Mobile Testing Notes By ShariqSP

Mobile Applications and Their Types

Mobile applications are software programs specifically designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. These apps can be classified into three main categories based on their development approach and functionality: Native Applications, Hybrid Applications, and Mobile Web Applications.

1. Native Applications

Native applications are developed for a specific platform or operating system, such as Android (using Java/Kotlin) or iOS (using Swift/Objective-C). These apps offer high performance and better user experience as they are optimized for the platform they are built for.

• Access to device hardware like camera, GPS, and sensors.
• Faster and more responsive due to platform-specific development.
• Examples: WhatsApp, Instagram, Uber.

2. Hybrid Applications

Hybrid applications combine features of both native apps and web apps. They are built using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and are wrapped in a native container to work across multiple platforms.

• Single codebase for multiple platforms (Android & iOS).
• Cost-effective and quicker to develop.
• Examples: Twitter, Gmail, Evernote.

3. Mobile Web Applications

Mobile web applications are web pages designed specifically for mobile browsers. They are not installed on a device but run on web browsers like Chrome or Safari.

• Accessible through a URL and do not require installation.
• Responsive design ensures compatibility across devices.
• Examples: Facebook mobile site, Google search, news portals.

Mobile Applications and Their Types

Mobile applications are software programs specifically designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. These apps can be classified into three main categories based on their development approach and functionality: Native Applications, Hybrid Applications, and Mobile Web Applications.

1. Native Applications

Native applications are developed for a specific platform or operating system, such as Android (using Java/Kotlin) or iOS (using Swift/Objective-C). These apps offer high performance and better user experience as they are optimized for the platform they are built for.

• Access to device hardware like camera, GPS, and sensors.
• Faster and more responsive due to platform-specific development.
• Examples: WhatsApp, Instagram, Uber.

Real-World Scenario

Consider a banking application like the "HDFC Mobile Banking App". It is developed specifically for Android and iOS platforms to provide a seamless user experience. Features like secure login, fingerprint authentication, and access to device features such as GPS for locating ATMs are optimized for their respective platforms.

2. Hybrid Applications

Hybrid applications combine features of both native apps and web apps. They are built using web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and are wrapped in a native container to work across multiple platforms.

• Single codebase for multiple platforms (Android & iOS).
• Cost-effective and quicker to develop.
• Examples: Twitter, Gmail, Evernote.

Real-World Scenario

A real-world example of a hybrid application is the "Ionic-powered Starbucks app". Starbucks uses hybrid technology to provide a consistent user experience across both Android and iOS devices. Features like browsing the menu, placing orders, and payments are accessible through a unified codebase.

3. Mobile Web Applications

Mobile web applications are web pages designed specifically for mobile browsers. They are not installed on a device but run on web browsers like Chrome or Safari.

• Accessible through a URL and do not require installation.
• Responsive design ensures compatibility across devices.
• Examples: Facebook mobile site, Google search, news portals.

Real-World Scenario

An example of a mobile web application is the "Amazon mobile website". Users can access the Amazon website on their browsers without installing the app. It provides features like product search, browsing categories, and purchasing items, all through a responsive design optimized for mobile screens.

Architecture of Mobile Web Applications

Mobile web applications follow a multi-tier architecture, consisting of a frontend, middleware, and backend, which includes the database. Each layer plays a crucial role in delivering seamless functionality and performance.

Architecture Overview

The architecture of a mobile web application can be represented as follows:

                  +--------------------+        +------------------------------+
                  |    Frontend       | <----> |       Backend System         |
                  +--------------------+        |   Middleware + Database     |
                                                +------------------------------+
                

This flowchart demonstrates the communication flow between the frontend and the backend system, which consists of middleware and database components.

Frontend

The frontend is the user interface that users interact with on their mobile browsers. It is built using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Frameworks like React.js, Angular, or Vue.js are often used to create responsive and dynamic interfaces.

• Ensures a smooth and responsive user experience.
• Handles user input, interactions, and display of content.

                  Example: Product search form
                  +-----------------------+
                  |   Search Input Box    |
                  |   [  Search  ]        |
                  +-----------------------+
                

Backend System

The backend system encompasses both the middleware and the database components. It is responsible for processing requests, managing application logic, and storing/retrieving data.

Middleware

Middleware acts as the bridge between the frontend and the database. It processes user requests, validates data, handles business logic, and routes requests to the appropriate services or database.

• Enables communication through APIs (RESTful or GraphQL APIs).
• Processes and validates incoming requests.
• Example: Validating a search query and routing it to the database.

                  Middleware Example:
                  Request --> Middleware (Validation & Routing) --> Process
                

Database

The database is a part of the backend system that stores application data, including user profiles, product information, and transaction records. It efficiently handles data storage, retrieval, and management.

• Stores and retrieves data securely.
• Ensures data integrity and consistency.
• Examples: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB.

                  Database Example:
                  Query: SELECT * FROM Products WHERE Category = 'Mobile';
                

End-to-End Flow

Here is how a search query in a mobile web application works:

                  User Input (Frontend)
                         |
                         v
                  Middleware (Validation, API Request)
                         |
                         v
                  Database (Fetch Data)
                         |
                         v
                  Backend --> Frontend (Display Results)
                

The backend system ensures smooth coordination between middleware and database components, enabling the frontend to deliver the desired results to the user.

Differences Between Native, Hybrid, and Mobile Web Applications

The following table highlights the key differences between native applications, hybrid applications, and mobile web applications based on various parameters: