A Handy Guide To Xamarin Test Cloud
When it comes to mobile apps, it is imperative to test them round-the-clock to affirm their behavior. So, as long as an app’s behavior corresponds to the anticipated results and it doesn’t crash, the application is good to go. Also, for those who don’t know, this exercise wherein an application’s UI is assessed commonly referred to as UI acceptance testing. So as we mentioned earlier, it is crucial to continuously subject an app to such testing to ensure it’s proper operations.
So, how does one go about executing UI Acceptance Testing? Well, while there are myriad solutions available, Xamarin Test Cloud, a cloud-based service, is widely accepted as one of the leading solutions for it. Why? Because it empowers developers to execute automation testing on a mobile app’s UI on the cloud. In turn, it provides several mobile device simulations. Furthermore, since it is a cloud-based service, it also means test consumers are removed from maintenance efforts. In addition to that, the Xamarin Test Cloud service makes sure that the application effortlessly runs efficiently across all devices.
Xamarin Test Cloud Frameworks
It doesn’t take an expert to realize that manual tests are costly owing to a variety of reasons. Thankfully, that can be quickly addressed with automated UI tests.
1. Xamarin UITest
A framework underpinned by the NUnit testing library, the Xamarin UITest allows developers to write tests in C#. The framework is expressly suitable for developers with prior experience in automating tests.
2. Calabash
This framework will enable developers to write their tests in Ruby using the Cucumber tool. Not only do these tests closely resemble behavior-driven development methodology, but the structure also offers the capability to write such checks in a business language. Long story short, virtually anyone who follows the Cucumber tool’s grammar rules can write these tests.
Now, before you can use any of the frameworks above, it is crucial that you understand how they work. While both UITest and Calabash put the app’s functionality to the test, they do not interact directly with it. To do that, you will require a Xamarin Test Cloud Agent.
Xamarin Test Cloud Agent, a separate app installed by Xamarin Test Cloud along with the app in question, is the one responsible for performing tests on the devices.
Both the Xamarin above Test Cloud Agent frameworks make use of a client-server architecture. Here are more details about it:
1. Test Cloud Server Application
This is a very lightweight server app that runs on the device. It listens for clients to start a selected test and communicates over HTTP via JSON.
2. Test Cloud Agent
It is responsible for delivering information about which of the test needs to be executed to the server.
Developing Xamarin apps, as advantageous as it is, can prove to be a tad bit complex unless you pay careful attention to details such as UI Acceptance Testing and all that that comes with it. So, our advice is that you engage the services of a trusted vendor in the market. Though this, you will be able to ensure that your Xamarin app always delivers top-notch performance.
