What is installation testing?
Installation testing checks if software installs, updates, and uninstalls properly across different systems. It makes sure users can set up the application without running into problems.
Do you have any examples of installation testing?
For desktop software, testers might:
- Try installing on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Upgrade from version 2.0 to 3.0
- Check if uninstalling removes all files
- Verify the app launches after installation
For mobile apps, testers typically:
- Install from app stores on different devices
- Check permissions requested during setup
- Test offline installation scenarios
- Verify updates don't corrupt user data
Why is installation testing important?
If users can't install your software, nothing else matters. Good installation testing prevents support tickets, bad reviews, and abandoned downloads. It also ensures seamless updates and clean uninstalls when needed.
What are the challenges of installation testing?
Testing every possible environment is impossible. Testers struggle with limited hardware, inconsistent permissions, and third-party dependencies. Virtual machines help, but real-world testing remains crucial, especially for installers that modify system files or require admin rights.
