The Journey of Tapkeen: Part 7 - QA is a Critical Step in App Development

One aspect that cannot be overstated when developing an app is the importance of quality assurance. ?It's a critical step that ensures the app not only functions as intended but also delivers a superior user experience.

It's common for companies to overlook QA, often leaving it in the hands of developers as an afterthought. However, this approach can miss critical usability issues and subtle bugs that only dedicated testing can uncover. Understanding this risk, dedicated testers for Tapkeen were a necessity.

Having a team solely focused on QA proved to be invaluable for Tapkeen. They brought a different perspective to the development process, one that is centered on the user experience and reliability. They tested each aspect of the app, from user interfaces to backend processes, ensuring that every element functioned seamlessly and intuitively. Before we had dedicated QA, simple yet critical issues, such as missing descriptions or mixed-up sorting of posts, were occasionally overlooked. Once testers were on board, these errors became a thing of the past.

We implemented version control systems, ensuring that every change and update was tracked and managed efficiently. This approach streamlined our development process and also significantly reduced the risk of errors and inconsistencies.

Developers also actively engaged in reviewing each other's pull requests. This practice of code reviews proved to be highly effective. It ensured that any new code added to the app was functional and maintained the integrity and consistency of our codebase.

Two recurring issues exemplify the importance of thorough QA in our development process:

1. Handling Multiple Media Types: We had a variety of media types, each with different attributes - images and videos with descriptions, text posts, and recently introduced PDF documents. Every time there was a change in these crucial features, it required extensive communication among all developers, both backend and frontend. This situation highlighted the need for repetitive clarification of requirements and rigorous QA to ensure smooth functioning across all media types.
2. Complexities in Signup Methods: Another challenge was managing different signup methods, including username/email and Google account signups. Each login required specific backend checks, adding complexity to the process. This situation often led to issues that required meticulous testing and validation to ensure a seamless user experience.

At the end, proactive QA proved to be a key decision to align the app with user expectations from the get-go. This step significantly enhanced the app's overall perception and success, truly reflecting that investing in QA is investing in the app’s future.

Fellow developers - ?how do you integrate QA into your development process?

What strategies have you employed to ensure your app not only works but delights your users?

Share your insights and experiences below!