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Mobile app debugging tactic: Debug UI

Most mobile devices are one big touchscreen. What do you do if you need some debug functionality? Some way to force the application into a certain state? A way to view recent logs?

If you have a backend, you could change the account state in the database. You could send logs there too. But what if it’s an offline app?

You may want to use debug features at any time, and having a special button present at all times isn’t always feasible. It’s also not always possible to connect some sort of keyboard to use shortcuts or a command console like on a desktop app.

You can use the multi-tap functionality of touchscreens to trigger a debug UI overlay. A four-or-five-finger tap is unlikely to be already in use. You can use the debug UI inspect logs, trigger various functions, and change variables.

Related to this is a way for users to send feedback at any time: when they shake their device, pop up a feedback dialog.

What creative ways have you used to support debugging mobile apps?

- Karl

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