Debugging, testing, and performance

This section shows you how to use Microsoft Visual Studio to debug, test, and optimize your app. It also includes tools like the Windows Device Portal (for device monitoring and configuration) and the Windows App Certification Kit (to prepare your app for the Microsoft Store).

Topic	Description
Deploying and debugging UWP apps	This article guides you through the steps to target various deployment and debugging targets.
Testing and debugging tools for Process Lifetime Management (PLM)	Tools and techniques for debugging and testing how your app works with Process Lifetime Management.
Test with the Microsoft Emulator for Windows 10 Mobile	Simulate real-world interaction with a device and test the features of your app by using the tools included with Microsoft Emulator for Windows 10 Mobile. The emulator is a desktop application that emulates a mobile device running Windows 10. It provides a virtualized environment in which you can debug and test Windows apps without a physical device. It also provides an isolated environment for your application prototypes.
Test Surface Hub apps using Visual Studio	The Visual Studio simulator provides an environment where you can design, develop, debug, and test Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, including apps that you have built for Microsoft Surface Hub. The simulator does not use the same user interface as Surface Hub, but it is useful for testing how your app looks and behaves at the Surface Hub's screen size and resolution.
Deploy an app through loose file registration	This guide shows how to use the loose file layout to validate and share Windows 10 apps without needing to package them.
Beta testing	Beta testing gives you the chance to improve your app based on feedback from individuals outside of your app-development team who try your unreleased app on their own devices.
Windows Device Portal	The Windows Device Portal lets you configure and manage your device remotely over a network or USB connection.
Windows App Certification Kit	To give your app the best chance of being published on the Microsoft Store, or becoming Windows Certified, validate and test it locally before you submit it for certification. This topic shows you how to install and run the Windows App Certification Kit.
Performance	Users expect their apps to remain responsive, to feel natural, and not to drain their battery. Technically, performance is a non-functional requirement but treating performance as a feature will help you deliver on your users' expectations. Specifying goals, and measuring, are key factors. Determine what your performance-critical scenarios are; define what good performance mean. Then measure early and often enough throughout the lifecycle of your project to be confident you'll hit your goals.
Version adaptive apps	Take advantage of the latest APIs and features while still reaching the broadest possible audience. Use runtime API checks to adapt your code and XAML at runtime to the features available on the version of Windows 10 where your app is running.