The Rise of Flutter and React Native Automated Testing Frameworks

Today, mobile phones have evolved to be much more than just communication devices as they were originally envisioned. Right from fitness tracking to maps and what not, various applications on mobile phones have made them versatile.

Now a mobile phone application needs to have a framework to be developed. Two of the leading frameworks are Flutter created by Google and React Native created by Facebook. Both of them are open-source frameworks and offer the ability to build high-quality applications for both iOS and Android environments. With rich widgets and ability to deploy on multiple platforms, there is a lot of time and effort saved.

However, any solution needs to be tested before deployment. Hence, there needs to be reliable testing solutions. Automated testing is critical as it allows developers to check and fix bugs proactively, ensure stability and software product quality. This will in turn translate to better user experience, faster rollout and reduced time to market.

The main advantages of automated testing frameworks are:

  1. Increased efficiency
  2. Reduced manual intervention and errors associated with the same
  3. Improved user experience
  4. Assured cross-platform compatibility

To support testing needs of Flutter apps, the below automated testing frameworks have emerged.

1. Flutter Driver

Google has provided Flutter Driver as the official testing framework. User interactions can be simulated and app behavior can be verified easily. Further, it is continuously updated and has many APIs and tools for testing. User behavior and pathways can be tested as a whole. The Dart VM’s hot-reload feature, allows to quickly reload the app’s code during testing. This in turn improves efficiency by saving time during testing iterations.

2. Mokito

The programming language used in Flutter is Dart. Mockito is a powerful framework for this language. Specific parts of the app can be tested in isolation and various simulations can be run. Further, Mokito can be used in conjunction with Flutter Driver to write a complete suite of tests and simulations.

The automated testing frameworks for React Native are as below.

3. Jest

React Native works on Java and Jest is widely adopted for React Native development. Jest has some excellent features like:

  1. Mocking – Ability to mock in-built dependencies like functions, API calls etc
  2. Ability to undertake asynchronous testing
  3. Ability to generate reports that show how much of the code is covered by tests
  4. Snapshot testing feature where the unintended changes in UI can easily be singled out.
  5. Features like test watchers which only run tests on the recent changes.
  6. Seamless integration

4. Detox

Detox is an end-to-end testing framework specifically designed for React Native apps. It allows for fast simultaneous and reliable testing across multiple devices. It also integrates easily with CI (continuous integration) and CD (continuous deployment) systems and rich API support.

Why GRhombus Technologies?

GRhombus Technologies is a leading software development company in USA and has the best IoT testing and mobile app testing experts in the business. From smart devices to technology stacks, we have end-to-end capabilities in the IoT domain.

We are led by a dedicated and experienced team and take pride in offering cutting edge solutions to any business challenge. We have partnered with leading brands and names from different countries like Cynergy of Isreal, uPonder Labs USA etc.

We have delivery centres in different locations in India and partner offices in the USA and Nethelands. For any additional queries or business needs, feel free to contact us!

What is Hyperautomation Testing?

It is no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have revolutionized different aspects of various industries and business verticals. They have helped create new business models, add efficiency into the system and even understand customer perceptions and interactions better.

One area where AI, ML and Robotic Process Automation (ROPA) can find good applications is in the field of software testing. Oftentimes, one or more such tools can be combined to achieve stellar results. This is where the concept of hyperautomation testing comes in.

In layman terms, hyperautomation testing refers to the use of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA), to automate and streamline the testing process. The key feature of hyperautomation testing is how it is able to analyze large volumes of data by leveraging various AI and ML algorithms to identify patterns, make intelligent decisions and improve the testing process. It can also be used to validate system behavior, automate the generation of test data, reduce manual effort and perform continuous testing.

As the best software development company in the USA and a leading software development company in UK, GRhombus Technologies has done key work in this area. In our experience, some of the key advantages of hyperautomation testing are:

1. Reduced time to market

Using hyperautomation testing, many manual and repetitive tasks can be automated and this will help in faster time to market of the product. Automated tests can run 24/7 and catch issues early and human resources can focus on other important areas.

2. Increased quality

With automation, the depth of testing and the breadth of testing can be increased. This includes areas like more use cases, browsers, devises etc, which may not be possible in a manual testing setup. This will ensure that quality is built into the testing process.

3. Consistency

Since there is no fatigue involved like the case of manual testing, hyperautomation eliminates human errors and inconsistencies. Since the breadth and depth of testing is more, it also means that errors can be caught early. The feedback loop is faster and more robust.

4. Ability to scale

With an automated test setup, it is easy to scale without any corresponding loss in quality. The same may not be possible in a purely manual setup.

While we discuss the advantages, it is also important to have a balanced perspective of things. Some of the key disadvantages of hyperautomatino testing are listed below.

5. Investment in time, infrastructure and capital for setup

From the perspective of hyperautomation testing, developing automated test scripts and building out the necessary infrastructure requires significant initial investment in tools and knowhow. Hence, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision to go in for a hyperautomation setup in the organization.

6. Maintenance

As with all tools, even a hyperautomation testing setup needs maintenance. They have to be updated as the test cases, applications and envionments evolve. Further, when defining automated test scripts, they should be free from bugs. Else, they can lead to false positives/negatives in results. Further, a certain amount of foresight is required as automated tests must me capable of meeting future needs and should not be brittle.

7. Skill

Writing automated test scripts requires skill and deep coding expertise. Further, the modules must be clearly defined and designed and when error messages are thrown, it should be easy to identify the root cause.

Why GRhombus Technologies?

GRhombus Technologies is a leader in offering cyber security solutions and software testing solutions. We are a trusted information security partner for leading companies in Europe and USA.

Apart from cybersecurity and software testing, we are also a leading software development company in UK. Established in 2014, GRhombus Technologies has delivery centres in India at Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru, and partner offices located in the USA and the Netherlands.

For additional details, please contact us.

How Blockchain Goes Beyond Cryptocurrency

Blockchain as a concept has caught the fancy of tech enthusiasts and digital nomads alike. Many venture firms are also investing in companies around this technology, and it has also fueled the cryptocurrency boom. So, what is the concept of blockchain in the first place that is currently a very hot topic?

Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed digital ledger technology that allows multiple parties to maintain a shared record of transactions or information. The information is maintained in a secure and transparent manner and each block contains a list of transactions.

The decentralization is achieved by using a network of computers called nodes. They work together to validate and record transactions. This ensures that no single person or system has control over the entire network.

A chain is created by use of identifiers, and they are linked to each other. The concept of a hash is used in this case. The hash is generated based on the data inside the block and also includes the hash of the previous block. All nodes must agree in order to add a new block to the chain. Thus, security is in-built into the system and manipulations are not possible. Smart contracts can be introduced and any intermediaries can be eliminated.

As the best software development company in USA and a leading cybersecurity company in UAE, some of the key industries where we see the application of blockchain technology apart from crypto currency are:

1. Logistics and supply chain

Tracking and movement of goods can be easily and cost-effectively achieved.  There is excellent traceability and in the case of sensitive cargo, counterfeiting possibility is eliminated.

2. Finance

Blockchain security is top notch and by eliminating intermediaries, faster transactions are achieved. By use of smart contracts and decentralized approaches, the sphere of application is largely increased. The record of transactions is also secure and cannot be manipulated.

3. Healthcare

Patient data is stored and secured yet remains accessible to the right parties. Blockchain technology can also streamline medical record management, clinical trials, and drug supply chain management.

4. IP rights

Blockchain can be used to establish proof of ownership and protect intellectual property rights. It can enable artists, musicians, and content creators to securely distribute and monetize their work and prevent theft. Use of blockchain in IP also helps to prove the case in case of infringement as the underlying technology is robust.

5. Insurance

Blockchain can streamline insurance processes by automating claims processing, reducing fraud, and improving transparency in policy management.

6. Internet of Things (IoT)

Blockchain can provide a secure and decentralized infrastructure for IoT devices, enabling secure data exchange, identity verification, and automated transactions.

The above are just a few examples and this field is continuously evolving on an almost daily basis! Hence, as more and more research goes into this domain and more industries explore its capabilities, the scope of application is sure to increase.

About GRhombus Technologies

GRhombus Technologies is among the leading EdTech companies in UK and cyber security companies in UK. Our insightful work and key implementation expertise have delivered powerful transformations to clients and created enduring value. We also offer test automation services in India and custom software development in UK. We are also well-versed in the Force.com development platform and can undertake key customization and advanced automation functions based on the business needs.

For more details, contact us.

What is Low-Code/No-Code Automation?

Often, applications require coding expertise for development. Now is it possible to create applications without any knowledge of coding? Yes. It is possible and that is where the concept of low-code or no-code automation comes in.

When an application can be developed just by drag and drop options and through GUI (graphical user interfaces) and configurations, then it is no-code automation. Thus, businesses or even lay users can create applications without any (or even if necessary, very minimal) coding knowledge.

As a leading software development company in USA and a leading cybersecurity firm in UK, we bring robust solutions. The below is our analysis on the concept of low-code/no-code automation.

Advantages of No-Code Automation

1. Plug and play and speed of development

Since there is only drag and drop options and a user interface, low-code/no-code platforms significantly reduce the time it takes to develop and deploy applications. Use of pre-defined templates also reduces the need for any coding.

2. Cost Savings

Since less-technical expertise is required, there is no need to hire developers or software professionals. If the low-code application completely satisfies the business requirements, then faster time to market is achieved. This also gives profits and cost savings.

Further, with no-code applications, scalability is also easy. This means that when the initial pilot project works successfully, it can be enhanced easily to other areas.

3. Larger user base

By ensuring that no coding is involved, non-technical users can develop solutions. This leads to a larger user base and enhanced footprint of technological and software applications. This can drive digitization, and digital adoption in new sectors.

While there are the above advantages, the disadvantages are

Disadvantages of Low-Code/No-Code Automation:

1. Limited possibilities

When a ready-made solution is used, the customization possibilities are limited. Thus, any specific business challenge will require either a custom-built application or a work-around. Often, work-arounds do not fully satisfy the requirements and only cause frustration for users.

2. Dependency and security

When low-code solutions are used, there is dependency on a single vendor or a company. Such kind of dependency can be unhealthy for business continuity as the organization scales up. Further, data security, application security and other parameters may be difficult to ensure. This can make organizations vulnerable to attacks.

3. Performance Issues and hidden costs

Applications built with low-code/no-code platforms may not perform as well as those built with traditional coding, particularly for complex or large-scale applications. Further, hidden costs like license fees or anything else can also apply.

Some of the ways in which no-code or low-code applications work are:

1. Visual Workflows

By simple drag and drop, an entire workflow can be defined. An example is data entry. In this case, the entire application can be opened and the data that is obtained from a source entered automatically.

2. Integration platforms

These provide pre-built integrations or connectors to various apps and services. An example of this is automatically adding new email subscribers to a CRM.

3. RPA (robotic process automation)

This uses “software robots” to mimic human actions like mouse clicks, keyboard inputs, etc. Useful for automating repetitive computer-based tasks.

About GRhombus Technologies

GRhombus Technologies is a leading software development company in UAE and the best software development company in UK. The company has made a mark in various spheres like end-to-end Software Development, DevOps, Manual Testing, Automation Testing, and Security Testing. We are also a recognized leader in the domain of cybersecurity solutions. GRhombus Technologies is dedicated to world-class customer service, innovations and cutting-edge solutions. For more details, contact us.

What is Cryptocurrency and What is Its Impact on the Market?

Money is fundamental to human life and economic growth. Money allows for the exchange of goods and services and quantifying them in a tangible fashion. Similarly, the concept of money helps in storing wealth and allows for valuation and comparison. It greatly expands the scope of trade and promotes uniformity in transactions whether across the border or within the country.

With the growth of technology, the concept of money and technology have emerged to create a new avatar of cryptocurrency.

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike normal currency, there is no central bank issuing the currency. A distributed ledger and blockchain technology is used to validate the transactions. The first cryptocurrency to emerge was Bitcoin. Since then, many cryptocurrencies have emerged. The value of different cryptocurrencies is calculated differently and there is no uniformity in the way they operate, as each currency has its own list of conditions. Given that this is a new area, the impact on the market is an interesting study. As a leading software developer in USA, GRhombustech has given basic inputs in this blog. We would always advice the readers to do complete research and also consult finance professionals before undertaking any investments in crypto.

1. Market Volatility

Cryptocurrencies are known for their extreme volatility in value. Prices can skyrocket to unprecedented heights or plummet in a matter of hours. Thus, returns can be high or low and there is no assured stability in the way things operate.

2. Tax challenges

Many governments do not recognize cryptocurrency as a legal form of currency. Further, many governments have enacted strict laws to curb investments in cryptocurrency or brought in taxation laws to tax the gain on capital etc. While there have been cryptocurrency exchanges and investment products like normal markets, they are mostly not completely recognized.

3. Regulatory Framework

The rise of cryptocurrencies has posed significant regulatory challenges. Because they can be used anonymously, they have been linked to illegal activities. Since the concept can be easily misused, many governments are wary and a complete framework is yet to be created. Further, while crypto operates on a global level, the same level of understanding has not yet been achieved between financial institutions, banks etc. This has made crypto a legal and regulatory soup!

4. Disruption of Traditional Banking

Cryptocurrencies can potentially disrupt traditional banking and financial systems. They offer a way to transfer funds directly between parties without the need for a trusted third party like a bank. However, crypto currencies can be manipulated and there are frequent news about hacks and attacks on exchanges. Hence, the reliability factor is less.

Why GRhombustech?

GRhombustech is a leader in offering cyber security solutions in USA and among the best software development companies in USA. We also offer iot testing services and salesforce CRM customization. Established in 2014, GRhombustech also brings rich insight to Salesforce products and solutions. Our insightful work and key implementation expertise have delivered powerful transformations to clients and created enduring value. We also offer test automation services in India and custom software development in UK.

The company has delivery centres in India at Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru, and a staff strength of 200+ employees all around the globe.

For more details, please contact us.

What are the Latest Development in the Field of Edge Computing?

Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed, to improve response times and save bandwidth. It’s designed to help solve the problems that arise from the centralization of data processing and storage in cloud computing. Some of the latest applications of edge computing include the following.

1. IOT

Internet of Things (IoT) can use edge computing extensively. Edge computing can process data from IoT devices in real-time, allowing for faster response times. This is particularly useful in industrial IoT settings where immediate data analysis can improve operational efficiency. Some examples include setting the pressure for steam generation in a boiler. As the quality of the fuel keeps on changing, the calorific value will be affected and thus the heat output will vary. By controlling this variable closely and at a very micro level, not only can peak efficiency in steam production be achieved, but also the fuel throughput can be made optimum.

2. Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving cars generate a massive amount of data that needs to be processed quickly for the vehicle to operate safely. Imagine driving on a highway autonomously at high speed and stray cattle comes in the way out of a corner. Such challenges can be solved easily as edge computing allows for this data to be processed in the vehicle itself, reducing latency.

3. Smart Cities

In smart cities, edge computing can help process data from various sensors and devices in real-time, improving the efficiency of city services and reducing data transmission costs. For example, edge computing can help in traffic monitoring and real-time analysis of video. It can help optimize traffic, reduce the amount of data that travels to the cloud. It is more fault tolerant than a centralized system.

4. Content Delivery and Streaming:

Edge computing can be used to cache content closer to the user, improving the speed and reliability of content delivery and streaming services. This means that even if the user is having bandwidth issues, high quality video can be played on the user’s device. This can also be extended to applications in telecom.

5. Healthcare

In mission critical healthcare applications like remote surgery and real-time health monitoring, edge computing can be a boon since there is no latency involved. Privacy and data security is ensured since the data is more localized and this helps in complying with strict data regulation guidelines that arise when handling the data. Further, many IoT devises can be connected in real time and used simultaneously since data bandwidth consumption is very less.

6. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR applications require low latency to provide a smooth user experience. Edge computing can process data closer to the user, reducing latency and improving the user experience. AR and VR in turn can be applied to a large spectrum of areas right from medical and education to retail and banking.

Why Grhombustech?

GRhombustech is a leader in offering Edtech solutions and is among the leading software development companies in UK. We take pride in delivering custom and best-fit solutions. Perceptive and collaborative, we offer an exceptional experience at every engagement touchpoint.

Apart from Edtech, we are also among the leading cyber security companies in UK. Established in 2014, GRhombustech has delivery centres in India at Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru along with partner offices located in the USA and the Netherlands. For additional details, please contact us.

What are Contactless Technologies Like NFC and RFID?

The term contactless technology refers to a group of special technologies that allow for communication or transactions without the need for physical contact between two objects or devices. Some of the examples of contactless technologies are:

  1. Near Field Communication (NFC)
  2. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
  3. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless communication technology that enables data exchange between two devices in close proximity. It is commonly used for data transfer between devices and for contactless payment. Any data transfer can be encrypted, thereby adding a higher layer of security.

The key advantages of NFC are:

  1. It is a very simple technology to use and requires minimal setup time.
  2. Data transfer can be encrypted.
  3. It is supported by a wide range of devices and thus, there is higher versatility.
  4. Data transfer speeds are quite good.
  5. The power consumption is minimal or negligible.

RFID, or radio frequency identification, is a contactless technology that allows data to be transmitted wirelessly between a tag or label and a reader. This technology uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify, and track tags attached to objects.

An RFID system typically consists of a tag or label, which contains a unique identifier and an antenna, and a reader, which emits a radio frequency signal that is picked up by the tag’s antenna. The tag then responds with its unique identifier, which is read by the reader and transmitted to a computer system.

The key advantages of RFID are:

  1. RFID tags are durable unlike barcodes and can withstand harsh conditions.
  2. They are an excellent choice for inventory tracking, especially when large volumes are involved.
  3. RFID tags can store more information.
  4. High levels of automation can be achieved using RFID and this reduces chances of human error.

Some of the common applications of contactless technologies are:

1. Access Control

Access control was one of the earliest adopters of contactless technologies. Such controls and control systems are commonly used in offices, hospitals, and other facilities to control access to specific areas or rooms. These systems usually involve an access card or fob that is waved over a reader to unlock a door.

2. Payment Systems

With QR codes revolutionizing payment systems, contactless payment systems have now become common place. It is also the same technology that finds applications in areas like making a payment by tapping a card, smartphone, or other device on a payment terminal.

3. Transportation

FastTag for toll payment is a classic example of application of contactless technology. Many public transportation systems like Metro Trains in major cities allow for contactless payment by allowing passengers to pay for their fare by tapping their card.

4. Healthcare

Contactless technologies are increasingly being used in the healthcare sector for applications such as patient identification, tracking medical supplies, and monitoring patient vital signs.

Overall, contactless technologies are powerful and versatile. They have revolutionized many industries like warehousing, payments and e-commerce and they continue to be adopted in new and innovative ways.

About GRhombus Technologies

GRhombus Technologies is among the leading EdTech companies in UK and cyber security companies in UK. Our insightful work and key implementation expertise have delivered powerful transformations to clients and created enduring value. We also offer test automation services in India and custom software development in UK. We are also well-versed in the Force.com development platform and can undertake key customisation and advanced automation functions based on the business needs. For more details, contact us.