Do you still need to test your websites for different browsers?

firefoxtest

Everyone has their own favorite web browser. Unfortunately, not all websites perform the same way on all browsers. As a result, you still need to test your websites for different browsers. Cross-browser compatibility testing is an important part of the quality control phase in a web development process.

Your websites need to be tested for functionality and performance across the various browsers, operating systems and mobile devices. Testing will help detect any issues with the web development. If you test thoroughly, these issues can be corrected before you launch your websites.

In the quality control phase of web development, the developer considers all of the ways that users will access your website. Even though you may be partial to iOS and Firefox, other users may access your website using a different operating system and browser. All of this needs to be accounted for before your website launches.

A good example of why testing is so important is the fact that CSS styles render differently across browsers and even different browser versions. Older versions of Internet Explorer tend to be the most problematic, but can be resolved by coding if detected during the testing process.

Google Chrome (Windows and Mac), Firefox (Windows and Mac), Safari (Windows and Mac), Internet Explorer (versions 7+, Windows), iPhone, iPad, Droid, Windows Phone and Blackberry are a few examples of the different platforms that must be tested during the quality control phase of web development.

Browsers are continually being updated and new versions are released regularly. This means that you will want to monitor and test cross-browser compatibility on an ongoing basis. Work with your web developer to establish a protocol to ensure that your website is functioning optimally across the many browsers and platforms available to your prospective website visitors.

Do you have any tips for testing websites for different browsers and platforms?