application. Now the App is ready for testing.

TESTING PHASE: 

Bug submission - When ever any bug is found it must be reported using bug reporting tool.

Feedback - Tester must be able to provide proper feedback based on friendliness of the application and further improvements as per customer application usage.

BRD - Business Requirement Documentation it is a must for the tester while testing. To understand the functionality and required outcome when testing any feature.