There have never been as many devices, web browsers, software versions, or intricate application functionalities as there are now in the present era of the digital experience. Therefore, it is essential to test your app against every browser (and every version of that browser) that it can possibly be used with. Cross-browser testing is the term for this procedure. 

This blog will discuss cross-browser testing in detail, why it is crucial, how to test browsers, and why Perfecto is the industry's top choice as a cross-browser testing partner. 

Cross-Browser Testing: What is it?

Cross-browser testing is a technique used by teams to make sure their program functions as intended when used on many devices (including iOS and Android), browsers, operating systems, and assistive devices like screen readers. 

No matter how the user arrived at your application, delivering a consistent user experience across browsers and browser versions ensures a positive UX. Cross-browser testing can be implemented as a component of your testing strategy, depending on the project's scope and workflow. These tests should be used mostly during development to confirm that everything functions as it should before pushing to production and in staging/pre-release to guarantee that there are no browser compatibility issues before launch. 

Exactly why is cross-browser testing crucial?

People often have a favorite or default browser that they use, just like they have their favorite soda brands—Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or Dr. Pepper. Additionally, there are more browsers available today than ever before, including Vivaldi, Microsoft Edge, Pale Moon, Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari. 

On top of that, each of these browsers will have a variety of versions, depending on the user's technical knowledge or capacity to stay up to date. Any tester may find it challenging to manage multiple browser and version combinations. 

Therefore, when creating your application, you must ensure that it runs smoothly and is free of bugs on the most popular browsers used by your users. A website's "Add to Cart" button not functioning, issues processing credit card information correctly, or badly rendered photos and other media are all wonderful ways to turn away potential customers. Building consumer trust in your brand, product, and/or website takes time. Losing that trust can occur during an application visit or in the blink of an eye. 

It is up to you (the developer) to sort through the different variances in browsers and browser versions in order to produce a high-quality result even though there is a general set of standards for web design (known as Open Web Standards). 

Cross-Browser Testing Techniques

The test design and execution may resemble distinct processes depending on the cross-browser testing tools you choose to employ. However, the following provides a general explanation of how cross-browser testing is created: 

Establish a baseline

Start by utilizing one of the most popular browsers; often Chrome, though Safari or Firefox also work. In this manner, you are immediately protecting a sizable portion of users. There, you should test your application's functionality to see how it responds. 

Design a plan of action

Next, you should pick which browsers you should test against. By deciding exactly what you will test on those browsers and what success looks like, you can develop a testing strategy. With all those browser and browser version combinations, you are now ready to go. 

carry out your tests

When it comes to running tests, there are two schools of thought: manual testing and automated testing. You can choose the sluggish and time-consuming manual way. The benefit of using this more hands-on method is that you can be more confident in the quality and accuracy of your testing, again dependent on the scope of the project. 

Automated testing will significantly cut down on testing time, which will result in cost savings, and you may be able to shorten your release cycle. It might be incredibly time-consuming to manually go through the same scenarios every time there is a new update or software modification only to check sure other functions have not been harmed. 

Decide which devices to test with

You must next choose whether to do manual or automated testing and whether to test on actual or virtual devices. Actual phones and tablets that you can use to execute your application are known as real devices. Although testing on actual devices gives users the most accurate experience, this method can become quite expensive very quickly. 

Emulators and simulators are virtual gadgets that mimic what users may encounter on a real device. Virtual devices may not be able to replicate the user experience exactly, but they make up for it in speed. Imagine having access to any device (iPhone, Android, etc.), every device model, and every software version at your disposal for testing. 

Conclusion: 

Cross-browser testing is a fundamental aspect of manual testing, a critical skill for beginners in the world of software quality assurance. This online course delves into the nuances of manual testing, focusing on the crucial art of ensuring web applications work seamlessly across different web browsers. By examining manual testing techniques and practices, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of both manual and automation testing. Learn to identify and address browser-specific issues, ultimately honing your skills in manual testing. Enroll today to master the art of cross-browser testing, a key component in ensuring top-notch web application quality.

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