A desktop application is software that runs in a desktop operating system on its own.
Desktop programs, unlike online apps, require adequate hardware resources to run. Desktop application testing is a type of software testing that looks at the program’s functionality, safety, usability, and stability once it’s been installed on the desktop. To completely cover the app’s testing needs, you must pay particular attention to installing and uninstalling tests while testing desktop apps.
Web App Testing vs. Desktop App Testing
Web-based applications are stored on a web server and may be accessed by anyone with internet access. Desktop applications operate on home computers or workstations, providing access from a single machine.
As a result, the testing environments for desktop and online programs are different.
In other words, when it comes to internal networks, where the number of clients and servers is determined, desktop application testing is easier. You must verify that your software is compatible with a wide range of browsers and platforms.
On a given operating system, a specific user uses a desktop program. This means you’ll have a dedicated testing and monitoring environment.
Practices To Follow for Desktop Application Testing
Here are 5 best practices that you should follow to get the best results from desktop application testing:-
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Before You Test, Make a Plan
A solid strategy aids in the identification of predetermined requirements. Ensure that your staff is well-versed in the requirements from the start. Determine the state the application under test (AUT) should be in so that you can travel around it simply in the future. Plan ahead for the data you’ll need, as well as how to produce, consume, and clean it.
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Choose Which Tasks To Automate
Desktop automation should follow the same principles as online automation. Begin by figuring out exactly what you want to automate. Always begin by gaining a thorough grasp of the requirements before diving into test automation code.
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Choose a Framework That Will Help You Achieve Your Goals
It’s very critical to select a desktop automation framework that is appropriate for your needs. Let’s go through some of the most useful and free desktop testing tools which are available in the market.
- SikuliX automates everything visible on a desktop computer’s screen. Windows, macOS X, and Linux are all supported. To detect and operate GUI components, it employs picture recognition. SikuliX may interact with detected UI components by using the mouse and keyboard after identifying pictures on a screen. It’s fantastic since it makes writing tests simple.
- AutoIt is a scripting language for creating automation scripts for Windows applications. It’s one of the first tools in this field, still frequently used today. It has its own IDE and scripting language, and it can produce standard Windows actions like sending keys, moving the mouse and clicking.
These are just a couple of the test frameworks I would suggest, each with a set of advantages and disadvantages. When deciding what works for you, look at various frameworks.
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Make a Choice on the Element Locator Strategy
When finding locators to utilize in test scripts, a dissimilar technique is required than when choosing locators for other sorts of applications. When it comes to web apps, for example, the developer tools in the browser may analyze the HTML components on the page. However, in order to analyze UI components on the screen in desktop apps, you must first download a program. When you inspect a specific element, you’ll see attributes like name, ID, and class name. There are several tools available to assist you in your endeavor:
- Amongst the most common selections is Inspect. It is a component of the Windows SDK that enables you to inspect the accessibility data for any UI element.
- UI Automation Verify is another useful tool for viewing an element’s accessibility data.
- Snoop is a Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) spyware tool that lets you examine and edit the visual tree of a running WPF project.
- Spy++ is a popular tool that displays information on all running processes, their threads, and all active windows in Microsoft applications.
To discover and see the automation characteristics of UI components, use one or more of these inspector tools.
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Keep Project Maintenance to a Minimum
Without adequate management of both test ideas and tool usage, desktop application testing projects may be stressful. We handled issues by adopting a low-maintenance approach, which prioritizes test artifact reusability and upkeep at all stages of desktop application testing.
Conclusion
Desktop application testing is essential to identify whether or not the software is functioning as intended. The best practices mentioned above can help you to enhance your desktop application testing. But to achieve maximum results, you need to take the help of a professional software testing company like QASource. Visit QASource now to implement high-quality desktop application testing services for your software business.