An application can broadly be divided into two categories: frontend and backend. Before releasing a product in the market, it&#8217;s essential to test whether both the frontend and backend of the application are working correctly. Frontend testing is the testing of the user interface visible to the user by which users interact with the application. In contrast, backend testing is about testing the actual database and server logic under the hood, which is not visible to the application users.



In this article, you will learn about fronted and backend testing and the difference between both tests. You will also learn about the various tools and techniques used in frontend and backend testing.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Frontend_Testing_vs_Backend_Testing_8211_Overview">1 Frontend Testing vs Backend Testing &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Frontend_Testing">1.1 What is Frontend Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Back-End_Testing">1.2 What is Back-End Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Frontend_Testing_vs_Backend_Testing_8211_Differences">2 Frontend Testing vs Backend Testing &#8211; Differences</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">3 Summary</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="frontend-testing-vs-backend-testing-overview">Frontend Testing vs Backend Testing &#8211; Overview</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/frontend-vs-backend-overview_b36361426658e71ee1ef4a1c862511c1_800.jpeg" alt="Frontend and backend overview"/></figure>



<h3 id="bb0sh"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/front-end-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What is Frontend Testing?</a></h3>



The frontend of an application is the visual appearance and user interface that users see and use to interact with the application&#8217;s features and functionality. In the testing life cycle, frontend testing is the process of testing the frontend side of the application to ensure there are no any glitch, functionality breaks, or significant problems present in the application.



A well-driven frontend testing makes your product bug free and ensures the user will get a great user experience.<gwmw style="display: none; background-color: transparent;">



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<h3 id="8l004"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/backend-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What is Back-End Testing?</a></h3>



Backend testing is white box testing. It ensures an application&#8217;s database and server-side functionality are working as intended. For example, testing whether a user can log in after signing in will come under the backend testing.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/front-end-automation-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Front End Testing Tools</a>



<h2 id="96tb6">Frontend Testing vs Backend Testing &#8211; Differences</h2>



The primary difference between Frontend Testing vs Backend Testing is that frontend testing checks the user interface of application whereas backend testing checks the database and server side of application.



Here’s a table depicting key differences between frontend testing and backend testing:



<figure class="wp-block-table">
<table style="border: 1px solid black; border-collapse: collapse;">
<tbody>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Frontend testing</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Backend testing</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Frontend testing is about testing the user interface of an application that the user sees and interacts with.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Backend testing is about testing the database and server side of an application and ensuring that it’s working properly.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Frontend testing is black box testing, meaning the tester will not be able to see the code logic behind the user interface and functionality.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Backend testing is white-box testing, meaning the tester will interact with the code logic behind any functionality.</td>
</tr>
<tr style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Frontend testing doesn’t require any knowledge of programming language.</td>
<td style="border: 1px solid black; padding: 10px; border-collapse: collapse;">Backend testing required knowledge of the database and the language used in the backend.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></figure>



<h2 id="9ns2c">Summary</h2>



To ensure an application’s overall functionality of an application, it’s important to test both the backend and frontend sides of an application. Frontend testing ensures that an application’s overall functionality works as intended in all operating systems and browser combinations. Whereas backed testing ensures the database side of the application is working properly.



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<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/user-interface-testing-tools</ts-linkurl-value>
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<ts-linktext-value>Web Automation Testing Tools</ts-linktext-value>
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Frontend Testing vs Backend Testing: What’s the Difference?

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Website Testing Checklist & Template

Metrics for Testing- Guide to Quality Assurance

Software Testing Metrics – Why it Matters, Types & Example

Katalon vs Selenium – Which One to choose for your Project

5 Best Leapwork Alternatives to Simplify your Test Automation

Automated Functional Testing — How To Do and Best Practices?

Cloud-based automation testing is a simple concept. We leverage cloud resources to accomplish our automation testing goals in the project. This article will focus on tools that make this happen in real time on the cloud. 



Below, I have summarised the most popular tools for cloud automation testing assuming that you all are familiar with cloud-based <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation testing</a>. 



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_are_Cloud_Testing_Tools">1 What are Cloud Testing Tools?</a></li><li><a href="#Top_5_Popular_Cloud_Testing_Tools">2 Top 5 Popular Cloud Testing Tools</a><ul><li><a href="#Testsigma">2.1 Testsigma</a></li><li><a href="#AppPerfect">2.2 AppPerfect</a></li><li><a href="#CloudQA">2.3 CloudQA</a></li><li><a href="#Blazemeter">2.4 Blazemeter</a></li><li><a href="#AWS_Device_Farm">2.5 AWS Device Farm</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_select_the_best_cloud_automation_testing_tools">3 How do you select the best cloud automation testing tools?</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_using_Cloud_Automation_Testing_Tools">4 Benefits of using Cloud Automation Testing Tools</a></li><li><a href="#End_Note">5 End Note</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="what-are-cloud-testing-tools">What are Cloud Testing Tools?</h2>



Cloud testing tools are software applications that test applications&#8217; performance, functionality, and security while being hosted on cloud environments.&nbsp;



These tools leverage the scalability and elasticity of cloud computing to simulate real-world user traffic and various operational conditions, helping developers and testers ensure their apps function flawlessly.



Think of them as virtual testing labs accessible online, eliminating the need for physical devices and infrastructure.



<h2 id="top-5-popular-cloud-testing-tools">Top 5 Popular Cloud Testing Tools</h2>



<h3 id="testsigma">Testsigma</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/static-docs.testsigma.com/new_images/projects/applications/dashboard.png" alt="Testsigma Dashboard showing all the sections"/></figure>


<a href="https://testsigma.com/">Testsigma</a> is a cloud-based test automation tool that allows users to create and execute automated tests for web and mobile applications. It offers a codeless test automation framework that uses natural language processing and <a href="https://testsigma.com/ai-driven-test-automation">AI-driven capabilities</a> to create, manage, and execute automated tests. Testsigma also provides integrations with popular tools such as Jira, Jenkins, and Git, making it easy for teams to incorporate automated testing into their existing workflows. With its easy-to-use interface and powerful capabilities, Testsigma has become a popular choice for organizations looking to improve their software testing processes.


Key Features



<ul class="list_style_disc"><li>Role management system: Testsigma provides multiple role management systems whereby different people can be assigned various roles and permissions to influence the test scripts.</li><li>Varied automation processes: Testsigma’s main USP is that it can automate almost anything on the cloud &#8211; web app testing, cross-browser testing, native Android &amp; iOS app testing, and web services testing.</li><li>Dynamic locator strategy: Cloud automation testing in Testsigma comes with a dynamic locator strategy that helps in creating stable and reliable test cases.</li><li>Parallel Execution: Testsigma comes with parallel execution capabilities to help test faster. You can also run these parallel tests in the local devices or integrate them with other cloud solutions such as Browserstack and SauceLabs.&nbsp;</li><li>Real devices: When testing, testing on real devices is always recommended when compared to testing on emulators and simulators. And thus, Testsigma offers integration with real device cloud labs.</li><li>In-depth reporting: Testsigma’s reports are of extremely high quality and have been appreciated for the analytical information displayed in them. It helps in getting a comprehensive study of the quality of tests.</li><li>CI support: Testsigma also comes with continuous integration support with integrations with CI tools to facilitate your automation testing.</li></ul>




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<h3 id="appperfect">AppPerfect</h3>



<a href="http://www.appperfect.com/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">AppPerfect</a> is one among the tools list that is a versatile tool &#8211; it is of great use for not only testers but developers and big data operations. Integrating <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.salesforce.com/in/?ir=1" target="_blank">salesforce</a> capabilities, AppPerfect sells web testing, load testing, and security testing on its cloud menu. 



Apart from cloud testing, you can also download various other testing modules on the system. AppPerfect provides free 1-hour assistance to install and familiarize with the product.



Key Features



<ul class="list_style_disc"><li>GUI enabled: AppPerfect cloud automation testing has a smooth GUI rather than being controlled through a console. GUI gives an added advantage of ease-of-use and does not need you to remember complex console commands.</li><li>Ready-made scripts: In case you don’t want to write scripts yourselves, AppPerfect provides a solution for you. AppPerfect gives the facility of defining the test requirement and bring scripts to you.</li><li>Distributed Testing: AppPerfect <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud automation testing solution</a> provides distributed testing where the testers can run their test scripts on multiple systems connected through the cloud. The report is then gathered at a single place with a detailed analysis for the team.</li><li>Schedule and Run: AppPerfect provides the testers with the functionality to schedule their test scripts to run at a specified time. This is very helpful in cases where you either need to verify the performance at some time or need to schedule a nightly test run.</li></ul>



Apart from these, AppPerfect brings a few more advantages such as record and replay feature, remote test management, and in-depth report generation. You can visit their website to know more. 



<h3 id="cloudqa">CloudQA</h3>



CloudQA is one among the cloud-based automation testing tools that is growing in popularity. It can perform tests on web applications and mobile applications. CloudQA is made exclusively for performing QA tests with features such as <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com/codeless-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">codeless testing</a> and extension recording.



Key Features



<ul class="list_style_disc"><li>Intelligent maintenance: CloudQA provides intelligent test script management with facilities to simplify complex tasks easily with Javascript.</li><li>Extremely versatile: CloudQA cloud automation testing solution requires no setup, no infrastructure, and no lock-in. You just need to integrate your tech stack quickly and get started.</li><li>Parallel and scalable: CloudQA provides features to scale your automation tests easily and run parallel executions connected to the cloud infra.</li><li>Collaborative in nature: The tool provides collaborative features where multiple people from the team can collaborate from the ease of their location and contribute to the test creation.</li><li>High-quality resource: CloudQA offers real devices, popular integrations, and data-driven testing support for automation testers.</li><li>Testing methods: CloudQA provides functional testing and load testing capabilities on the cloud along with other features.</li></ul>



<h3 id="blazemeter">Blazemeter</h3>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.blazemeter.com/" target="_blank">Blazemeter</a> brands itself as a “complete automation solution” and according to its reviews, it has lived up to its reputation. Blazemeter is a versatile tool with continuous testing, end-to-end testing, functional testing, and API testing. 



As per Blazemeter, it has been named “Gartner’s customer choice for software test automation”. It boasts the following key features.



Key Features



<ul class="list_style_disc"><li>Access configurational control: Blazemeter comes with an access control facility where automation tests can be modified only by the authorized people.</li><li>Record tests: Blazemeter can record the tests performed by the tester.</li><li>Ease of integration: The tool can be integrated very easily into the existing pipeline.</li><li>Continuous integration abilities: Blazemeter can be integrated with continuous integration applications to run automation tests at build phases.</li></ul>



Apart from the above points, Blazemeter can also be used for cross-browser support and fetching detailed reports. 



<h3 id="aws-device-farm">AWS Device Farm</h3>



In our list of most popular cloud automation testing tools &#8211; the last one is AWS Device Farm (for mobile sites and mobile apps). It was developed in Portland and acquired by cloud service provider AWS in 2015. 



AWS Device Farm’s (previously called AppThwack) selling point has always been its array of real Android and iOS devices which can run automated tests and provide accurate real-time analysis. Since the devices are real, you can get a hint of your application’s performance in the market beforehand.



Key Features



<ul class="list_style_disc"><li>Real devices: As mentioned above, AWS Device Farm comes with real devices running your application. With real devices in testing, you get the best idea about the behaviour of a mobile application on target devices.</li><li>Deep-reports: <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/device-farms-test-ios-android-applications/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Device farm</a> has always focussed on letting its user know the power of the final generated reports. These reports are high-level with detailed logs, screenshots, and performance data.</li><li>Built-in testing frameworks: AWS device farm comes with built-in framework support for your help in cloud automation testing. These include Appium and Espresso.</li><li>CI support: The tool also comes with continuous integration support with integrations with CI tools to facilitate your automation testing.</li></ul>



AWS Device Farm is a great platform that comes with physical devices that numbers up to 2500. As a tester, you can always keep this on your list for cloud automation testing on mobile applications.



<h2 id="how-do-you-select-the-best-cloud-automation-testing-tools">How do you select the best cloud automation testing tools?</h2>



As a software engineer, my days are filled with challenges!



I needed a solution to test across different browsers, devices efficiently, and operating systems – seamlessly and without breaking the bank.



So, I embarked on a quest to find the best cloud testing tool, and let me tell you, it was an eye-opening experience! I discovered a treasure trove of options, each boasting unique features and capabilities.&nbsp;



However, my specific testing needs involved the following:



<ul><li>Testing across multiple browsers and devices: Testing on desktops, mobiles, and tablets, regardless of the user&#8217;s device or browser preference.</li><li>Ensuring responsiveness and performance: Fast loading times and seamless responsiveness are critical for engaging readers. The laggy process is a surefire way to lose attention.</li><li>Easy integration with my workflow: As a busy developer, I needed a tool that seamlessly integrates with my existing processes, not adding another layer of complexity.</li><li>Budget-friendly: Let&#8217;s be honest; I needed a solution(a testing tool) that wouldn&#8217;t break the bank.</li></ul>



After diving into cloud automation testing tools, I discovered a treasure trove of options, each with strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the top platforms that caught my eye:



<ul><li>BrowserStack: A powerful platform offering access to a vast array of real devices and browsers for comprehensive testing. Their visual testing capabilities were particularly appealing. </li><li>Sauce Labs: Another strong prospect with extensive device and browser coverage. Their integration with popular CI/CD tools was a plus. </li><li>LoadStorm: If performance testing is your primary concern, LoadStorm is a force to be reckoned with. Its ability to simulate real-world user loads was impressive. </li><li>Testsigma: Now, this is where things got interesting! Testsigma offered everything I needed and more at a price point that fit my budget perfectly. Excellent user-friendly interface, comprehensive testing capabilities (including API and mobile testing), and effortless integration with project management tools such as Jira are absolute game-changers.</li></ul>



Ultimately, Testsigma emerged as the champion for my testing needs. It ticked all the boxes: affordability, diverse testing options, user-friendly interface, and smooth integration.&nbsp;



Remember, the &#8220;best&#8221; cloud automation testing tool depends on your unique needs and budget!



<h2 id="benefits-of-using-cloud-automation-testing-tools">Benefits of using Cloud Automation Testing Tools</h2>



Here are some of the benefits of using cloud testing tools:



1. Accessibility and Scalability:



Cloud testing tools are accessible from anywhere worldwide with an internet connection, eliminating the need for on-premise hardware and software.&nbsp;



This makes it ideal for geographically distributed teams and allows for easy scaling up or down of testing resources based on project needs.&nbsp;



Imagine a team of testers from different countries all working together on the same testing platform, like a global orchestra seamlessly playing in harmony.



2. Faster Time to Market:



Cloud testing tools can significantly reduce testing time by providing access to a vast array of real devices and browsers on demand.&nbsp;



This eliminates the need to wait for physical devices or set up complex testing environments, allowing teams to test and release software faster.&nbsp;



Think of it like a high-speed testing highway compared to traditional testing methods&#8217; slow, winding road.



3. Cost-Effectiveness:



Cloud testing eliminates the need for expensive hardware investments and maintenance costs associated with traditional testing labs.&nbsp;



You only pay for the resources you use, making it a cost-effective solution for projects of all sizes. Picture a piggy bank overflowing with savings thanks to cloud testing.



4. Improved Collaboration and Visibility:



Cloud testing platforms offer built-in collaboration features enabling teams to share real-time test results, reports, and insights.&nbsp;



This improves communication and visibility into the testing process, leading to better decision-making and faster resolution of issues. Think of it as a transparent testing kitchen where everyone can see what&#8217;s cooking.



5. Wider Test Coverage:



Cloud testing tools provide access to a wider range of devices, browsers, and operating systems than traditional testing methods.&nbsp;



This allows for more vast testing and helps identify bugs that might be missed.&nbsp;



6. Enhanced Security:



Cloud testing platforms offer robust security features that protect your data and applications. This is especially important for testing sensitive applications or those with strict compliance requirements.&nbsp;



Picture a shield protecting your software from security threats. 



7. Continuous Testing and Integration:



Cloud testing tools can be easily integrated with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.&nbsp;



This allows for automated testing at every stage of the development process, leading to faster identification and resolution of bugs.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-end-note">End Note</h2>



This ends our carefully curated list of the most popular cloud automation testing tools. But, obviously, these are not the only ones floating in the market. With experience and keeping our broad audience in mind, we have shortlisted these tools. 



However, we would love to learn more from our readers and understand what other leaves exist in this tree. Share your thoughts and experiences with other tools that were not included in the list. 



This will help the community and gain a better understanding of this beautiful cloud automation testing arena.



Check here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/signs-you-need-to-invest-in-a-cloud-based-test-automation-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6 Signs You Need to Invest in a Cloud Test Automation Tool</a>

Most Popular Tools For Cloud Automation Testing

Top 5 Popular Cloud Testing Tools

Comparison between Testsigma and Protractor alternatives

Top 6 Protractor Alternatives : Detailed Comparison With Testsigma

Can Selenium Be Used for Mobile Testing? The answer would be &#8220;No&#8221;; we cannot directly use Selenium for automated mobile application testing. However, we have frameworks supported by Selenium to automate mobile application testing.



Selenium-supported frameworks for mobile test automation are:



1. Selendroid



2. Appium



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Should_You_Automate_Mobile_Application_Testing_Using_Selenium">1 Should You Automate Mobile Application Testing Using Selenium?</a><ul><li><a href="#Test_Script_Development">1.1 Test Script Development</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Management">1.2 Test Management</a></li><li><a href="#Backward_Compatibility">1.3 Backward Compatibility</a></li><li><a href="#Gestures_Testing">1.4 Gestures Testing</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Selendroid">2 Selendroid</a><ul><li><a href="#Features_of_Selendroid">2.1 Features of Selendroid:</a></li><li><a href="#Components_of_Selendroid">2.2 Components of Selendroid:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Appium">3 Appium</a><ul><li><a href="#Features_of_Appium">3.1 Features of Appium:</a></li><li><a href="#Components_of_Appium">3.2 Components of Appium:</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_to_Automate_Mobile_Application_using_Selenium">4 How to Automate Mobile Application using Selenium</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">5 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Can_We_Automate_Mobile_Device_Testing">5.1 Can We Automate Mobile Device Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Which_is_the_Best_Automation_Tool_for_Mobile_Testing">5.2 Which is the Best Automation Tool for Mobile Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_Difference_Between_Appium_and_Selenium">5.3 What is the Difference Between Appium and Selenium?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Mobile_Testing_in_QA">5.4 What is Mobile Testing in QA?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Suggested_Reading">6 Suggested Reading</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="should-you-automate-mobile-application-testing-using-selenium">Should You Automate Mobile Application Testing Using Selenium?</h2>



Now we understand that directly we cannot use Selenium to write automated test scripts for mobile application testing. Hence, we need to use Selenium-supported frameworks like Appium and Selendroid.



The testing process for using Appium and Selendroid has the below steps:



<h3 id="test-script-development">Test Script Development</h3>



This step means writing the automated test scripts in programming languages. If you know Selenium, writing the test scripts will not require learning new skills. However, we know well that writing automated test scripts ourselves is time-consuming, and to receive ROI(Return On Investment), we need to wait longer.



<h3 id="test-management">Test Management</h3>



We understand that Selendroid and Appium are open-source automation tools. For this reason, the test management they provided is not so impressive.&nbsp;



Selendroid records the element clicked and then saves the locator and command. Appium also has a recorder that works only for iOS mobile applications.&nbsp;



Hence, we only receive the test locators and commands; in any case, test scripts are not recorded. Therefore, if we are using any of these two frameworks, then we need to add a third-party test management tool ourselves.&nbsp; 



<h3 id="backward-compatibility">Backward Compatibility</h3>



Appium works on <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/android-device-testing-a-no-hassle-guide-for-testers/">Android devices</a> with Android 4.0 and above. To solve this problem nowadays Appium comes integrated with Selendroid to provide backward compatibility. 



However, this is not as effective as the original Selendroid framework. So to provide backward compatibility for Android devices with lower API versions(API 10-17), we should use Selendroid.



<h3 id="gestures-testing">Gestures Testing</h3>



Mobile device applications work on hand gestures, and therefore Appium and Selendroid must recognize these gestures efficiently. The happy news is that they both do it effectively via dedicated APIs. Selendroid is a winner in this case because it provides ‘Advanced User Interactions API’ which is useful for complex gestures as well.



Efficient and seamless testing lies in embracing tools and methodologies that can alleviate the pressures of manual testing while enhancing the effectiveness of the process. <a href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is a platform that simplifies testing with a low-code approach, making test automation accessible, fast, and efficient. With Testsigma, testers can automate most testing and free up time to focus on critical test cases that require expertise. The platform is backed by strong AI algorithms that enhance tester skills and efforts while providing direct access to thousands of environments without any setup hassles, thus saving the cost of setting up a cross-browser test lab.



Moreover, Testsigma cloud &#8211; supports the inspection and execution of mobile test cases without any setups. It <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing">automates mobile application</a> testing without coding and allows us to write test cases in plain English. The platform covers parallel and compatibility testing, making it ideal for various testing requirements. With Testsigma, you can redefine what&#8217;s possible in QA and achieve improved efficiency, coverage, and team collaboration while ensuring a high ROI.



 <button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="margin: auto"><a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff"> Automate Mobile App Tests 10x faster using simple english- on the cloud </a></button> 



Therefore, when deciding whether to automate mobile application testing, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements of your testing project and your team&#8217;s expertise. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that will improve the quality and speed of your testing process. If you are interested in learning more about Testsigma and how it can benefit your mobile application testing, feel free to reach out to our team for a demo



Let’s now learn about Selendroid and Appium tools in detail.



<h2 id="selendroid">Selendroid</h2>



Also known as ‘Selenium for Android’, this is used to test mobile applications for Android. It uses JSON Wire protocol and provides backward compatibility with the older Android versions. However, by using an iOS driver it can be used to test iOS mobile applications as well. 



<h3 id="features-of-selendroid">Features of Selendroid:</h3>



<ul class="list_style_disc"><li>Works on Android applications (Native, Hybrid)&nbsp; and Mobile web applications.</li><li>Used for parallel testing of a mobile application on multiple devices simultaneously with the help of Selenium Grid.</li><li>It is open-source, hence free to use.</li><li>‘Hotplugging’ is a feature where Selendroid can detect and recognize new devices plugged into it. Hence, we can remove and add new devices on the go, i.e., while tests are running.</li><li>It can inspect the elements on the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-to-perform-mobile-automation-testing-of-the-ui/">UI</a> with the help of a built-in inspector.</li><li>It supports <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/strings-in-javascript/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Selenium WebDriver</a> compatible programming languages- Java, C#, Python, etc.</li><li>Provides a built-in Android Driver Webview App to test mobile web applications.</li><li>Supports testing of gestures on the mobile device via the Advanced User Interactions API. Example- single tap, double-tap, down, up, etc.</li><li>Selendroid can be used on emulators and real mobile devices for automated testing.</li><li>Supports ‘Dynamic Extendability’, which means that the test script can be added, edited, or modified while the tests are running.</li></ul>



<h3 id="components-of-selendroid">Components of Selendroid:</h3>



<ul><li>Web Driver Client&#8211; a Java client library that is installed on the computer where test scripts will be written.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Selendroid Server&#8211; Runs on the mobile device(real or emulator) where the application under test(AUT) is running.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Android Driver Webview App is a built-in driver to test the mobile web.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Selendroid-Standalone- It is used to install AUT and Selendroid Server.</li></ul>



Read detailed architecture <a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="http://selendroid.io/architecture.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. 



<h2 id="appium">Appium</h2>



It is a more popular choice for mobile automation testing because it supports iOS, Windows desktop, and Android mobile applications. Appium has a built-in Selendroid mode for testing older versions of Android applications. It also uses the JSON Wire Protocol like Selendroid. 



<h3 id="features-of-appium">Features of Appium:</h3>



<ul class="list_style_disc"><li>Appium works on a client-server architecture.</li><li>It has an HTTP server written in Node.js and helps communicate between clients and mobile devices. The clients are Ruby, PHP, C#, Python libraries, which provide commands to the mobile device.</li><li>Provides automated testing for iOS and Android (Hybrid, Native, and Web applications). Also, it can be used for testing Windows desktop applications.</li><li>Since it works on iOS, Windows, and Android, it is used for cross-platform testing.</li><li>The same test scripts using the same API can be used for iOS, Windows, and Android. Hence, it allows code reusability.</li><li>Appium is more popular; hence it has a large and active user community.</li><li>If there is a small code change in the application, then we are not required to re-install the application for testing with Appium. The reason is that it does not access the application&#8217;s source code. Other automation tools such as Selendroid and Robotium require reinstallation/rebuild when any small changes are made to the application under test(AUT).</li><li>Appium also supports parallel testing of test scripts on multiple devices.</li></ul>



<h3 id="components-of-appium">Components of Appium:</h3>



<ul><li>Appium client&#8211; The automation test scripts written in Java, C#, Ruby, Python, etc. are clients for Appium.</li></ul>



<ul><li>Appium server&#8211; It is written using Node.js. It receives connection and command requests from the client written in JSON. After receiving the requests, it executes them on the mobile devices. Appium server creates sessions to communicate with the devices on which the mobile application is installed.</li></ul>



<ul><li>End device&#8211; These are the mobile devices (real or emulator), the automated test scripts are executed on the end device.</li></ul>





Now we know that Appium and Selendroid have their share of benefits and usage. They are used according to the specific project testing needs. Appium is a good choice for automating functional, regression, compatibility, and integration testing of Android and iOS applications. 



If we are testing Android version 10-17, we should use Selendroid since it provides backward compatibility. Also, if we need better community support, better would be Appium. 



If you are looking for an end-to-end automation tool for mobile testing with a stable mobile inspector, you may try Testsigma. You need not write the test scripts in programming language and will have many environments to choose from!



 <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3000+ real devices to test in real-time &#8211; on the cloud</a>



<h2 id="how-to-automate-mobile-application-using-selenium">How to Automate Mobile Application using Selenium</h2>



To automate mobile applications using Selenium, the following points should be kept in mind:



1. Install the Appium server: Appium is an open-source test automation framework that allows developers to automate mobile applications. To use Appium, you need to install the Appium server on your machine.



2. Install the Selenium client library: The Selenium client library is a set of libraries that allows developers to write scripts in their preferred programming language. These scripts can then be executed on the Appium server.



3. Set up the environment: Set up the desired capabilities for the mobile application that you want to test. Desired capabilities are a set of key-value pairs that define the properties of the mobile application that you want to test.



4. Write test scripts: Write test scripts using the Selenium client library. These scripts can be written in your preferred programming language and can be executed on the Appium server. The test scripts can interact with the mobile application and perform actions such as clicking buttons, entering text, and navigating through different screens.



By following these steps, developers can automate mobile applications using Selenium and ensure that their applications are thoroughly tested before their release



While Selenium is a powerful testing framework, it can be challenging for beginners to set up and use. Additionally, maintaining the test scripts can be time-consuming and require significant effort. Testsigma is a cloud-based testing platform that provides an intuitive interface for test creation and execution. 



It uses natural language processing to convert test steps into automated test scripts, making it easier for beginners to get started with test automation. Testsigma also offers advanced features such as cross-browser testing, parallel testing, and integrations with popular tools such as JIRA and Jenkins. 



With its ease of use, advanced features, and cloud-based architecture, Testsigma is a reliable testing solution that can help developers ensure that their <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile applications</a> are of high quality..





<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="can-we-automate-mobile-device-testing">Can We Automate Mobile Device Testing?</h3>



We can automate mobile devices using frameworks such as Appium. Using the WebDriver protocol, developers can automate the testing of native or hybrid iOS and Android apps. Or the easiest and most efficient way would be to use a unified automation testing platform like Testsigma, where you can <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-mobile-app-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automate your mobile devices</a> in simple English with 3000+ devices to test on.



<h3 id="which-is-the-best-automation-tool-for-mobile-testing">Which is the Best Automation Tool for Mobile Testing?</h3>



The best automation tool for mobile testing is Testisgma, which supports API and Mobile testing with ease of setup, seamless integration with the CI/CD tools, and a scriptless option for test creation.



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-appium-and-selenium">What is the Difference Between Appium and Selenium?</h3>



Appium is a mobile, web, and hybrid application testing automation tool. It is free and open-source software written in the C# programming language. Selenium is an open-source browser automation tool licensed under Apache License 2.0 that includes numerous libraries for web application testing. It can automate practically all web browsers.



<h3 id="what-is-mobile-testing-in-qa">What is Mobile Testing in QA?</h3>



QA engineers test the mobile app&#8217;s behavior against particular performance requirements and scenarios. QA specialists ensure that an app works under varying but expected load conditions.



<h2 id="suggested-reading">Suggested Reading<gwmw style="display:none;"></h2>



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Challenges of mobile test automation</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/8-challenges-of-mobile-app-testing-and-how-to-solve-them/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>mobile testing implementation</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/signs-you-need-to-implement-mobile-test-automation/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Appium Alternatives</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/appium-alternatives/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Automation Tools For Mobile Testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing-tools</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Perfecto Mobile Alternatives</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/perfecto-mobile-alternatives/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
</customlinks>



<gwmw style="display:none;">

Selenium and Mobile Test Automation - Can Selenium Be Used for Mobile Testing?

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