Comparing Mobile Testing Tools Using Documentary Analysis

TL;DR

This paper compares five open-source mobile testing tools through documentary analysis to assist practitioners in selecting the most suitable tool based on technical criteria.

Contribution

It introduces a systematic comparison of popular mobile testing tools using documentary analysis, highlighting their characteristics and aiding decision-making.

Findings

Comparison of five mobile testing tools based on technical criteria

Identification of strengths and weaknesses of each tool

Guidance for practitioners in choosing testing tools

Abstract

Due to the high demand for mobile applications, given the exponential growth of users of this type of technology, testing professionals are frequently required to invest time in studying testing tools, in particular, because nowadays, several different tools are available. A variety of tools makes it difficult for testing professionals to choose the one that best fits their goals and supports them in their work. In this sense, we conducted a comparative analysis among five open-source tools for mobile testing: Appium, Robotium, Espresso, Frank, and EarGrey. We used the documentary analysis method to explore the official documentation of each above-cited tool and developed various comparisons based on technical criteria reported in the literature about characteristics that mobile testing tools should have. Our findings are expected to help practitioners understand several aspects of mobile testing tools.