What is Cross Browser Testing?
Definition : Cross browser testing is a type of software testing that is focused on ensuring that a website or web-based application is compatible with a wide range of web browsers and devices. This testing is important because it helps to ensure that the website or application is accessible to a wide range of users, regardless of the web browser or device that they are using.
Cross browser testing in software testing involves testing the website or application on a variety of different web browsers and devices, including desktop and mobile browsers. It may involve testing the website or application on different operating systems, as well as on different versions of the same web browser.
The goal of cross browser testing in testing is to identify any issues or defects that may arise as a result of the website or application being used on different web browsers or devices. This testing is an important step in the software development process, as it helps to ensure that the website or application is of high quality and is accessible to a wide range of users.
Cross Browser Testing Importance
Importance of cross browser testing which are shown below:
User experience
The user experience can vary significantly from browser to browser, and poor browser compatibility can lead to frustrated users. Cross-browser testing ensures that the website or application functions as intended, regardless of the browsers used, resulting in a better user experience.
Market share
Different browsers have varying market shares, and not all users use the same browser. Cross-browser testing ensures that the website or application is accessible to all users, regardless of the browsers they use, maximizing the market reach.
Bugs and issues
Different browsers have different rendering engines, HTML and CSS support, and JavaScript engines, which can lead to bugs and issues. Cross-browser testing helps identify and fix these issues, ensuring that the website or application functions as intended.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Search engines such as Google prioritize websites that are mobile-friendly and accessible on different devices and browsers. Cross-browser testing can help ensure that the website or application meets these requirements, improving its SEO ranking.
Business impact
Poor browser compatibility can have a significant impact on business, leading to lost revenue, decreased customer satisfaction, and negative brand reputation. This testing helps ensure that the website or application is accessible to all users, resulting in a positive impact on the business.
How To Do Cross Browser Testing?
Identify the target browsers: Determine which browsers and their versions your application needs to be tested on. Consider popular browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Edge.
Plan the test cases: Create a list of test cases that cover all the functionalities, features, and UI elements of the application.
Select the testing approach: Choose a testing approach that suits your requirements and budget. Options include manual testing, automated testing, or a combination of both.
Set up the testing environment: Set up the testing environment for each target browser. This includes installing the browser versions you want to test and configuring any required settings, such as browser extensions, plugins, and browser language.
Execute the test cases: Run the test cases on each browser and compare the results. Ensure that all features and functionalities of the application work as expected.
Document and report the test results: Document the test results and any issues found during testing. Report any bugs or issues, along with the steps to reproduce them, and include any relevant screenshots or videos.
Fix any issues found: Fix any issues found during testing and retest the application on all target browsers to ensure that the fixes have been successful.
Repeat the testing: Repeat the testing on each target browser after every change made to the application, including bug fixes, feature enhancements, and updates to ensure that it works consistently across all browsers.
Who Performs Cross Browser Testing?
Developers
Developers can perform initial cross-browser testing during the development phase by testing the website or application across different browsers and devices using their development environment. They can also use tools like browser extensions, online emulators, and local testing environments to perform this testing.
Quality assurance engineers
Quality assurance engineers are responsible for ensuring that the website or application functions as intended and meets the business requirements. They can perform this testing as part of their testing process, using tools like manual testing, automated testing, or a combination of both.
Dedicated testing teams
Dedicated testing teams can perform cross-browser testing as a separate activity, using a variety of testing tools, techniques, and methodologies to ensure comprehensive browsers compatibility testing. These teams can also perform regression testing to ensure that any changes or updates to the website or application have not affected the browser compatibility.
Advantages Of Cross Browser Testing
Some advantages of Cross Browser Testing include:
Better user experience: It ensures that the website or application functions and displays consistently across all browsers, resulting in a better user experience.
Increased market reach: It ensures that the website or application is accessible to all users, regardless of the browsers they use, maximizing the market reach.
Improved business impact: This testing helps ensure that the website or application is accessible to all users, resulting in a positive impact on the business.
Higher SEO ranking: It can help ensure that the website or application meets the requirements for mobile-friendliness and accessibility, improving its SEO ranking.
Identification and resolution of issues: It can help identify and resolve issues that arise due to differences in rendering engines, HTML and CSS support, and JavaScript engines in different browsers.
Disadvantages Of Cross Browser Testing
Some disadvantages of Cross Browser Testing include:
Time-consuming: It can be time-consuming, especially when testing across different browsers, devices, and platforms.
Costly: It requires multiple devices, operating systems, and browsers, which can be expensive.
Complexity: This testing can be complex due to differences in browser behavior, rendering engines, and web standards.
Dependence on tools: This testing often requires the use of automated testing tools, which can be expensive and may not cover all possible scenarios.
Human error: This testing is prone to human error, which can result in missed bugs or issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cross browser testing is an important step in the software development process, as it helps to ensure that a website or web-based application is compatible with a wide range of web browsers and devices. This testing can help to improve the user experience, increase the marketability of the website or application, and reduce the risk of customer satisfaction issues. While it has its advantages, it can also be time-consuming and expensive, and may not be able to identify all compatibility issues.
However, when properly planned and executed, it can help to ensure that the website or application is of high quality and is accessible to a wide range of users. It is important for testers to carefully consider the goals and objectives of this testing, and to choose the appropriate techniques and test cases to ensure that the website or application is thoroughly tested.