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How to troubleshoot webview apps: An app debugging guide for QA

TL;DR: ‍Troubleshoot webview apps using tools like App Studio Simulators, Browser Development Tools, Appetize Debug Mode, physical devices, ADB, and sysdiagnose. Each tool helps with debugging UI/UX, accessing logs, and running performance tests. Choose the right tool to optimize your development and testing process.

Ready to discover essential troubleshooting techniques for webview apps, from common issues like rendering problems and performance bottlenecks to advanced debugging methods?

This guide provides practical solutions to debug your app’s functionality, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience across various platforms and devices.

Key takeaways

  • App Studio Simulators and Browser Development Tools are ideal for quick UI/UX testing and debugging in webview apps.
  • Appetize Debug Mode provides access to network and device logs but has limitations with native features like biometrics.
  • Physical devices, along with ADB and sysdiagnose, enable comprehensive testing of native functionality and offer detailed performance analysis.
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Debugging hybrid webview apps

Mobile apps built with the Median App Studio are composed of various components as they combine web experiences, including web SDKs, native app functionality (such as haptics or biometrics) or even native development kits offered by your preferred vendors. 

Below, we’ll provide valuable insights into various tools available for developing, testing, and debugging your mobile app — and highlight the unique purposes each tool serves and demonstrate their value throughout your development journey.

Webview debugging tools: An overview

Let’s explore the top five tools that can accelerate the development and quality assurance phases of your webview mobile app projects. 

We will focus on their ease of setup and primary use cases to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

App Studio Simulators

App Studio Simulators are the easiest accessible tool to you and your team. 

Whether you are a user on a free or enterprise plan, you will have access to a suite of cloud-based simulators to test changes to your app without leaving your browser tab.

A screenshot of Median's App Studio showcasing the Simulator on the right.

The main use case for this simulator is to evaluate changes that pertain to your UI and UX. 

You can evaluate how certain features are rendered on different device and operating systems versions but may lack the logfiles you will need to investigate a certain behavior.

Browser development tools

Browser development tools are the key debugging tool for web developers at all levels. Accessible directly from your browser, these tools allow you to inspect, debug, and optimize your web applications in real-time without the need for additional software. 

Whether you want to change the viewport, user agent, read the web console or analyze the network requests for your page, those tools are flexible enough to do it all.

A screenshot of browser development tools.

The primary use case for these tools is to analyze and refine the front-end of your web applications. They enable you to view and modify HTML, CSS, and JavaScript on the fly, inspect network activity, and monitor performance metrics. 

Additionally, these tools provide detailed logs and error messages based on your web console logging, making it easier to diagnose and fix issues.

Whether you’re working on a small project or a large-scale application, browser development tools are essential for ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience across different devices and browsers and thus are the most used tools when debugging the interface of your webview app.

Appetize Debug mode

Easily accessible through the Median App Studio, the Appetize Debug mode offers a great middle ground between the embedded App Studio simulators and the Browser Development Tools. 

You can use the tools to switch seamlessly between device types, operating system versions and orientations, get access to the network logs of a mobile app as well as surfacing device logs of the application. 

A screenshot of the Appetize Debug mode.

The cloud based simulators also allow you to automate test routines in which you can define or record user actions to test the most common user journeys of your application. 

There is just one catch: Given the nature and configuration of the cloud based simulators, there are certain plugins and functions that can not be accessed such as biometrics authentication, haptics or in-app purchases

Physical devices

Physical mobile devices are a staple for testing webview and native mobile applications, allowing you to experience all native functionalities and perform comprehensive end-to-end testing especially for native device functionality that can not be experienced through simulators.

A screenshot of the Median.co Developer Portal.

While crucial for ensuring compatibility across hardware and software configurations of your users, maintaining a vast test suite for all device types and operating systems can be challenging. 

The constant evolution of operating systems and release of new device models makes it difficult to keep up, necessitating the use of simulators for supplementary testing.

Adb & Sysdiagnose

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and Apple's sysdiagnose are powerful tools for developers testing and debugging mobile applications on physical devices.

A screenshot showing Adb and sysdiagnose

Android Debug Bridge (ADB)

ADB is a versatile command-line tool that lets you communicate with an Android device. It facilitates various tasks such as installing and debugging apps, accessing a Unix shell to run commands, and transferring files. 

ADB is essential for accessing detailed logs, capturing screenshots, and running performance tests, making it a vital part of the Android development workflow.

Apple's sysdiagnose

Sysdiagnose is a diagnostic tool for iOS devices, capturing extensive logs and system information to help identify issues. It collects data on system performance, network activity, and application behavior, providing a comprehensive overview for troubleshooting. 

Sysdiagnose is crucial for diagnosing complex issues that are difficult to replicate, offering insights into the root causes of problems on iOS devices.

Both ADB and sysdiagnose are essential for in-depth debugging and performance analysis, complementing physical device testing and ensuring a thorough examination of mobile applications.

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Which webview app debugging tool should I use?

Choosing the right tool for your development and quality assurance needs can significantly speed up your processes. 

Below is a table that maps common testing and debugging use cases to the most suitable tools introduced earlier, helping you select the best option for each scenario.

A table that maps common testing and debugging use cases to the most suitable tools.

Leveraging the right webview app debugging tool 

Mobile app development is fundamentally similar to other types of software projects. 

The tools you choose for validating and troubleshooting functionality can significantly impact your project's outcome, either accelerating or hindering your implementation and quality assurance processes.

By following the guidelines and using the tools outlined in this article, you can enhance both your development and quality assurance workflows. 

Selecting the appropriate tools for each task will save you time during the final stages of your project and provide comprehensive information, enabling our team to assist you more effectively with any support requests.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best tools for debugging webview apps?

Some of the best tools for debugging webview apps include App Studio Simulators, Browser Development Tools, Appetize Debug Mode, physical devices, ADB, and sysdiagnose.

How can I test UI/UX in a webview app without a physical device?

You can use App Studio Simulators or Browser Development Tools to test UI/UX without a physical device. These tools allow you to evaluate changes in UI and UX across different devices and operating systems directly from your browser.

What is the difference between App Studio Simulators and Appetize Debug Mode?

App Studio Simulators are simpler tools for UI/UX testing, while Appetize Debug Mode offers more advanced features, such as network and device logs, along with the ability to simulate different device types and operating systems. However, Appetize has limitations with certain native functionalities like biometrics.

Why should I use physical devices for debugging webview apps?

Physical devices allow you to test native functionality, like biometrics and haptics, which cannot be tested through simulators. They also provide more accurate insights into how your app behaves on actual devices with different hardware and software configurations.

What is ADB, and how does it help in debugging Android apps?

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a command-line tool that enables communication with an Android device. It is useful for installing and debugging apps, accessing device logs, and running performance tests, making it an essential tool for Android app development and troubleshooting.

*DISCLAIMER: This content is provided solely for informational purposes. It is not exhaustive and may not be relevant for your requirements. While we have obtained and compiled this information from sources we believe to be reliable, we cannot and do not guarantee its accuracy. This content is not to be considered professional advice and does not form a professional relationship of any kind between you and GoNative.io LLC or its affiliates. Median.co is the industry-leading end-to-end solution for developing, publishing, and maintaining native mobile apps for iOS and Android powered by web content. When considering any technology vendor we recommend that you conduct detailed research and “read the fine print” before using their services.*
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