Why is Cross-Browser Testing critical for QA’s
Tags: html, css, javascript, webdev
Published: 2019-11-21 11:57:48

This article will help the viewers understand the basics of <a href="https://www.browserstack.com/guide/cross-browser-compatibility-testing-beyond-chrome">browser compatibility testing </a>. It will also explain why it is so imperative for QAs or web development teams to consider cross-browser testing as a crucial part of the software development life cycle.

So let’s get started with the basics!


**What is Cross Browser Testing?**
Let’s understand cross browser testing in both simple and technical terms. 

In simple terms, cross-browser testing means testing your websites on multiple browsers to ensure that it is compatible with all the popular browsers available in the market and provides a flawless experience.  

In technical terms, <a href="https://www.browserstack.com/live">cross browser testing </a>  can be defined as non-functional testing that enables you to verify whether the website provides consistent user experience when accessed through unique device-browser combinations on multiple operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS. Device types include Laptops, tablets, desktops, mobiles. 
This approach helps to ensure that maximum discrepancies are eliminated when it comes to user experience.

Now let’s find out why is it vital for Quality Assurance Engineers (QAs) to perform cross-browser testing.

**Importance of Cross Browser Testing** 

In the past few years, the constant proliferation of smartphones worldwide has led to a rapid increase in mobile internet traffic. This is driven by the fact that mobile phone users have increased from <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/284202/mobile-phone-internet-user-penetration-worldwide"> 48% to 64% in the past 5 years </a>.
Let’s not ignore the fact that every device has its unique set of configurations with respect to memory, screen sizes, processing power.  Also, there are n number of browsers available out there each having their own versions.

Now, here’s where a challenge arises for the web development team to ensure that their web applications provide a consistent and flawless user experience on all the browsers.


It’s almost impossible to cover such extensive tests manually for browser compatibility considering the complexities involved for testing on numerous devices and browser versions. Also, every browser has its own rendering engine which increases the level of complexity for testing. 	

Here’s where automated cross browser testing kicks in. It enables the teams to perform browser compatibility tests across a wide range of real device-browser combinations. It helps the QAs to analyze the performance of their web-applications on different browsers. Teams can choose online platforms like <a href="https://www.browserstack.com"> BrowserStack </a>for performing cross-browser testing on real devices. 

It is essential for a web application to be robust enough to perform flawlessly across multiple device-browser combinations. And hence it has to be tested thoroughly for cross browser compatibility on various devices. It ensures that teams are thriving hard to deliver the best possible user experience for the end-users. Besides,it also helps teams to ship their products with confidence. 
 
**You can also check out some relevant articles on:** 


<a href="https://www.browserstack.com/guide/common-cross-browser-compatibility-issues"> 7 Common Cross Browser Compatibility Issues to Avoid </a>


<a href="https://www.browserstack.com/guide/responsive-design-testing-vs-cross-browser-testing">Cross-browser testing vs Responsive testing - What Should I do?  </a>