Automated cross-browser testing is a functional testing technique that is used for testing the working of a web application in multiple browsers. This type of testing verifies that the application is working consistently, and without any compromise in quality, on different browsers such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Safari, and the rest.
Cross-browser testing involves repetitive tasks that focus on the execution of the same set of test cases several times on different browsers. Hence, this kind of testing is ideal for automation as it can accelerate the testing process. Some of the key aspects related to Automated Cross-browser Testing have been discussed further:
Reasons for Performing Automated Cross-Browser Testing Automated cross-browser testing is performed for two main reasons:
- •Testing the consistency of the functionality and the working of an application across browsers
- •Checking whether the rendition or appearance of a web page is the same or altered in different browsers
Holistically, automated cross-browser testing enables the testers to find out browser-related discrepancies, if any, in the functioning of an application, fix the issues detected, ascertain the possible shortcomings, and enhance efficiency and user experience to achieve business objectives.
Involvement of Different Teams in Cross-Browser Testing
An application can work on numerous browsers, devices, and platforms. An automated testing company helps its client decide the browsers on which the working of an application is to be tested. The decision is largely based on the usage and traffic data collected by the company to find out which browsers, environments, and devices are being used widely.
The actual process of automated cross-browser testing does not involve the testing team alone, but a combination of other teams as well. The different teams that contribute to the testing process include the business analysis team, the Quality Assurance (QA) team, the development team, and the marketing team. As such, the entire project team supports the testing mechanism in terms of investing time, interest, money, and infrastructure.
Main Features and Functionalities to be tested
Before conducting automated cross-browser testing, it is pertinent for the testers to know what they need to test. Some of the features and functionalities of the application which the testers must focus on are:
- •The ‘base functionality’ of the application, including links, menus, and dialogs
- •‘Graphical User Interface’ (GUI) of the application or its ‘look’ and ‘feel’
- •The ‘response’ of the application to user actions
- •The ‘performance’ of the application or the loading of pages within a certain timeframe
Tools for Performing Automated Cross-Browser Testing
Automated cross-browser testing essentially can be performed with the help of different test automation tools, most of which can be easily used by testers without an in-depth understanding of the internals.
The testing tools that are commonly used by automation testing companies for performing the cross-browser tests of a web application are Selenium, TestNG, LambdaTest, and a few others.
Different Stages at which Cross-Browser Testing can be Performed
Automated cross-browser testing can be performed at different stages of the application development lifecycle. The selection of the most appropriate stage for testing depends on the testing methodology used by a company and its testing timeline. In general, cross-browser tests can be started at the following times in the development lifecycle:
- •As early as possible, with even a single page ready for testing
- •When the application has been developed
- •Upon release of the application
Although testing every single page on each browser is a tedious task and increases the effort of the testers, it enables early detection and fixing of errors. Therefore, cross-browser testing in the early stages of application development is comparatively more cost-effective than testing the application when development is complete or after the application is released.
Benefits of Automated Cross-Browser Testing
The main advantages of performing automated cross-browser testing for a web application are:
- •It can be used as a form of integration testing to enable the testing of all the components of the code together
- •It ensures the best possible working of an application in a browser’s UI
- •It allows an organization to scale the testing for a comprehensive analysis of the working of an application
In Conclusion:
Automated cross-browser testing is a crucial process that automates the tests of a web application on numerous browsers. Hence, this kind of testing forms a vital part of the development cycle of an application. With the help of automated cross-browser testing, an organization can ensure that its web application works as expected on every browser. Overall, the key objective behind automated cross-browser testing is to verify that a web application has consistent behavior and experience on diverse browsers, platforms, and devices. To ensure the production a top class web application, connect with us. We do more!
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