Conducting the right mobile application testing is directly tied to hiring the right person to carry out the test. The CAGR of the mobile app testing marketing is likely to rise by 18.5% between 2019 and 2029 — says FutureMarketInsight.
That means a good deal of investment is ongoing — both in human resources and technology to test mobile software. Investors, in turn, are expecting high ROI coverage.
The fact is testing is key to ensuring that a program meets the needs of the development company and the end-users. However, the silver lining is promised if you use quality mobile app testing services. This requires chairing a successful interview process. How to go about it?
We have carefully selected the best interview questions you should ask the candidates together with the answers you should expect from them. Plus, you can switch things up by adding other questions. Simply, check out Top 50 Software Testing Interviews, where we discussed all-inclusive interview testing topics.
So, let’s get to work.
1. Differentiate Between Testing A Mobile Application and Testing a Mobile Device
Testing a mobile device involves cross-checking the hardware and internal programming of the device. Functions such as the camera, the touchpad, antenna, the motherboard, the random access memory (RAM), the operating system, etc., make up the device, and all get tested during mobile device testing.
The mobile applications are the various software that makes up the device, such as the message application, the phone application, installed applications, etc. This software is what makes the device usable and is tested individually.
A device is incomplete and quite useless without installing applications into it. While without a device, an application does not have a place to be functional.
2. Explain The Term “Native Applications”
A native application can be described as an application compatible with a device, which can be installed from an application store. Native applications will install with ease, whether they are functional or not. Their compatibility with the host device makes them “native.”
For instance, in android devices, all the native applications related to android devices can be found within the Android Play Store, and for iPhones, all the native applications can be found in the Apple App Store. If an application isn’t native to a particular type of operating system, it would not be given access to the operating system’s application store.
However, it is necessary to know that some native applications are pre-installed by the device manufacturers before they are sold to the end-users. Examples of pre-installed native applications are the phone application, the message application, the camera application. These pre-installed applications can still be found in the application store of the operating systems.
3. Explain The Term “Web Application”
A web application is an application that can be embedded in the framework of a mobile internet browsing application. Almost every application can be accessed through an internet browser using a linked domain name.
For instance, if you do not have the Facebook application on your device and want to log into your Facebook account without downloading and installing it, you can put in the Facebook domain name into your web browser and access their web application.
4. Explain The Term “Hybrid Application”
A hybrid application is an application that has both the properties of a native application, a web application, and much more. Hybrid applications can be downloaded and installed just like native ones, they contain internal browsers for surfing the internet within the application, and they also have functions that can work offline, without being connected to the internet. They are much more complex to develop and deploy than applications that are native or web apps.
5. How Can You Test Mobile Application CPU Usage?
Various applications can monitor the effects of other applications on the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a device. But to test the impact of a mobile application on the CPU of a device, simulation has to occur. This is when a software mimicking the mobile application is directly induced on the device while the CPU is being closely monitored to ascertain the simulation’s effects.
6. Describe How To Test Mobile Applications Over Networks
Various applications behave differently over multiple networks. This testing procedure is quite time-consuming because there are different networks, and all have a different effect on applications.
There are wireless and wired networks. Wired networks involve different types of connecting cords and ports such as USBs, HDMIs, various Networking ports, etc. Wireless networks involve WiFi, 2G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G, 5G.
Some applications may operate appropriately under a 4G network, but under a 2G network, they would be too slow. Some applications don’t even require any network to function correctly.
7. Factors To Consider While Carrying Out Sanity Tests On Mobile Applications
While carrying out this test, be sure to consider the installation and uninstallation processes of the application. Check whether the application installs and uninstalls smoothly.
Next, confirm the effects of various networks on the application. Typically, the application should have some preferred networks; however, the application will operate smoothly on all in some unique systems. This is common with hybrid applications.
Another crucial factor is the functionality of the application. Thoroughly go through all the various functions of the application.
8. Explain The Term “Interrupt Testing”
This is a mobile application testing process where the behavior and operational level of the application are observed while another operation, outside the application but within the device, is taking place simultaneously.
For instance, an application’s performance when a call or message comes into the device can be tested.
Simply put, interrupt testing, as its name implies, is a test that determines the performance of a mobile application when there is an interruption from another application on the same device.
9. Explain The Term “Compatibility Test”
This is a mobile application test that confirms how well an application operates in an operating system or a device. This test also deals with how well an application interacts with other applications within the same device. Some functions might require synchronization between two or more applications, and if they are not compatible with each other, the synchrony will not work correctly.
Another instance is where some applications may require certain RAM and internal specifications from a device to run smoothly. Such applications are compatible only with devices that meet their operational specifications.
10. Can Penetration Testing Be Done On Mobile Applications?
The simple answer to this question is Yes!
Penetration testing is required while testing mobile applications because mobile applications are also prone to attacks from fraudulent hackers. A mobile application tester with penetration testing skills is highly recommended. He/ she will serve as an ethical hacker to find out how easy or difficult it is to gain unauthorized access into the application.
Thus, security loopholes and unforeseen data leaks are promptly attended to. A penetration test and a general security test will ensure that all the data associated with the application are secure. Thus end-users feel comfortable using the application.
11. Describe The Latest Version Of iOS
The latest version of the iOS is iOS 13.6.1, which is also the newest version of the iPadOS. It is made available only for iPhone 6s and above/later iPhone devices. It is also available for the iPad Air 2 and later, the iPad mini 4 and later, and the iPod touch 7th generation. It was released on the 12th of August 2020. It comes with a more secure security package as previous versions are no longer placed under many security checks. This is why it is easier to hack older versions of iOS. Releasing updates regularly is one effective way companies use to stay ahead of fraudulent hackers.
12. Describe The Latest Version Of Android
The latest version of the Android operating system is the Android 10. It was released on the 3rd of September 2019. A new version known as the Android 11 is about to be released, although a beta/ test version of the anticipated Android 11 is available.
The Android 10 came with improved performance properties for both devices and mobile applications such as Live Caption, Smart Reply, Sound Amplifier, Gesture Navigation, Dark Theme, Privacy Controls, Location Controls, Security Updates, Focus Mode, and Family Link.
| Recommended: Android App Security Testing |
13. Describe The Extension Alphabets Of Android Applications
Android applications have an extension of .apk. This concept executes the android mobile application, just like .exe executes that of Windows OS applications and software.
“apk” means the Application Package Kit. It lets the android operating system identify the contents of the application by essentially making it a native app. Without that extension, the Android OS and device will altogether reject the application and view it as a mere unusable file.
14. Describe The Extension Alphabets Of iOS Applications
iOS applications have an extension of .ipa.
“IPA” stands for iOS App Store Package.
Without this extension, an application cannot run on an iOS device.
Like any other extension, the .ipa gives the iOS device the ability to download and install the application, plus it also enables it to function accurately. In fact, without the .ipa extension, the application cannot be downloaded into the device, nor can it be allowed into the iOS app store.
15. Describe The Term “Test Case Runner”
As its name implies, a Test Case Runner is a software on which a mobile application can be tested. The runner acts as an environment that tries to represent both the device and the end-users. It gives a near-exact environment similar to that of the device and tries out the application’s functionalities just as a human user would.
It helps to determine whether the application is good enough for launching to the general public.
16. Explain What Port Testing Is All About
Port testing involves checking the internal and external communication channels of a mobile application. This can include testing the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Internet Message Access Protocol, the File Transfer Protocol, etc.
Each of these communication channels is tested to ensure that they interact correctly as ports should and ensure that whatever goes through them is well encrypted and secured.
17. Describe The Term “WAP”
WAP stands for Wireless Application Protocol. It is generally used for transporting applications and files, but for the sake of mobile application testing, WAP helps transfer the applications to different platforms where they can undergo different types of tests. Just as the name implies, they do not require cords to move the application. It requires a wireless connection between the two or more platforms that send or receive the application.
18. What Types Of Bugs Have You Experienced During Mobile Application Testing?
At this point, the candidate should be able to explain the internal, operational, or design flaws he/ she experienced during their mobile application testing jobs. Bugs can be either malfunction, miscommunications, syntax errors, viruses, etc.
The candidate should also explain how he/ she cleared the issue from the application and what lessons they learned from experiencing such problems.
It is vital to know that bugs discovered in mobile applications are categorized into:
Minor Bugs, Major Bugs, Block Bugs, and Critical Bugs.
19. Describe The Term “Robolectric”
Robolectric is an environment that allows one to test a mobile application on a desktop. The Robolectric approach also allows testers to write lines of codes that activate unit tests. All this is done on a desktop or a computer.
Thus, the computer only recognizes the Robolectric framework and not necessarily the mobile application being tested within the Robolectric framework. It is mainly used to test Android applications. Robolectric not only cross-checks the internal and external functionalities of the application, but it also mimics the effects of few or a large number of end-users depending on what the tester decides.
20. Outline Some Tools Used For Mobile Application Testing
Standard mobile application testing tools include Kobiton, Testproject, Squish By Froglogic, Apptim, TestingBot, 21, Appium, Selendroid, MonkeyRunner, Calabash, KIF, Testdroid, etc.
It is imperative to do a background check on a testing tool before using it. Check out everything you can about the tool, such as the operating system it supports, the cost of its license, the software and hardware specifications of the tool, etc.
21. Describe The Term “Low-level Resource Testing”
This type of testing involves cross-checking the usage of the application of its memory, how and whether the application automatically deletes temporary files, and also checking how well the application’s internal database expands.
From the above paragraph, you can understand that low-level resource testing deals mostly with issues centered around internal storage.
22. Explain The Term “Simulator”
A simulator is very similar to a Test Case Runner. It provides an environment that is the same as the device on which the mobile application will be installed. A simulator can be made available within a desktop or a mobile device. However, most simulators are available on the desktop.
A simulator will make you understand how your mobile application will operate when installed into an operating system.
Some simulators are flexible and can test various operating systems, while some can be used to test only one operating system.
23. How Often Should A Mobile Application Be Tested?
A mobile application should be tested as frequently as possible. During the development of the application, various tests should be carried out.
After the development of the application, just before launch, it should be tested.
After the application has been launched, various tests should also be carried out, to initiate upgrades.
24. Mobile Application Testing Strategy Includes?
Like software, the most appropriate strategy for testing mobile applications follows the application’s life cycle.
The strategy includes the following procedures:
- Unit Testing
- Integration Testing
- Operation testing
- System Testing.
25. Explain The Term “Minor Bug”
These issues hinder some functionalities; however, some fundamental operations remain active.
In some cases, the application might come on, operate for a while, then hang or freeze while performing a specific function.
Minor Bugs can be managed to some extent, but tend to become worse if left unsolved.
26. Explain The Term “Major Bug”
Major Bugs hinder most functionalities of the application. While minor functions may remain active, the application is entirely unusable.
In some cases, significant bugs may paralyze 70% and above of the application’s functionalities, leaving about 30%, which in most cases may allow an end-user to glance through the application without being able to use it.
27. Explain The Term “Block Bug”
Bugs that hinder all the operations of the application are categorized as block bugs. The application cannot even come on at this point.
It simply takes up space in the mobile device and can sometimes be used by hackers to monitor the mobile device’s activities. This happens when the application is transformed into something else internally, without the device owner’s knowledge because he/ she simply cannot access the application.
28. Explain The Term “Critical Bug”
This is the stage where the bug increases its effect by affecting the device where the faulty application is located.
Thus, the bug is said to spread from the application into other applications or into some operational areas of the mobile device itself. At this point, the whole device is vulnerable. Therefore, during repairs, both the application and the device with all its contents are taken seriously.
29. Which Operating Systems Mobile Application Have You Tested The Most?
The candidate should be able to explain the operating system they are more familiar with.
Some testers are very good with Android mobile applications; however, the same testers may not be as good when working on iOS mobile applications.
If your mobile application is to be launched on all operating systems, it is advisable to pick a candidate capable of testing mobile applications in all the different operating systems. If your mobile application is launched only for Android devices, pick one who has more Android experience.
This question will enable you to know the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses regarding mobile devices operating systems.
30. Explain Your Most Difficult Experience With Mobile Application Testing
This question is meant to reveal the candidate’s breaking point and whether he/ she overcame and learned from the difficult task.
Just as gold is tried in the fire, a difficult task is meant to refine a mobile application tester with valuable experiences.
To Sum up
Today, many people create mobile applications; however, many applications do not always meet up with the claimed functionalities and end up uninstalled with bad reviews from end-users. Most of these shortcomings are because mobile applications are not adequately tested before being launched to the public.
Hiring a software testing company can help prevent such shortcomings by significant degrees. Use the above mobile interview questions and answers as a starting point and tailor them according to your needs.
The best candidates will be practice-driven and will have exceptional communication skills. They’ll demonstrate success through experience and have strong work backgrounds to share.
