Cross-Browser Testing: Definition, Importance & Impact

15 Jan

What is Cross-browser testing

This article provides insights into one of the important non-functional testing types that usually gets overlooked during the software development lifecycle (SDLC). And how we at Q-Pros plan, design, and execute compatibility testing across different platforms without impacting the launch timeline and burdening the budget.

Compatibility testing is a non-functional testing that aids in inspecting Web or Mobile Applications on various computing platforms. It validates that an application works as expected when accessed through

Different Browser-OS combinations (i.e. on popular browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari—on any of the popular operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android).
Different devices (i.e. users can view and interact with the application on popular devices, smartphones, tablets, desktops, laptops, etc.).

Therefore, the objective of compatibility testing is to release web or mobile applications that deliver a uniform user experience on a diverse, ever-growing range of browsers, operating systems, and devices.

Since compatibility testing is a very wide topic and it would be a long article to cover it all here, this article is meant to focus on compatibility testing for websites and web applications.

Why is Cross-Browser Testing Important?

If a website or web application works well on one browser, that does not imply that it will work well on the other browsers too. Thus, this testing helps ensure that it runs on different browsers without any errors.

To identify what breaks on which browser and to fix the website accordingly we need to perform this testing. If a browser is not at all supported, then the users can easily be informed about it to manage their expectations from the outset.

What is the impact of ignoring Cross-Browser Testing?

Imagine that a user is trying to access a website on a specific browser or OS and then have the page not displayed correctly. The user is likely going to do one of two things. Assume that the site has an issue and leave to return later or assume that the site is broken and leave to find an alternative.

Browser vendors follow Open Web Standards, but they have different interpretations of those standards. Since they render HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in unique ways, thoroughly debugging the website’s source code is not enough to ensure that your website will look and behave as requested, and on different browsers (or different versions). Cross-browser testing helps with that by pinpointing browser-specific compatibility errors so developers can debug them quickly. It helps ensure that all target audiences can access the website without issues.

How to best select which browsers to test?

The various combinations of browsers, devices, and operating systems, make it impossible to build a test for every mix that may exist. Hence, we at Quality Professionals leverage market-leading tools (from vendors like SmartBear, Google, Microsoft, etc.) to automate the test where it gets done once and replicated across all required combinations.

However, for manual compatibility testing, it would be more realistic to focus the effort on maximizing the web application reach within the market of the targeted audience. To do this, we first work with our clients to lock down the most critical browsers and versions:

Based on market share (popularity) in specific countries or regions.
Based on the traffic stats of the web application itself. We usually work with the digital or marketing team that handles the application or website.

Q-Pros

Our test engineers at Q-Pros take the data, and then we accordingly prioritize the efforts, so we start with common ones first. We also test responsiveness to ensure we mimic users accessing from Smart Devices.

So, what exactly is cross-browser testing? Simply put, it’s the process of testing your website or web application across multiple browsers and devices to ensure compatibility and functionality. Whether your users prefer Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer, cross-browser testing ensures that your site looks and performs its best on every platform.

Why does it matter? Well, consider this: studies show that nearly half of all users will abandon a website if it doesn’t load within three seconds. Factor in the diverse landscape of browsers and devices, and the importance of cross-browser testing becomes clear. By identifying and addressing compatibility issues upfront, you’re not just ensuring a smoother user experience—you’re also maximizing engagement and reducing bounce rates.

But cross-browser testing isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about accessibility and inclusivity. With an increasing emphasis on web accessibility standards, ensuring that your site is usable by all users, regardless of their choice of browser or assistive technology, is essential. By conducting thorough cross-browser testing, you’re demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that no user is left behind.

Moreover, cross-browser testing is crucial for maintaining your brand’s reputation. In an age where word travels fast and first impressions matter more than ever, a glitchy or inconsistent web experience can damage your credibility and drive users into the arms of your competitors. By investing in cross-browser testing, you’re safeguarding your brand’s reputation and ensuring that every interaction with your digital presence leaves a positive impression.

Ready to ensure that your website or web application stands out from the crowd? Our team of experts is here to help you implement a comprehensive cross-browser testing strategy tailored to your unique needs and audience preferences. Don’t let compatibility issues hold you back—invest in cross-browser testing and unlock seamless user experiences across every platform today.