Is Cross-browser testing actually necessary?

Cross-browser testing is a crucial step in ensuring the smooth functionality of an application across different browsers. It not only checks whether the application performs well on one browser compared to another but also identifies any potential issues or discrepancies in performance. By conducting thorough cross-browser testing, developers can guarantee a seamless user experience regardless of the browser being used. It is a very convoluted process, however, automating it is even worse. Many businesses venturing into automated cross-browser compatibility face challenges in maintaining and ensuring reliable operation on a large scale.

Dealing with an old application

It is typically older applications that are more likely to run into compatibility issues as they do not adhere to updated industry standards. For applications that falls under this bracket, it is advisable in the long run to adjust their existing code to enhance their internal structure without disrupting their external functionality. 

What if the end user uses outdated browsers?

Nowadays, with the introduction of browser industry standards, there are hardly any differences between modern browsers. This is because they are made up of the same components. Each browser incorporates Google’s coding to some extent, resulting in minimal differences between them. However, a software’s users might be from industries that have strict software or OS upgrade restrictions. This would mean you might need to support browsers that do not adhere to the current industry standards. In these instances, automated compatibility testing is required to mitigate the potential for coding defects. 

Unsurprisingly, older browsers are going to string up the most cross-browser defects. This is particularly true when there is not an appropriate fallback mechanisms in place. These outdated browsers can lead to a myriad of compatibility issues, ranging from layout inconsistencies to functionality errors. As a result, it is crucial for developers to proactively address these challenges by implementing robust fallback strategies that ensure a seamless user experience across all browsers.

Implementing  the Best Practices

To tackle the obstacles of cross-browser testing, it is recommended to implement the following best practices:

Utilise both manual and automated testing methods

When testing a basic website for a small organisation or start-up, you can get away with manual cross-browser testing. However, after a certain point automated testing is much more practical. As the complexity of the website increases, the workload for testers becomes more demanding, which will inevitably leads to mistakes in the coding. 

Using a combination of both manual and automated testing methods can be beneficial since the majority of test cases can be automated, especially if they are repetitive. Manual testers are then able to focus their efforts on more exploratory testing on more unique scenarios.

Progressive enhancement

Implementing progressive enhancement involves providing a baseline of essential content and functionality to reach as many users as possible. It also focuses on delivering the best experience to those using the latest browsers. Given that the majority of internet users, ranging from 70-80%, opt for modern browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, this strategy effectively caters to their needs.

One thing to be aware of is that, modern browsers will not necessarily stay in sync with each another. For instance, Safari might take up to a year before supporting some of Chrome’s updates. 

Conclusion 

Cross-browser testing is key for ensuring that applications run seamlessly across different browsers. By addressing compatibility issues and implementing the best practices developers can develop a reliable user experience regardless of the browser being used. It is critical to adapt to the challenges posed by older applications and outdated browsers, while also taking progressive enhancement into account. If you would like to read some of our other blogs, please visit: https://www.etestware.com/blog/