In our continuous existence, we encounter various conversations about automation testing and cross-browser compatibility. But, some of those talking about automation testing and cross-browser compatibility are not factual. They are merely sayings. These sayings lead to wrong information about several facts related to automation testing and cross-browser compatibility. In other words, we may address these unfactual talks as myths related to automation testing and cross-browser compatibility.
But before getting into our focus, let us first understand what a myth means. Usually, non-technical individuals make false interpretations about certain things. These interpretations lead to issues and critical situations for an experienced and technical person. With time, these interpretations spread among the stakeholders of the software industry and are known as a myth. Sometimes, these myths create serious conflicts between technical and non-technical individuals.
In this article, we will first talk about automation testing and cross-browser compatibility. Then, we would tangle with various myths revolving around the software industry. And finally, we will be demystifying those myths. Also, we will look at the best practices suitable for the seamless execution of the automation testing and cross-browser compatibility.
What is Automation Testing?
Automation testing is the advancement of traditional manual testing methodology. Testers can easily and effortlessly test their software application using automation testing. This testing methodology requires a little human interference. The testers must choose the most suitable automation testing framework according to their software application. Then, write the test script using the desired programming language. Also, today, various frameworks have evolved where the requirement of writing the test script using a programming language has diminished.
Automation testing has a complete life cycle, and you need to determine the scope of automation testing. Then, select the right tool for automation as per the software application. Next is planning, designing, and strategizing the test. Once these are done, you must set up your testing environment.
You may use the cloud-based platform instead of the device setup for this step. On the environment, you need to automate the test scripts then and execute them. Along with the execution, the automation testing frameworks also analyze the test case execution and generate a report accordingly.
What is Cross-browser compatibility?
The correct functioning of the software application across multiple browsers is termed cross-browser compatibility. Software applications are considered quality-based when they function well across all browsers. Cross-browser compatibility has become an essential criterion for software applications. Numerous end-users are using different browsers as per their choice and requirements.
Cross-browser compatibility testing is a task for testers as it does not only involve similar visibility of the software application across various browsers. But it also includes the correct functionality of every software application feature. Therefore, it is best to use the automation testing methodology and the cloud-based environment to ensure the cross-browser compatibility of the software applications.
Automation Testing: Myth vs Reality
Let us now demystify the myths that are revolving around the software industry.
Myth 1: It eliminates the need for manual testing.
Reality: It is the most common myth among people that after conducting automation testing, software applications do not require manual testing. But the truth is even automation testing requires human interference. Once the automation testing is done, the software application must be tested for usability and seamlessness. For this particular case, you need to perform user acceptance testing, for which manual testing is required.
Myth 2: It catches all bugs
Reality: Although test cases are repeatedly executed in automated testing, that does not mean or guarantee that it detects all the bugs in the software application. The automated testing tests a certain domain based on the design of the test cases. Manual testing is required to catch the bugs that do not exist in the domain of automated test cases. Manual testing offers creative thinking and problem-solving skills that can easily uncover issues not detected by automated testing.
Myth 3: It is quick and easy to set up.
Reality: The term automated testing performs every task automatically and quickly. This means you do not have to set up an environment for testing; you can just select one and start your testing process. But, this is not a complete reality. Before setting up an automated testing framework, you must carefully plan and design the test scripts. Then, you must select the right tool according to the software application. Even you need to tackle the technical issues that arise during the entire process of framework setup. Also, with time, you must maintain your setup for a smooth testing procedure.
Myth 4: Tests are always stable across build versions.
Reality: Many people believe that once a software application has been automated tested, it will work seamlessly over every future version. But the truth is, the software application tested through test automation may also get unstable when met with changes. The reason behind this is that when a software application is updated to build a future version, the changes may lead to the failure of the test case script due to the malfunctioning of the previous features of the software application. To ensure a stable test across various builds, you must adopt automated manual testing and not rely completely on automated testing.
Myth 5: The cost and amount of resources needed are high
Reality: The cost and resources required to perform automated testing are high. This is true, but only when we consider this statement briefly. But when talking about long-term investment, this is merely a saying. The automated test case execution protects from unwanted expensive disruption, further enhancing the software applications’ overall quality. Also, automated testing saves you from extra effort and allows you easy maintenance without the need for unwanted resources in the future.
Cross-browser compatibility: Extracting Facts from Fiction
Now let us extract the facts from the list of fictional talks related to cross-browser compatibility.
Fiction 1: Cross-browser compatibility is related to the looks of the software application.
Fact: Cross-browser compatibility is not ensured by the looks of the software application. This is because of the responsiveness; how a software application will be visible to the end user may differ depending on the device used by the end user. However, the compatibility of the software application is measured by its similarity in functioning. A software application is said to be cross-browser compatible when it functions as expected, irrespective of the browser it is accessible in.
Fiction 2: Cross-browser compatibility testing only involves functional testing.
Fact: Cross browser testing is about both functional and visibility testing. If a software application is functioning properly but inconsistent across multiple browsers, it does not satisfy the compatibility criterion. To make a software application compatible, you must handle the visibility difference, too. The visibility means that the software applications do not vary in font, style, or layout. Also, it must be accessible to every type of user irrespective of their ability and disability.
Best Practices For Conducting Automation Testing And Cross-browser Compatibility Testing
- Analyze the software industry and select the browsers that the users highly prefer.
- Use a cloud-based platform like LambdaTest to access a wide range of browsers and devices at a low cost. LambdaTest is an AI-powered test orchestration and execution platform to run manual and automated tests at scale. The platform allows you to perform real-time and automation testing across 3000+ environments and real mobile devices.
- Build a responsive software application, as it will ensure no difference in visibility across various browsers.
- While performing automation testing, use the version control systems. This will allow you to easily analyze and find the issues present in the software application.
- Do not rely completely on automation testing. Integrate automation testing with manual testing to ensure a good software application.
Conclusion
Demystifying the myths related to automation testing and cross-browser compatibility is essential as it leads to various conflicts and issues while testing the software applications. As we have seen above, the myths suggest that automation testing does not require manual testing. But the fact is that to develop a quality software application that best fits the user’s requirements, you need to perform manual and automated testing. Automated testing helps in testing the software application effortlessly in a short span. Manual testing, on the other hand, allows testers to uncover the defects missed during the test automation.
Even when discussing cross-browser compatibility, some believe it is just about functional testing, while others consider it visual testing. But in reality, to ensure cross-browser compatibility, one should ensure that the software applications are functionally and visually tested. If the software application functions correctly but appears differently when used in a different browser. This will lead to a bad user experience; thus, the software application will not be considered compatible. The same goes when the software application is visually similar across multiple browsers but does not function as expected. The user will have a bad experience with the software application. Thus, realizing the difference between myth and reality is important to ensure a seamless software application.
Also, these myths may lead to the obsoletion of the software application. Therefore it is recommended to have the correct knowledge about automation testing and cross-browser compatibility to provide users with a seamless software application.
