Easy Cross-Browser Testing Guide For App Developers [2022]

In the early days of software development, access to the internet was only possible via the desktop. App development companies had only one target platform. Because of the busy lifestyle of people, mobility has become an important feature of modern technology.

Smartphones became the preferred way to access the internet. Because of its many advantages, the smartphone market exploded quickly.

Recent surveys suggest that more than 50% of internet traffic is now dominated by mobile users. To adapt to this sudden shift in platforms, companies needed to come up with new strategies. The initial strategy was to test each platform individually for the performance of the web app. It quickly became a time-consuming and resource-intensive process.

The advancement of technology also led to a shift in the browser industry. Internet Explorer was the most popular way to access the web in the early years. With the passage of time, new players entered this industry. Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, two of the most prominent companies in this competitive industry, quickly rose to prominence.

Google Chrome is currently the most popular browser with over 60% of internet users. Safari and Firefox are in second and third place respectively. 

Developers needed a way to seamlessly test on these different browser combinations and platforms. This was the primary reason for the creation of Cross-browser compatibility testing.

Cross-browser compatibility tests will play an even larger role in 2022 as technology continues to advance and expand. In this article, we will discuss the best methods to perform cross-browser compatibility testing.

Cross-Browser Testing: Definition

Cross-browser compatibleity testing is a type of non-functional testing that allows users to test the compatibility of their web applications.

This testing method allows you to verify how your website responds to different browser versions and browsers. The web developers can use different tools to verify the functionality on different operating system, devices, browsers, and browser versions.

Cross-browser testing ensures that other factors such as the location of the user, network bandwidth, and visual specifications don’t affect the application’s performance. This testing is crucial for progressive web apps that are designed to work on different devices and browser combinations.

Cross-browser testing confirms that assistive tools such as screen readers have no negative impact on the web application’s performance. These tools are most commonly used by people with disabilities to gain access to the internet. 

Cross-Browser Testing: What is it important?

Cross-browser test provides seamless user experience for both newbies and veterans. You, as a developer, must ensure the application runs at its best to reach the maximum audience.

The user will usually reload a site if it is down or has other issues. They will most likely perform one of the following actions if they find the exact same error. They will first conclude that the site is in trouble and will remove it with the promise of never returning.

They may also conclude that the website is broken and leave it to search for an alternative.  The open web standards are currently followed by browser vendors. They have their own way of integrating these standards. 

Each browser interprets the JavaScript or CSS code differently. It is not enough to test the functionality of a web app on one browser. This is because a single report cannot confirm that a web program will work similarly on other browsers.

Cross-browser Testing allows developers to quickly identify browser differences. Developers can quickly spot browser-specific bugs and debug them using this testing method. This feature will ensure that you don’t alienate any user base simply because the browser or operating systems are incompatible. 

Cross-Browser Testing – Analyzing Features

Cross-browser testing requires that you identify all features that could hinder the performance or functionality of the web application. Developers don’t always have the time or resources to complete all of these tasks.

The product team must have a complete manual that covers all features of a web application in order to perform cross-browser tests efficiently.  This manual will include a list of browser versions, features for testing, and the required platforms.

These factors will assist in completing various parameters, including budget, timeframes, compatibility benchmarks, and test scenarios. Cross-browser testing should be done by developers who must pay close attention to the basic functionality of the web app.

They should also ensure that web applications are responsive and easily accessible across a wide range of devices.

Cross-Browser Testing with Browsers

Many browsers are currently available on the market for web development. Each browser comes in several versions.

However, a developer can’t test the functionality of the web application on all of these browsers. It is important to select the most popular browsers based upon their features and popularity.

Recent surveys show that Google Chrome dominates the desktop segment with a 60% market share, followed by Safari in second, and Firefox in third. Google Chrome remains the leader in smartphone technology, with Safari coming in second and Samsung browser third.

This makes it a safe decision that you test the compatibility with your web application on these browsers. You can also analyze the preferences and interests of your audience to get better results.

Cross-Browser Compatibility Testing

Cross-browser testing is a complicated process if it is not done correctly. Let’s look at some key points that developers must remember when performing cross browser compatibility testing.

•  It is very important to establish a proper baseline before performing cause browser compatibility testing. The developers can then run all of the testing processes on their primary browser. 

• Before beginning the testing process, it’s important to have a clear test plan. To create this plan, the developers can use all test specific documents.

• Cross-browser testing requires that you maintain a balance between automation testing and manual testing.  Companies will be able to quickly produce high-quality web applications if they have the right coordination between the two testing processes.

• Web developers companies need the right infrastructure to conduct cross-browser tests. The optimal infrastructure will include virtual machines, emulators, real devices and a range of useful tools.

Cross-Browser Testing at the Perfect Moment

In the initial years of software engineering, it was common belief that cross browser compatibility testing should be done at the conclusion of each phase.

It was actually a complicated and time-consuming process for all web development companies.  Because of this practice, developers had to go back to the drawing boards for even the smallest errors or bugs. These time-consuming processes caused delays in production and delivery.

All of these factors had a negative impact on the company’s reputation. Modern experts believe that cross browser compatibility testing should be an integral part the development process. This will enable the development and testing teams work together to create a high-quality website application. 

Teams responsible for Cross-Browser Testing

Cross-browser compatibility testing was first believed to be the responsibility of only quality assessment teams. This belief has been disproved by modern web development technologies.

Cross-browser compatibility testing is best done in close coordination between the development and production teams.

To increase the effectiveness of their testing framework, companies can integrate Agile and DevOps methodologies. All of these processes will allow developers and testers to quickly identify and fix critical bugs in the core web application.

A single individual can’t test the compatibility of the web application on every browser and browser version. It will be time-consuming and exhausting.

Tools can be used to improve the efficiency of cross-browser compatibility testing environments. Developers can automate different processes related to compatibility.

Developers must understand that not all tools can be integrated into your testing environment. Every tool is unique and serves a specific purpose. To fully exploit the potential of your web development environment, you need to use the right tool.  

There are various factors that you must consider during the tool’s selection process. Take, for example. It is important to consider your project requirements as well as your preferences. This process should also include consideration of current market trends in testing automation and cross browser testing.

Let’s look at LambdaTest, which is a cross-browser compatibility test tool.

LambdaTest is an automated cross-browser test platform for web applications. This platform allows developers to verify compatibility of the web app on a Secure and Secure online. Selenium grid. Developers can carry out compatibility testing from anywhere on the planet with the cloud platform.

This platform’s most popular feature is the parallel testing feature. Developers can use this feature to verify compatibility with web applications on thousands of browsers, devices, and operating system simultaneously. The Lambda test can also be used to verify compatibility with locally hosted web apps.

LambdaTest is used by millions of companies around the globe to check cross-browser compatibility for their web applications. LambdaTest can also be used to verify compatibility on real mobile devices.

The Final Verdict

Cross-browser testing will remain an important testing process. Future technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud-based service will also play a significant role in this testing method’s popularity.

Developers must be ready for this major change if they want to see a bright future. Lastly, the company should also pay proper attention to the tool’s selection process.