Bugs in app development: what you need to know

As an app development company, we often get asked about the various types of bugs that can plague mobile apps. Bugs can range from harmless design or software code mistakes to more serious issues that can break an app or damage the user experience. And consumers will know it: a recent study found 88% of users would abandon an app if they spotted a bug. 

That’s why it’s essential to identify and address bugs through testing as part of the software development process. In this post, we’ll share some of the key lessons we’ve learned about mobile app quality assurance over the years and some common types of bugs and best practices for addressing them.

 

The importance of checking for bugs

Bugs can have different levels of severity depending on your industry.

For example, a bug in a retail app may be frustrating for a customer trying to complete a transaction, but a bug in a MedTech app could compromise a patient’s health. Similarly, security issues in FinTech apps that handle sensitive data or assets can be severe.

Industries like aviation and automotive also need to prioritise software quality to avoid putting lives at risk.

But that’s not all: according to Applause, 78% of people notice a bug in the apps they use regularly, and 24% of people said that a few bugs over a week’s use would encourage them to abandon the app completely.

If you don’t identify and fix bugs in your app regularly, you could damage your company’s reputation, as consumers will think you don’t care about their experience with your brand. Ongoing maintenance, development, and testing are essential. 

 

How to identify and address app bugs

To ensure that bugs are identified and addressed, mobile apps must undergo a thorough quality assurance process that includes testing both during and post-release.

The best app developers follow industry best practices for identifying and fixing bugs, which includes not only analysing code in detail but also testing an app’s performance under various conditions. 

This process should be carried out by QA engineers with the necessary engineering skills and knowledge to guarantee the app’s readiness for the market. When your app updates with new features or functionality, that same rigorous testing must be repeated. 

It’s also worth offering your most loyal app users the chance to report bugs themselves; adding a simple “report bug” box to windows can make customers part of the journey and help identify weaknesses in your code that your developers might have overlooked. 

 

The most common mobile app bugs

• Poor UX writing that sends a confusing message to users, often seen in button labels or error messages: Your app must be easy to use and navigate.

• Performance issues, such as slow loading times or crashes: Consumers won’t wait around if your app takes too long to load. More than half of users abandon websites if they take three or more seconds to load completely – it’s the same for apps. 

• Compatibility issues with different devices or operating systems: It’s vital that your app works well across iOS, iPadOS, and Android and offers a comparable experience across them all. Regular testing to ensure compatibility across new operating systems and updates is essential, even if your app is static and ‘complete’. 

• Security vulnerabilities that can expose user data: Security has never been so important. As a developer or publisher, you must keep user data safe. 

 

Wrapping up

Bugs in mobile apps can range from harmless mistakes to serious issues that compromise an app’s performance and more. That’s why it’s so important to prioritise quality assurance and address bugs through testing as part of the software development process. 

Understanding common bugs and implementing industry best practices can safeguard your app against potential issues and provide a high-quality user experience. If you’re looking for support with app development in Scotland, Zudu has you covered. Call 01382 690080 today to find out more and arrange a consultation with the team.