Strategies for better Cross Browser Testing

The complexity of Cross Browser Testing lies in the endless combinations of browsers, versions and different platforms. There are a few rules we can follow that makes this testing process faster and more effective. 

1: Understanding the core concepts:

Before starting with the testing right away, it is recommended to understand the basic concepts of Cross Browser Testing such as –

-          What is cross browser testing?

-          Why is it required and what are its final objectives?

-          Who carries out this process?

-          When it it required to be done?

-          And how it can be done?

Once we have clear answers to the above questions, an organized procedure can be followed to carry out an effective and faster testing process.

 2: Define a checklist

Defining a checklist defines a scope of work for the task. This helps to calculate the time required, points considered and is much better an approach than just executing the application randomly in different browsers. This checklist needs to include the following tabs –

-          Browsers and their versions

-          Operating Systems

-          Devices

-          Combinations of the above three

-          Functional Validations to be checked

-          Design and Animation Validations to be checked

-          Content Validations

3: Getting the correct combination

Cross BrowserTesting is mainly about getting the correct combination of browsers, operating systems and platforms. With new versions released almost every month, the possible combinations keep growing increasing the work. One approach is to consider the most recent versions. This reduces the possible combinations considerably. However, it is recommended to also consider the most used versions as the objective of this testing is not just ensuring its perfection in the latest browser but also confirming uncompromised user experience. For this, it is necessary to consider a wider spectrum of the possible combinations.

4: Mobile

The e-world in now no longer limited to the desktop computers. It has now adapted to mobility and is our constant company. This makes it important to validate the application on the mobile devices. With the wide variety of mobile devices, it is very difficult to keep up with its pace. Hence, the use of various tools to simulate the environment of diverse device will be a better strategy than to get hold of every device and test the application on it manually.

5: Emulators and Virtual Machines

With reference to the point 3, it can be considered that people do not always use the latest version. Either they are not comfortable with the latest version or they are not aware of it. Some do not just care to update it. This extends the combinations of browser combinations. Emulators and Virtual Machines help in this context. Emulators replicate the look and feel of the different browsers. Virtual machines can be configured  to use a particular browser version.

6: Automated Testing:

Automated Testing is a very good strategy for efficient and fast testing. It is developed to support multiple browsers, multiple versions and operating systems. However, the selection of an automated tool must be done with respect to the test requirement. It must also be kept in mind that automated testing is not a one stop solution. It only helps to automate complex test activities. Testing should be performed with a strategic combination of automated and manual process.

Conclusion:

Usually the developer uses a preferred browser while the development of the application.Cross browser testing can be initiated earlier into the process by the developer by using different browsers while development. Thus, most of the inconsistencies an be fixed at the initial time finally saving the cost, time and effort for later rectification.