Localization Testing for Global Mobile App Releases

Localization testing is a specific process wherein the app or website is being tested for cultural or linguistic relevance across different parts of the globe. The website or application can be customized based on audience, targeted language, region and other geography-based regulations. For exceptional performance of mobile apps, the mobile app testing process is leveraged. But, if a mobile app needs to be well-suited for the users on a region- wise basis then localization testing can prove to be a tactical move. In this article, you will get to know the value of localization testing for mobile apps.  

What is localization testing?

It is a specific software testing method that verifies the software product quality in line with the target audience's technical expectations, culture, language, locality and region. The objective of localization testing is to make sure that the software product's behavior is aligned with the users of that particular region. Only the product's localized version should be considered for performing localization testing.

The following are the steps required to perform localization testing for mobile apps:

1. Develop a well-defined plan: The process of incorporating localization testing for mobile apps can be done by a plan. A thorough project analysis should be performed by the mobile app testing team. All relevant objectives, information and requirements should also be compiled. All the details should be properly listed in the plan.

2. The significance of build verification testing: Build verification testing (BVT) should be performed before the testing process is initiated. When all the specific elements of the mobile app software are properly verified then this test makes sure that further testing processes can be carried out accordingly. The app's stability is examined  

3. Initial version of testing needs to be conducted: Thorough testing of every aspect of the mobile app software is done against multiple test cases so that defects can be identified and fixed. To execute the initial version of testing, the following are the two points that need to be taken into consideration:

·       Test cases should be designed: The user's interaction with the application is ascertained by the strategic use of test cases. The effectiveness can be proved by knowing how the app functions in the real world

·       Test cases should be run: The necessary measures should be taken into consideration and each key aspect should be noted down to make sure that all the defects are clearly documented and outlined.

4. Regression testing should be performed: Whenever a bug is detected in the mobile app testing process, regression testing is conducted by developers to fix those bugs. Any changes made to the code are verified by regression test to make sure it does not affect the existing functionalities.

5. The reporting activity: Before the application is delivered to the client, all the professionals involved in the process meet with the localization agencies to carry out a final check. The localization testing activity is evaluated. This is when the quality control aspect also comes into consideration.

When the Quality Assurance (QA) process is completed, the client receives a detailed and strategic report with the test results.

Following are a few key points that describe the strategic advantage of utilizing localization testing for mobile apps:

·       Effective tools are provided so that scalability can be built in the market

·       International markets can be properly tapped by relevant organizations

·       The accuracy of the localization process is enhanced

·       Commitment and professionalism to potential customers is upgraded.

Conclusion: The testing team responsible for carrying out localization testing should know the testing process from a technical and pragmatic standpoint. A professional software testing services company can also provide valuable services and offer strategic solutions to gain a deeper understanding of localization testing from a project perspective.