Virtual Devices
Virtual devices are software-based emulations of physical hardware, such as smartphones, tablets, or IoT devices, that run on a host computer. They allow developers to test applications across different device configurations, operating systems, and screen sizes without needing physical hardware. Common platforms for virtual devices include Android Emulator (part of Android Studio), iOS Simulator (in Xcode), and browser-based tools for web testing.
Developers should use virtual devices for cross-platform testing, especially in mobile app development, to ensure compatibility with various Android versions, screen resolutions, and device models. They are essential for early-stage development, debugging, and automated testing pipelines, as they provide a cost-effective and scalable way to simulate real-world conditions without procuring multiple physical devices. For example, testing an app on an Android virtual device with different API levels helps catch OS-specific bugs before deployment.