Non-functional testing for compatibility is done to make sure customers are happy. Its purpose is to ascertain whether your product or program is capable of functioning across various hardware, operating systems, databases, mobile devices, networks, and browsers.
Different versions, resolutions, internet speed setups, etc., may also have an effect on the application. To minimize failures and get over the shame of bug leaks, it is crucial to test the program in every way conceivable. Compatibility testing, a non-functional test, verifies that the program functions correctly across various browsers, OS versions, and networks.
Compatibility tests should always be performed in a real environment instead of a virtual environment.
Test the compatibility of the application with different browsers and operating systems to guarantee 100% coverage.
Types of Software Compatibility Testing
- Browser compatibility testing
- Hardware
- Networks
- Mobile Devices
- Operating System
- Versions
It is very popular in compatibility testing. It is to check the compatibility of the software application on different browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, etc.
Hardware
It is to check the application/ software compatibility with the different hardware configurations.
Network
It is to check the application in a different network like 3G, WIFI, etc.
Mobile Devices
It is to check if the application is compatible with mobile devices and their platforms like Android, iOS, windows, etc.
Operating Systems
It is to check if the application is compatible with different Operating Systems like Windows, Linux, Mac, etc.
Versions
It is important to test software applications in different versions of the software. There are two different types of version inspection.
Backward Compatibility Testing: Testing of the application or software in old or previous versions. It is also known as downward compatible.
Forward Compatibility Testing: Testing of the application or software in new or upcoming versions. It is also known as forward-compatible
Why Do We Perform Compatibility Testing?
The purpose of compatibility testing is to determine whether a program functions consistently across various platforms.
The program is typically tested on a single platform by the development and testing teams. However, after the program is put into production, the customer could test it on a different platform and discover faults that make it unworthy of their money.
It is crucial to test the application across all platforms in order to minimize such problems and avoid upsetting your clients.
When Should Perform Compatibility Testing?
When the build gets stable enough to test then we should perform compatibility testing.
Common Compatibility testing defects
- Changes in UI ( look and feel)
- Change in font size
- Alignment related issues
- Change in CSS style and color
- Scroll bar-related issues
- Content or label overlapping
- Broken tables or Frames
Pick what to test as compatibility testing
Note the most crucial testing parameter for your application that you believe may cause strange behavior. Choose the operating systems, browsers, and devices you want to test your application on.
Analyzing the requirements and double-checking the browser matrix with the client or customer is the best technique. Allow the client to select the OS, browsers, and versions they want us to test the application on.
You can get clear statistics about the most popular browsers together with their version and operating system by using Google Analytics or another kind of statistical analysis system installed on your application.
Select pages to test
Filter out the main URLs, and pages of your application. The selection of the pages depends on your application. You would require considering the majorly used modules as a part of compatibility testing. If your application consists of a certain template format, it’s fine if you consider that only as a part of compatibility testing.
How to perform Compatibility testing?
Test the application in the same browsers but in different versions. For Example, to test the compatibility of the site ebay.com. Download different versions of Firefox install them one by one and test the eBay site. eBay site should behave equally the same in each version.
Test the application in different browsers but in different versions. For Example, testing of site ebay.com in different available browsers like Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Internet Explorer Opera, etc.
Conclusion
Compatibility testing is used to ensure that the software program functions properly across all hardware, operating systems, mobile devices, databases, browsers, and networks. Establish a routine for testing your application at equal intervals to ensure compatibility with different operating systems and browsers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is software compatibility testing?
Software compatibility testing is the process of verifying that a software application works as expected across different hardware, software, and environmental configurations. This type of testing ensures that the application is compatible with various operating systems, browsers, and devices, and that it meets the required performance and functionality standards. By conducting compatibility testing, developers can identify and fix issues that may arise when the application is used in different environments.
Why is software compatibility testing important?
Software compatibility testing is important because it helps to ensure that an application works flawlessly across different platforms and configurations, which is critical for providing a good user experience and building customer trust. Incompatible applications can lead to errors, crashes, and security vulnerabilities, which can damage a company’s reputation and result in financial losses. By testing for compatibility, developers can minimize the risk of such issues and ensure that their application is reliable and stable.
What are the different types of software compatibility testing?
There are several types of software compatibility testing, including operating system compatibility testing, browser compatibility testing, device compatibility testing, and hardware compatibility testing. Each type of testing focuses on a specific aspect of compatibility, such as ensuring that an application works on different operating systems or that it is optimized for various devices and browsers. By conducting these different types of testing, developers can ensure that their application is compatible with a wide range of configurations and environments.
How is software compatibility testing performed?
Software compatibility testing is typically performed using a combination of manual and automated testing techniques, including the use of testing frameworks, virtual machines, and cloud-based testing platforms. Testers use these tools to simulate different environments and configurations, and to test the application’s functionality, performance, and usability on various platforms and devices. By using a range of testing techniques and tools, developers can thoroughly test their application’s compatibility and identify any issues that need to be addressed.
What are the benefits of software compatibility testing?
The benefits of software compatibility testing include improved application reliability and stability, enhanced user experience, and increased customer satisfaction. By ensuring that an application is compatible with different environments and configurations, developers can reduce the risk of errors and crashes, and provide a seamless and consistent user experience across different platforms and devices. Additionally, compatibility testing can help to reduce maintenance and support costs, and improve the overall quality and reputation of the application.
