Robust Software Development with Monkey Testing

Elif Parlak
Mercury Business Services
3 min readDec 21, 2023

Monkey testing refers to testing a software application using random and unexpected input data. It allows you to capture tests you cannot produce in test cases with random movements, with steps that users can carry out, thus capturing codes with error potential. These tests allow you to prevent user errors and develop more robust software.

Monkey testing detects bugs and plays a critical role in developing a user-friendly application and ensuring the user has a positive experience when encountering unexpected situations. This article will examine the basic principles of monkey testing and some examples of scenarios to achieve success.

Monkey Testing Scenario Samples:

Random Keystrokes Test Scenario:

You can prevent errors by observing code behavior on random keystrokes by testing how the application reacts to unexpected key combinations while navigating the application. You can gain insight into demonstrating software testing and catching the errors while seeing how the application reacts when random and invalid data enters form fields.

Random Screen Touches Test Scenario:

Testing how the system reacts to random touches within the application allows you to catch lost data with forward/backward movements and scenarios that may cause errors.

Random Screen Rotations Test Scenario:

By randomly changing the device’s screen rotation to test how the app adapts to these changes, you can imagine that some users use their screens lengthwise.

Random Network Outages Test Scenario:

Testing how the application reacts when the user has a weak network connection will allow you to prevent systemic problems and develop more adaptable software.

Random Time Adjustments Test Scenario:

By randomly changing the time settings of the user’s device and testing how the application reacts to these changes, you can see whether users in different time zones can perform their work with your software. By addressing these errors early, you can better support global expansion.

Browser Compatibility Test Scenario on Different Operating Systems:

Not every user has to use Windows or Mac. By monitoring the application’s behavior on different operating systems, you can either guide users by determining the operating systems you support or make your software compatible with each operating system. Testing other browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari on Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems, is critical, especially today.

Testing at Different Screen Resolutions Test Scenario:

Knowing that each user has different hardware, the application must be tested on HD, Full HD, and 4K devices with different screen resolutions, such as 7-inch and 10-inch tablets and 4-inch and 6-inch phones. In this way, you can work on Responsive Web Design or prevent possible problems by sharing the resolution information you support with your users.

Multiple Users Login Simultaneously Test Scenario:

Monkey testing is an essential testing method not only for functional testing but also for the performance of your system. For this, seeing simultaneous usage outputs in the system for concurrency tests allows you to have a robust application. You can easily do this with a scenario where different requests are sent to other users simultaneously.

Random Data Addition and Update Test Scenario:

Controlling the application’s behavior by adding, deleting, or updating random data in the forms where you enter data in your application allows you to prevent unexpected errors. While doing these tests, you should delete all data and check how the system behaves. Most of the time, the errors will be the ones you catch when there is no data.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed the principles of Monkey Testing. We provided scenarios for implementation and what users are likely to do for applications to be more robust against unexpected behaviors. Still, we talked about capturing subtle details that your requirements still need to cover. We talked about how monkey testing is not just a type of testing but a vital testing method that allows you to think a little less while simulating the real world, making your system strong even at the most vulnerable moments. Implementing the scenarios mentioned in our article in your systems can make your software more reliable, durable, and user-friendly.

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