3 July 2024 Leave a comment QA
With the rapid evolution of web browsers and the increasing market share of modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, many developers and QA professionals are questioning the relevance of testing on Internet Explorer (IE). This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you decide whether testing on IE is necessary for your project.
Understanding Your User Base
The necessity of testing on IE largely depends on your user base. Here are a few steps to help you determine this:
- Check Your Statistics: Use analytics tools to see what browsers your users are accessing your site with. If IE usage is negligible, it may not be worth the effort to support it.
- Market Research: Websites like W3Schools and NetMarketShare provide insights into global browser usage. As of the latest data, IE11 usage is around 0.4% to 5.5%.
- Client Requirements: Some clients, especially those in corporate or government sectors, may still rely on IE due to its integration with Windows security and networking mechanisms. Consult with your clients to understand their needs.
Corporate and Government Use Cases
IE is still widely used in corporate and government environments for several reasons:
- Integration with Windows and MS Office Suite: IE provides seamless integration with Windows security features and Microsoft Office applications, making it a preferred choice for many organizations.
- Compatibility with Legacy Systems: Many corporate applications have been developed specifically for IE and updating them to support modern browsers can be costly and time-consuming.
- Contractual Obligations: Government contracts often specify the use of Microsoft products, including IE, which necessitates continued support and testing.
Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
Once you have data on your user base, it’s essential to conduct a cost vs. benefit analysis:
- Cost of Support: Maintaining compatibility with IE can be expensive. Consider the additional development and testing resources required.
- Revenue Impact: Determine if the revenue generated from users on IE justifies the cost of supporting it.
- Development Process Impact: Supporting IE can affect the entire development process, from initial coding to final testing. Ensure the whole team is on board with the decision.
Practical Recommendations
If your analysis indicates a need to support IE, here are some practical steps:
- Target Specific Versions: Focus on the versions of IE that are most commonly used by your audience, typically IE11.
- Use Analytics Tools: Continuously monitor your user statistics to stay updated on browser usage trends.
- Communicate with Stakeholders: Regularly discuss browser support requirements with your clients and stakeholders to ensure alignment.
Leveraging No-Code Testing Tools
For those looking for an efficient way to manage their testing processes, especially in environments where multiple browsers need to be supported, no-code test automation tools like Repeato can be invaluable. Repeato offers a simple setup and use, leveraging computer vision and AI to create, run, and maintain automated tests for iOS and Android applications. This can significantly reduce the time and effort required to ensure compatibility across various browsers, including IE.
To learn more about how Repeato can streamline your testing processes, visit our documentation or check out our blog for the latest updates.
