3 July 2024 Leave a comment QA
When preparing to deploy a website to the internet, one of the critical questions is, “Which browsers should I test?” This question is essential for ensuring that your site functions correctly across different platforms and provides the best user experience. Below, we outline a comprehensive approach to determining which browsers to prioritize for testing.
Research Your Potential Audience
Understanding your audience is the first step in determining which browsers to test. Consider the following:
- Geographical Distribution: Different regions have varying browser preferences. For example, Europe tends to be divided between Firefox and Internet Explorer, while the USA has a significant share of Safari users. Analyze the geographical data of your website visitors to identify the most used browsers in those regions.
- Website Topic: The nature of your website can influence browser usage. Sites targeting a broader audience may need to support older browsers like Internet Explorer 6 and 7. Conversely, a tech-focused site might primarily attract users of newer browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
- Mobile Devices: With the increasing use of mobile devices, ensure that your site is compatible with popular mobile browsers. This is particularly important if your site targets mobile users.
Utilize Existing Analytics Data
If your company already has websites in production or if the new site is an enhancement or replacement, leverage the existing analytics data. Browser and operating system analytics reports can provide valuable insights into the browsers your current users prefer. Consider the following:
- Historical Data: Analyze browser usage data over different time spans, especially during promotional periods, to identify any spikes in specific browser usage.
- Log Files: Utilize log files from Apache or IIS or tools like Google Analytics to parse user agent strings and gather detailed information about the browsers your visitors are using. This data can help you tailor your testing strategy to focus on the most relevant browsers.
Know Your Target Audience
Consider the specific audience your website targets. For example, a site like W3Schools, dedicated to web development education, primarily attracts users in web development-related jobs. These users are more likely to use browsers like Firefox or Chrome. Understanding the preferences of your target audience can help you prioritize which browsers to test.
Conclusion
By researching your potential audience, utilizing existing analytics data, and understanding your target audience, you can make informed decisions about which browsers to test for your website. This approach ensures that you focus your testing efforts on the browsers that matter most to your users.
For those looking to streamline their testing process, consider using tools like Repeato, a no-code test automation tool for iOS and Android. Repeato allows you to create, run, and maintain automated tests quickly and efficiently, leveraging computer vision and AI. This can be particularly beneficial for ensuring your site performs well across various mobile browsers.
