Applications crash when the operating system induces automatic shutdown. Mobile app crashes significantly impact performance and user retention. Apps that crash frequently are uninstalled, often never to be used again. Mobile app testing plays a significant role to bring down app crashes and giving better usability and performance.
According to an analysis by Uninstall.io, 94% of users uninstall mobile apps 30 days after downloading them. Mobile app users find mobile crashes highly disturbing, and 62% of users remove an app after experiencing crashes or issues.
It is important for app developers and testers to focus on app performance optimization for seamless use.
Here are the common reasons behind a mobile app crash.
6 Reasons why mobile apps crash
In a poll conducted by Dimensional Research, respondents stated that they expected mobile apps to launch in four seconds and receive input answers in two seconds, even despite factors like multiple apps running in the background. Here are 6 main reasons testers must focus on to render a smooth, uninterrupted app experience.
Memory Management
When multiple apps open on a mobile device, the app may use memory resources. when structuring a mobile app code, it must be designed to accommodate the system’s performance needs and the device ecosystem.
Some issues with apps designed in Java tend to have technical performance issues when loading storage-heavy images and processing bitmaps. Usage of heavy and demanding Javascript code can place a further strain on processing power. These issues can be solved when testers focus on load and performance testing for mobile apps to identify whether they can efficiently function and manage device memory and run themselves.
Software Lifecycle
With its continuous cycle of frequent releases, the iterative app development approach creates opportunities to launch a minimal viable product and gradually upgrade it as an audience grows. Due to reliance on the operating system and external APIs, the loss of the conventional software lifecycle, however, brings about serious issues.
Apps also tend to crash while adapting to the most recent software updates on the OS. The divide arises as the app may not be optimized for running on a brand new build of the OS.
APIs can also bring about unforeseen changes. Factors like API latencies, error rates, data bandwidth, the version of the API being used, and the volume of API calls can cause little problems to grow into larger ones. The chain of dependencies for the APIs is another factor that calls for the need for specific tools to keep track of everything.
With adequate API testing for various operating systems, and using appropriate tools to test Native mobile apps, such crashes can be avoided.
Inadequate Testing
The necessity for testing is apparent, but achieving enough coverage can be difficult, especially given the wide range of Android devices and versions. Adequate testing and benchmarking of user expectations with continuous testing should also take place. Testers must also track performance, listen for user input that can indicate issues, and address them as quickly as possible.
Network Management
Network management is a crucial factor in preventing app crashes. Poor network connectivity can induce app crashes, as some require consistent data upload/download from the internet to function.
Going from 3G to 4G entering and exiting elevators, losing reception, or changing networks can all result in losing or jumbling data packets. Testers can use simulation testing to assess app performance under such conditions.
Errors and Exception Handling
Some errors are unavoidable due to the difficulties in developing mobile platforms, whether it be an API change, an undetected memory issue from the past, or a network issue that results in losing connectivity or simply slows data transmission when sending large files like images or videos.
Good error and exception handling are what prevent a crash in such a scenario. Testers with the knowledge and skill to identify errors efficiently with knowledge of potential risks can tackle such failures and help render a seamless user experience.
Excessive Code
The best piece of advice is to keep the app code simple, but efficient. Offer the specialized tool users desire and limit coding to requirements. When developers use lesser code, there is a low probability of errors and bugs, making the testing process easier and faster.
Automation testing for apps with simple code helps businesses launch apps with a reduced crash rate of 1%-2%.
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