21 May 2024 Leave a comment Tech-Help
When developing an Android application, it’s crucial to understand the differences between testing an app update and performing a clean install. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to effectively test both scenarios, ensuring that your app behaves as expected in real-world conditions.
Understanding the Difference
A clean install refers to installing the app for the first time on a device, with no pre-existing application data. Conversely, an app update occurs when the app is already installed, and you are applying a new version that should retain user data and settings.
Testing a Clean Install
To simulate a clean install:
- Go to your device’s Settings app.
- Tap on Apps or Applications, depending on the device.
- Find and select your application from the list.
- Choose Storage and then tap on Clear Data or a similar option.
This will reset the app to its initial state without any user data or settings, as if it were freshly installed.
Testing an App Update
When you want to test updating your app, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) command:
adb install -r your-app.apkThe -r flag stands for “reinstall” and is used to update an existing app while preserving its data, mimicking how updates work on the Google Play Store or when installing an APK directly.
Practical Example
Let’s say you have a new version of your app called MyAwesomeApp_v2.apk. To test the update process:
- Connect your device to your development machine via USB.
- Open a terminal or command prompt.
- Execute the command:
adb install -r MyAwesomeApp_v2.apk
Your device should now contain the updated version of your app with all user data intact.
Introducing Repeato
Now that you understand how to test app updates versus clean installs, it’s worth mentioning how our product, Repeato, can assist in this process. Repeato is a no-code test automation tool that streamlines the creation, execution, and maintenance of automated tests for iOS and Android apps.
With its intuitive interface, you can quickly set up tests that simulate user interactions, and thanks to its integration with ADB, Repeato allows you to automate and time ADB commands within your test scenarios. This capability can be particularly useful when you need to test app updates by automating the adb install -r command as part of your testing workflow.
For more information on how Repeato can enhance your testing strategy, visit our documentation or read more about our latest updates on our blog.
Testing app updates is just one aspect of the development process, but with the right tools and practices, it can be a seamless part of your workflow. Repeato offers a robust solution to ensure your app’s quality with every new release.
