Ensuring your website or web application functions seamlessly across browsers is a critical requirement. Cross-browser testing in Selenium is the process of testing a website or an application on several browsers. The primary objective of cross-browser testing is to make sure that your web application functions without any hiccups.
Underestimating the significance of cross-browser testing can lead to frustrated users and a steep decline in your web app’s popularity. Each web browser analyzes code differently. For instance, Google Chrome and Safari interprets HTML and JavaScript differently.
The last thing you would want to see is that users complain about your website because of poor and inconsistent user experience. Here are some essential aspects to know about the best practices of cross-browser testing.
The Importance of Cross-Browser Testing in Web App Development
Cross-browser testing in Selenium allows the developers to manage and sort out the inconsistencies faced by users. Beyond ensuring a uniform user experience, cross-browser testing is integral for your web app’s chances to reach a broader target audience. Developers can boost the reach and impact of their web applications with cross-browser testing.
Your users will access the web application through numerous browsers and devices. A web application that loads on one browser may experience issues on another. You can effectively address this issue with the help of cross-browser testing. It makes sure that every user accessing the app receives a positive experience.
Another key reason to conduct cross-browser testing is to ensure your app’s compatibility. Each browser has its own rendering engine. You should validate your web application across multiple platforms with cross-browser testing.
Website owners take cross-browser testing seriously nowadays as it can affect their SEO. Search engines like Google and Bing are very particular about the user experience of websites. If your website has a high bounce rate, its organic rankings will be on a nosedive. Cross-browser testing makes sure that your website is engaging and has a lower bounce rate.
The Best Practices for Cross-Browser Testing
Manual testing is an unrealistic option with so many browsers and devices to test your web application. Your development and QA team will have to deal with numerous permutations and combinations to arrive at a conclusion. Free unlimited cross-browser testing can help you address this issue effectively. Listed are the best practices that every QA team should follow for cross-browser testing.
Try Creating a Web App Testing Strategy
Creating a comprehensive testing strategy before testing should be your priority. The testing strategy must comprise objectives, target devices and browsers, etc. You can also include the features to be tested in the strategy.
Identify the browsers for free unlimited cross-browser testing. The usual options in browsers are Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, and Mozilla Firefox. Your QA team should consider the desktop and mobile versions of these browsers.
In the next step, you should analyze the devices popular among your users to access the website. It is critical to test your website on multiple devices like smartphones, laptops, desktops, etc. While testing the web application on several devices, also consider their operating system.
Testing the web application based on key features is also crucial. It typically includes forms, music playback, forms, etc.
Validate Code
Code validation is the process that ensures whether the code written by your developers complies with W3C standards or not. We all know how Internet Explorer became obsolete by not adhering to the W3C standards.
A validated and well-formatted web application makes it highly compatible with all types of browsers. Moreover, it is easy to maintain and update a website with validated codes. You can conduct code validation with validator tools available online.
Update the Browsers
Besides using the best mobile app testing tool, you should always update the browsers before testing your web application. Outdated versions in browsers can make your website or app vulnerable to bugs. Frequently updating the browsers also helps your QA team to complete the project faster.
Develop a Browser Matrix
A browser matrix refers to the listing of browsers and their respective versions based on which you are developing the web application. It is nearly impossible to make your application compatible with every browser and its version. Your QA team must prioritize the browsers that are most important to your application’s success.
Always remember that the browsers used by your users are constantly updated. That’s why you should also update the browser matrix for a consistent user experience. It also helps you to plan and include the components in your web app.
Identify and Address the Issues Specific to Your Browser
It is pretty common to face certain issues plaguing the performance of your browser. Ensure that you are able to address these issues to make the web app compatible across platforms. QA teams should isolate the problem by identifying which browser is affected.
Checking the documentation is also an integral step in sorting issues associated with your browser. Developers of most browsers provide documentation with which you can comprehend the common bugs. The QA team must collaborate with the developers to change the script and the code.
Cross-Browser Testing in Different Network Conditions
Testing the web app in different network conditions is commonly overlooked by QA teams. Note that your end-users will be accessing the web application through various mobile networks. These networks vary based on their speed and bandwidth.
It is imperative to test your web application under different network conditions to assess how your website behaves. It will allow you to identify and recognize the bugs causing common issues in the web app’s loading speed.
Using the top mobile app testing tool is integral to your website’s performance in today’s digitized age. Cross-browser testing can be complicated as your QA team has to deal with multiple strategies, devices, and browsers. Implementing a clear plan of action based on the best practices will help you to make your web app compatible across browsers and devices. Ensure that you follow these best practices to make your web application user-friendly.
