What is Cross Browser Testing?
Often users face issues with new websites, such as broken code, bad design, and non-functional buttons. Problems like these create a bad brand impression and cause the bounce rate to go up. For B2C/B2B businesses, such issues can directly affect the bottom line.
However, there is a test through which businesses can see how their website works on different browsers. It's called a cross-browser test, and it allows businesses to check browser-specific compatibility issues before launching.
Cross-browser testing is a non-functional QA process that checks how your code performs across different browsers (Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox) and screens (Phones, Smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and desktops).
This test is performed both before and after the website is developed. This allows the companies to manage the risk and cost associated with UX changes and ensure that the website works reasonably well across all browsers. Apart from this, this test also evaluates the user-friendliness of your application/tool.
So, what are the steps involved in cross-browser testing? Let’s have a look.
Setting Up The Groundwork
First, you need to set up a foundation for your test. This includes choosing a browser and a basic test to understand how your tool/website works under the most favorable circumstances. Once this test is run, you can proceed to the next step.
Test Design
After performing the first step, you need to create a test design. This means creating a plan to cover different aspects of the cross-browser testing, such as:
Website components
You need to check the basic functionality of your website/tool and the components attached to it, such as links, chatbots, and submenus.
Backend
Your website should have a robust backend architecture to support your functionality. This includes testing server-side infrastructure and APIs. You also must ensure that your database is configured and cookies are handled correctly.
Front-end/Responsiveness
Your website/tool should be able to fit different screen sizes (such as desktops, smartphones, and laptops) without loss of quality. This test ensures that all your front-end components, such as texts, fonts, images, etc., work perfectly and adhere to your desired layout.
Accessibility
You should ensure that your website is accessible and follows the WCAG guidelines for accessibility. Disabled/disadvantaged people should be able to use your product without facing any experience gaps.
For businesses that need expertise in cross-browser testing, Jalasoft has over 20 years of experience in software development and testing. They provide a wide range of software testing services and customized solutions to test your tool within the defined parameters and guidelines.
DevOps orchestration tools can significantly improve cross-browser testing by automating processes, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring that tests are integrated seamlessly into the development pipeline. If you are curious about DevOps culture, read this to understand What DevOps actually does and learn how to improve the software's reliability and performance now!
Test Procedure
Cross-browser testing can be done manually or through automation. In the automated way, the QA team writes test scripts for running automated tests on your tool/website. This method allows testers to run multiple test-case iterations across browsers in parallel.
In manual testing, the testers write test cases and run them manually, one by one, until all the tests are completed. Utilizing advanced delivery management software, our QA teams can efficiently coordinate and manage automated and manual cross-browser testing processes, ensuring thorough coverage and timely completion.
Even though manual testing is more time-consuming than automated, it has its advantages. It is more reliable and easy to learn. You don't need extensive training and tools to perform tests this way.
Furthermore, if an automated test finds an error, it will stop execution and throw an exception. In contrast, a manual tester will continue testing even after finding errors, as manual testing allows for observation and deduction. Manual testing is also useful in situations where creative testing is required, such as when performing UI/UX testing.
Choosing Tools and Infrastructure
Once you have decided on your software project's scope, you need to set up your test infrastructure. For this, you can either use a testing tool or set up your own device/simulator.
Simulators are an inexpensive solution for cross-browser testing. However, they are not fully reliable, nor are they scalable.
There are many manual testing tools available in the market that you can use for your QA.
Bitbar by SmartBear
Formerly known as cross-browser testing, this is one of the most popular manual testing tools available in the market. Many organizations worldwide, such as VISA, Mozilla, and CVS, use this tool for their QA strategies.
This tool allows you to scale your testing through CI/CD pipeline deployment. You also have the flexibility to choose your testing framework and language.
Lambdatest
This manual testing cloud allows its users to execute tests across 3000+ browsers. It can also perform live testing and testing at scale (through emulators and simulators). Testers can also use this tool to capture screenshots automatically, which is useful for analysis and reporting.
Browserling
This QA testing tool allows you to manually test your website on their cloud. Through this tool, testers can quickly render test pages and perform live checks of their website. This tool is highly useful when you have to perform a test quickly.
Test Execution
After defining the testing methodology and choosing the infrastructure, it's time to perform the actual testing. Normally testers use popular browsers such as Chrome and Firefox for their initial tests. Once those are successful, testers move on to other browsers.
After they complete testing, the QA team conducts extensive reporting and analysis. These reports are necessary for developers to understand what changes are required in the code for the next release.
Are you still curious about software project management best practices? This comprehensive guide lets you learn more.
Ensuring Product Quality with Jalasoft: Your Reliable Nearshore Software Development Partner
Cross-browser testing is an amazing tool that allows you to verify your application/website in multiple environments. In addition, it allows developers to fix device implementation and UX issues proactively and cost-effectively.
Additionally, cross-browser testing can be done manually or through automation. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. As a business owner, it's your responsibility to understand the pros and cons of both methods and implement the one that best suits your requirements.
A reliable software development partner and agile nearshore approach like Jalasoft can recognize the significance of flawless cross-browser functionality in today's digital landscape. Our experienced team can assist you in implementing effective cross-browser testing strategies, whether through manual efforts or automation, to proactively identify and address device-specific and user-experience issues.
By leveraging our expertise, you can ensure your digital presence remains consistent and impressive across different platforms, enhancing customer satisfaction and overall success. To learn more about our Cross-Browser Testing services, enter here. Take your business up a notch by trusting in us.
Contact us today for further assistance. We’ll be more than happy to assist you!
