Why we need automation for testing

The latest operating system (OS) version of Apple’s desktop was recently released, and it has further improved its game! Christened as the “macOS Sierra”, this particular update has further integrated the iPhone with the Apple desktop. For starters, the feature that stands out the most is the incorporation of the dutiful virtual assistant, Siri. For most users, this feature has been much anticipated and long overdue. Apple has not released a third-party API and hence, Siri responds to, and works with, only Apple applications. With the extension to the updated desktop OS, the exclusivity of the feature becomes further pronounced.
Apart from asking questions about the weather, travel directions, or restaurant choices, Siri also lets users use its results for other applications. Another noteworthy feature is the unlocking of the Apple desktop with the Apple watch. Along with the exclusivity comes the convenience of being interconnected with devices that understand each other’s behavior and work harmoniously to complement one another. After all, isn’t that what the Internet of Things (IoT) is all about?
These are only a couple of aspects of Apple’s new OS, and for users to consider upgrading to macOS Sierra, it is crucial to ensure that application developers release updates that are compatible with the new software. While users are at present still only considering upgrading to macOS Sierra, soon they would automatically look to have their desktop functioning with the latest update.
Quality@Speed
In order to ensure that this happens seamlessly, application software development engineers and quality assurance engineers need to work hand-in-hand and roll out the necessary patches with quick turnaround time and high quality. Even basic testing requirements, such as allowing user credentials to be carried over, post the new installation update, requires careful scrutiny. Changes made to carry out the required testing need to be consistent over the volume of devices and ensure that simultaneous requests are appropriately handled.
Mobile automation testing is often a challenge, primarily because there are diverse platforms upon which the application is required to be meticulously tested. Due to this, test scripts need to be carefully devised, such that they can be reused across platforms and with minor tweaks. Load and stress testing are absolutely essential, owing to the fact that nearly all the concerned users would be aware of the incoming updates, and would want to keep abreast of them.