A New Perspective on Automated Cross-Browser Testing

Three decades ago, companies battled for browser domination. But today, with over 200 options available, browser diversity is one of the best things about the web. And this translates to cross-browser testing being the core component of a high-quality product.

So, let’s discuss why it’s so critical for you to invest in thorough cross-browser tests and how automated software testing services drive businesses forward.

Benefits of Browser Diversity

If you think about it, having one browser for all would be easier. Fewer inconsistencies, bugs, and less testing. But the web thrives on diversity.

First of all, you can’t force users into relying on a single option. That would mean ignoring consumers’ preferences and convenience. And second, with a browser monopoly, more difficulties would appear for customers and organizations.

Since the 1990s, the rich ecosystem of browsers has proven to have lots of advantages.

• Fostering innovation and competition among browser vendors.
• Leading to the development of new features and improvements in web standards.
• Making the web more resilient to outages or security vulnerabilities in a single browser.
• Preventing monoculture, where the leading browser sets all standards.
• Creating a balanced and inclusive web platform.
• Allowing users to choose browsers that suit them, promoting the culture of consumer care.

So, in a way, cross-browser testing is actually about supporting the core aspect of the web – freedom.

Understanding Cross-Browser Testing

Now, let’s get a bit more technical. We’ll start by reviewing the concept of cross-browser testing and what it means for your business.

Definition & Significance

First, we need to clearly separate compatibility and cross-browser testing.

• Compatibility testing verifies software performance across diverse environments. This includes devices, operating systems, and configurations.
• Cross-browser testing is a subset of the above. It focuses on how your app or website functions across different browsers.

Thus, cross-browser testing ensures your product’s consistency and operability on Chrome, Mozilla, Opera, and others.

Each browser interprets and renders web pages differently. These differences could cause discrepancies in the user experience (UX). Here, exhaustive testing is invaluable, as it leads to:

• Increased user satisfaction and reliability.
• Upgraded accessibility.
• Boosted functionality and performance.
• Advanced user engagement and brand image.
• Reduced business risks, and more.

And sometimes, you might think testing for only, say, the top three browsers is enough. But limiting yourself this way would mean giving up on millions of potential consumers. You would be robbing your business of the opportunity to widen its reach. Yet, it doesn’t mean that you need to cover hundreds of browsers. You just need to test strategically.

Key Components of Cross-Browser Testing

In case you think of cross-browser testing as comparatively simple, remember one thing. Well, three things – defining elements of cross-browser testing. Think of this trio as the main points that you should be prepared to handle.

Browser diversity

Each browser has its own rendering engine, standards compliance, and features. So, your team needs to secure your product’s compatibility with all of the above for a uniform experience.

Device fragmentation

The rise of smartphones, tablets, etc., further complicates cross-browser testing. You need to consider different browsers and account for many devices with diverse screen sizes, resolutions, and capabilities.

Versioning challenges

Browsers frequently introduce new features, security patches, and changes to their rendering engines. These alterations can impact the way your app or website behaves. Here, cross-browser testing involves ensuring that your product is resilient to versioning challenges. This calls for non-stop testing and adaptation to keep up with changes.

With these in mind, we’d like to remind you that expertise matters. And your team must have extensive skills to tackle this matter adequately. With cross-browser testing, you have to account for thousands of variables. Which is quite a big undertaking.

This brings us to a very reassuring point of this article – automation testing services.

The Role of Automation in Cross-Browser Testing

Companies talk about automation a lot. And for good reasons. Let’s dive into them and center on automated cross-browser testing specifically.

How Automation Solves Cross-Browser Testing Challenges

You’ve probably heard something along the lines of “automation streamlines testing, ensuring consistent performance”. But how exactly does AT do it?

Compensating for Manual Testing Limitations

• Manually executing cross-browser tests across multiple browsers and devices is time-consuming and error-prone. This can lead to delayed releases, inconsistent UX, and overlooking critical issues.
• Automation solves this by providing efficient and consistent test scripts. You can execute these reliably across various browsers, reducing human errors and speeding up testing.

Supporting Rapid Release Cycles

• Having to keep up with user expectations for rapid, high-quality releases threatens a business’ longevity. Without a proper strategy, the fast-paced development cycles often mean setbacks and compromised software quality.
• With automated testing (AT), you can run test cases quickly and consistently. It also seamlessly fits into continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, ensuring detailed validation of each release.

Ensuring Consistency Across Environments

• Achieving consistency across all operating systems and browser versions is rather tedious. These differences can result in user dissatisfaction and attrition. Add to this the fact that, if done manually, cross-browser testing is highly repetitive, and the rate of human error skyrockets.
• Yet, via AT, you can continuously run the same set of tests for any environment combination. You are likely to tweak and update them from time to time. But it’s a far better option than, say, manually checking each variable.

Adapting to Frequent Changes

• The dynamic nature of software translates to regular alterations and updates in browsers and your products. Swiftly adapting to changes and ensuring permanent effectiveness of tests would be nearly impossible without automation.
• But with a holistic approach to AT, you can boost your team’s flexibility and stay one step ahead of upcoming modifications. Automated scripts and tools will help you better respond to any amendments and maintain high-level quality without spending too much.

Benefits of Automated Cross-Browser Testing

• You can execute multiple tests across lots of browsers simultaneously, significantly accelerating the SDLC.
• The long-term benefits of cross-browser testing automation translate into substantial cost savings. As you may know, the initial AT setup may seem costly. But you can reuse the scripts across different projects and releases.
• Since you can run many automated tests for various environments, you get broader coverage with less effort. This also helps locate issues early, reducing the likelihood of bugs reaching the production stage.
• Automation supports consistent and reliable test execution, eliminating the variability associated with manual testing. Such consistency improves testing accuracy, promoting faster and more comprehensive feedback on your product.
• Also, automated cross-browser testing contributes to the scalability of testing efforts. It lets you test on a wide range of browsers without a proportional increase in resources.

Selecting the Right Cross-Browser Testing Automation Tool

When we talk about automated cross-browser compatibility testing, we can’t forget about the tools. More importantly, how to pick the ones that’ll bring most value to your product.

Selection Criteria

When it comes to picking the correct equipment, you always want a balance between functionality and convenience. For example, if a seemingly feature-perfect tool is hard for your team to grasp, continue your search. You’ll spend more resources on training and more time on adaptation, forgetting about proper testing for a while.

On a more technical side, consider the following aspects.

Browser Coverage

The tool should support a wide range of browsers, not just the big players like Chrome or Safari. Ideally, you need one software that works for your targeted browsers. It, of course, may not always be possible.

So, consider matching two or more tools to fully cover your needed environments.

Parallel Testing Capabilities

For any product, efficiency is pivotal. That’s why you should look for a tool that can execute tests in parallel. This might be one of the most critical aspects, as it saves time, unloads your team, and increases performance.

But don’t forget that whether you actually need this feature depends on your project. Software with such capabilities can be pricy. And you wouldn’t want to spend money on something that you could do without.

Scalability

To accommodate the growing needs of your project, your tool of choice should be scalable. In this context, “scalable” means being able to support the shifting number of tests and users. You should freely broaden and narrow down your testing infrastructure.

So, pay attention to CI/CD integration opportunities, distributed testing capabilities, maintainability, etc.

Reporting and Analytics

Exhaustive reports will save you from a lot of trouble. They will ease issue identification, collaboration, and proactivity. And your ideal tool should provide detailed test reports, logs, and analytics to facilitate quick analysis of test results.

This is especially important for teams without ample QA expertise.

Flexibility and Ease of Scripting

An intuitive tool that supports various programming languages (PLs) and integrates with testing frameworks will also advance your team’s morale. For companies with inexperienced specialists, a versatile tool can go a long way.

Your team can pick a PL or framework they are comfortable with instead of putting extra effort into learning during active development.

Examples of Tools for Cross-Browser Automation Testing

These are some of the best tools for the automation of cross-browser testing. But (!) that doesn’t make them ideal for you. Each option below has a very decent mix of features – yet, they’re only examples. So, don’t rush to try out tools you see on the “Top X” lists. It’s better to take a bit of time to get to know what particular software can do for your project.

Selenium

Selenium is an open-source framework for testing web applications across various browsers. It supports popular PLs, offers robust browser compatibility, and allows for parallel test execution. Selenium is known for its versatility and extensive community support. So, if you’re seeking a well-rounded and adaptable tool, that would be your go-to choice.

BrowserStack

BrowserStack is a cloud-based platform that provides a wide range of real devices and browsers for testing. It offers integrations with many testing frameworks, supports parallel testing, and has responsive testing capabilities. BrowserStack’s platform also presents learning materials to help users overcome any challenges.

LambdaTest

LambdaTest is another cloud-based cross-browser testing platform. It provides live interactive testing and integrates with CI/CD tools. And don’t worry, parallel testing is available here too. Also, LambdaTest’s scalable infrastructure and comprehensive test logs will help with prompt issue resolution and scalability troubles.

Sauce Labs

Sauce Labs offers testing solutions for web and mobile applications. It has a vast device and browser matrix, supports parallel testing, and presents lots of integration options. Sauce Labs provides real-time analytics and detailed test reports, facilitating quick identification and resolution of cross-browser issues. Plus, it has a user-friendly test recorder – great for fast-paced testing.

TestComplete

TestComplete is an automated testing tool designed for web, desktop, and mobile apps. Some of its most useful features are keyword-driven testing, a script-free testing environment, and a record-replay function.

Where to Start with Automated Cross-Browser Testing

The IT industry is like a fantasy realm – full of wondrous and unique beings. And every software is special. So, while there are best practices and generally good advice – always take them with a grain of salt, as they might not work out for you.

These are a few pointers that we find optimal based on our cooperation with clients over the years.

Step 1. Crafting a Cross-Browser Testing Roadmap

Start by identifying the browsers and devices relevant to your target audience. Determine the demographics most interested in your product and research what browsers potential consumers enjoy. With a precise browser matrix, you’ll find it easier to prioritize testing and allocate tasks.

Craft a roadmap that outlines the testing process, from initial setup to continuous integration. Clearly delineate the scope of testing, including specific features, functionalities, and user flows. Such a proactive approach will ease the pressure on the team and present a clear action plan.

Step 2. Defining Key Objectives & Milestones

Set objectives for your cross-browser testing initiative. It doesn’t matter whether you want to improve UX, ensure compatibility with specific browsers, or address past issues. Establishing key goals will provide direction to your testing.

Break down these objectives into achievable milestones, allowing your team to track progress and measure success. This will ensure a more methodical approach to cross-browser compatibility.

Step 3. Reaching Out to QA Experts for Guidance

Curiously, “lack of skills” is the second biggest issue stopping companies from proceeding with automation. So, if you’re unsure of how to best structure your testing – take it up with experts. Engaging with QA professionals lets you gain insights into best practices, potential challenges, and customized solutions tailored to your project.

Step 4. Motivating Collaboration

Fostering a culture of collaboration between developers, QA, and other stakeholders is probably the best thing for your company. Regular communication and knowledge sharing ensure that everyone involved is aligned with the goals of cross-browser testing.

Furthermore, staying abreast of industry trends, emerging browsers, and evolving user behaviors will help you proactively adapt the testing strategy.

Why Automating Cross-Browser Testing is a Part of Strategic Decision-Making

To answer a bigger question – while automation takes center stage, is it really worth it? What if you’re satisfied with how your testing process works now? What if you don’t need sped-up SDLC or your product’s quality is already ideal?

We don’t like answering questions with questions, but – do you think businesses can afford to be static? When there’s nothing to push you forward, you stop getting better. And a product that has no updates, novel features, or even minor tweaks will slowly get buried under new alternatives.

Following Industry Trends & Best Practices

Automation is here to stay. And not because it’s “trendy” and everyone wants a piece of it. AT has tangible benefits. In Capgemini report, out of 1750 surveyed businesses, around half noted that automation:

• Reduces risks.
• Enhances testing efficiency.
• Minimizes errors and testing efforts.
• Elevates UX.
• Decreases time to market.

Frankly, it seems that automation transcended the status of “being better than something” and became sort of a best practice. With the incessant industry shifts, ever-evolving user behaviors, and the mindset of “faster and better”, automated tests look to be the only choice for prosperous, long-lasting projects.

Staying Ahead of Competitors

We’ve noted before that quality is no longer something unique. But this doesn’t mean that quality is now “standard”. You can turn it into something never seen before, redefine it. And something that contributes to this is team morale.

The SDLCs are now like F1 races. And when every team member can’t afford to pause and think, there’s no opportunity for someone to come up with the little thing that might bring your product to a whole new level. That’s what we mean when we say that automation helps you stay ahead of the competition.

Yes, AT advances your development and the end result. But the breath of fresh air it brings to the team allows everyone to be in the right headspace for working on something others couldn’t even imagine.

Ensuring Sustainable Growth Through Future-Ready Testing

Just a few decades ago, we barely knew what a PC was. Today, we snap pictures of black holes. Technological advancements are speeding up. And your business should be ready for what they can bring. And thus, the decision to invest in automated testing is fundamental for long-term sustainability.

AT positions organizations to adapt to changes swiftly. This strategic foresight ensures sustainable growth by reducing the risk of regression issues, enhancing quality, and facilitating seamless updates.

To Sum Up

Automated cross-browser testing is so much more than “proper functioning”. By committing to it, you advance your brand, support tech diversity, care about your users, and motivate your team to do better. It’s truly incredible how this one thing can have so many positive impacts. And by doing it right, you can bring your project to a whole new level – that we can help with.