What Is Cross Browser Testing?
Cross browser testing is a type of software testing that involves verifying the compatibility and functionality of a web application across different web browsers and their versions. As website are accessed by users using different devices, operating systems, and browsers, it is important to ensure that the website works correctly and looks the same on all browsers.
During cross browser testing, testers use different browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Edge, to test the web application. The testing process involves verifying the functionality of the application, testing the layout, fonts, images, responsiveness, and other features of the website on each browser. Testers also check for any inconsistencies or issues that may arise when the web application is accessed on different browsers.
Manual Cross browser testing is important for ensuring that the web application is accessible to all users, regardless of the browser they are using. It helps to identify and resolve any issues or inconsistencies that may arise and ensure that the application works correctly and provides a consistent user experience across all browsers.
Cross Browser Testing Important
Ensure Compatibility: With a multitude of web browsers and their versions available, it is important to ensure that the web application works consistently across all of them. Crossbrowser testing can help identify any compatibility issues and ensure that the application works as intended on all browsers.
Improve User Experience: A web application that looks and works differently across different browsers can lead to a poor user experience. Cross browser testing helps ensure that the user experience is consistent across all browsers, leading to a better overall user experience.
Increase Reach: By ensuring that the web application works on all popular browsers, the application’s reach increases, allowing more users to access and use the application.
Boost Business Performance: Inconsistent behavior or issues on a particular browser can lead to a loss of business, resulting in revenue loss. Cross-browser testing helps identify and resolve such issues, leading to better business performance.
Stay Ahead of Competitors: As web applications become more complex, and more browsers become available, it is essential to stay ahead of competitors by ensuring that the application works well on all popular browsers.
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.
Cross Browser Testing Advantages
Better User Experience: Cross-browser testing ensures that the web application works consistently and looks the same on all browsers, leading to a better user experience.
Increased Accessibility: By testing the application on all popular browsers, you ensure that it is accessible to a wider range of users.
Improved Compatibility: Cross-browser testing helps identify and resolve compatibility issues, ensuring that the application works as intended on all browsers and their versions.
Reduced Development Costs: Cross-browser testing helps identify issues earlier in the development process, reducing the overall development costs by eliminating the need to fix issues later in the process.
Increased Customer Satisfaction: A web application that works consistently on all browsers and provides a better user experience leads to increased customer satisfaction.
Improved Business Performance: Cross-browser testing helps identify and resolve issues that can lead to revenue loss, leading to better business performance.
Competitive Advantage: By ensuring that your application works well on all popular browsers, you gain a competitive advantage over competitors who do not perform cross-browser testing.
Cross Browser Testing Example
Identify the target browsers: Determine which browsers and their versions your application needs to be tested on. In this case, let’s say you decide to test the application on Google Chrome version 94, Mozilla Firefox version 93, and Microsoft Edge version 95.
Plan the test cases: Create a list of test cases that cover all the functionalities, features, and UI elements of the application. For example, you might create test cases for creating a new document, editing an existing document, saving a document, and sharing a document.
Select the testing approach: Choose a testing approach that suits your requirements and budget. In this case, you might decide to use a combination of manual and automated testing.
Set up the testing environment: Set up the testing environment for each target browser. This involves 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. For example, you might create a new document in Google Chrome and ensure that it looks and works the same in Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
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.
Cross Browser Testing Tools
There are many cross browser testing tools online available in the market, some of which are paid, and some are free. Here are some popular best cross browser testing tools:
BrowserStack: BrowserStack is a cloud-based testing tool that offers real-time testing of web applications on a wide range of browsers and operating systems. It provides both manual and automated testing options.
CrossBrowserTesting: CrossBrowserTesting is another cloud-based testing tool that provides testing of web applications on a wide range of browsers and operating systems. It offers both manual and automated testing options.
Sauce Labs: Sauce Labs is a cloud-based testing tool that offers real-time testing of web applications on a wide range of browsers and operating systems. It provides both manual and automated testing options.
LambdaTest: LambdaTest is a cloud-based testing tool that offers real-time testing of web applications on a wide range of browsers and operating systems. It provides both manual and automated testing options.
Browserling: Browserling is a cross-browser testing tool that offers live testing on a wide range of browsers and operating systems. It provides both manual and automated testing options.
Microsoft Edge Developer Tools: Microsoft Edge Developer Tools is a browser-based testing tool that is built into the Microsoft Edge browser. It provides debugging and testing options for web applications.
Chrome Developer Tools: Chrome Developer Tools is a browser-based testing tool that is built into the Google Chrome browser. It provides debugging and testing options for web applications.
Firefox Developer Tools: Firefox Developer Tools is a browser-based testing tool that is built into the Mozilla Firefox browser. It provides debugging and testing options for web applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cross browser testing involves testing a web application on multiple browsers and their versions to ensure that it works consistently and provides a better user experience. By following the above steps, you can perform effective cross-browser testing and ensure that your web application works as intended on all popular browsers.
11.Unit Testing