Cross-Platform Testing: Strategies, Tools, and Best Practices

Until maybe fifteen years ago, software development was largely divided into two categories: computers and mobile devices. Not anymore.

Customers today expect software to work flawlessly regardless of whether they’re using the latest iPhone, a Dell laptop, or a Chrome browser on their Samsung phone, and they won’t hesitate to navigate away if there are glitches.

Therefore, it has become essential for modern software developers to add cross-platform compatibility and functionality to their QA checklist before they release any software.

This sounds easy in theory, but given the sheer number of browsers and devices out there, it’s important to have a structured approach to testing them. This blog post gives you a quick introduction to getting started. 

What Is Cross-Platform Testing?

As the name suggests, cross-platform testing is the practice of testing software on multiple platforms to ensure it operates seamlessly on each.

Typically, for consumer-focused software, the main platform types tested include hardware (servers, mobile phones, tablets, wearables, and so on), browsers, and operating systems. The goal is to ensure the software is accessible to as many customers as possible.

Why Is Cross-Platform Testing Necessary Today?

While many assume that there are only a handful of platforms to test on (Chrome, Firefox, iOS, Android, Apple, Samsung, and Windows), that’s simply not true.

These may be the most popular, but many users around the world prefer more niche options or whose country laws only allow them to use local browsers.

Developers who seek to penetrate those markets must thus build software that operates as efficiently on those platforms as on the popular ones. Some other reasons to prioritize cross-platform testing include:

1. Enhanced user experience

When WhatsApp launched its web version, it ensured compatibility with older phone models and different browsers. For instance, in the first quarter of 2022, WhatsApp recorded a 41% increase in user engagement, partly because of features like multi-device support and improved accessibility on the web.

This shows that even if customers aren’t using niche platforms, they may have older phone models or prefer Safari over Google Chrome—and you must remember that.

Building software that works seamlessly across all these platforms helps customers enjoy the full scope of the software without feeling like they have to upgrade their devices.

2. Platform reliability

Testing at an early stage helps identify any platform-specific bugs and fix them before the software hits the market. It’s also an opportunity to tweak the navigation, graphics, and look and feel to make the experience as consistent as possible across devices and browsers.

3. Cost efficiency

The Systems Sciences Institute at IBM reported that it costs up to 15 times more to fix a software bug found during the testing phase than fixing the same bug identified during design.

source

It’s, therefore, best to find and fix bugs early on than to recall the whole software when customers complain that it doesn’t work on their browser of choice.

4. Customer satisfaction

Customers in different markets can feel happy about accessing the software from wherever they please, boosting positive sentiment towards your software brand.

Cross-Platform Testing vs Cross-Device Testing

Let’s come up with a clearer definition of what each entails.

Cross-platform testing verifies the functionality and performance of software applications across multiple operating systems like Windows, iOS, Linux, macOS, Android, and so on.

It addresses platform-specific issues, such as differences in system calls, user interfaces, and file systems, and tweaks them to ensure a uniform user experience across all platforms. 

On the other hand, cross-device testing tests how an application performs across devices like smartphones, tablets, desktops, and laptops.

Different devices can potentially change the user experience even with the same platform due to different resolutions, screen sizes, and hardware capabilities.

Cross-device testing ensures that the software can adapt to each of those characteristics to deliver a consistent experience.

An example of cross-platform testing could involve ensuring that a financial application works consistently across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

In contrast, cross-device testing might involve checking that the same application renders properly and functions smoothly on various models of smartphones, tablets, and desktops, accounting for differences in screen sizes and hardware capabilities.

Challenges of Cross-Platform Testing

As indicated earlier, the sheer number of platforms and browser/device/OS combinations make cross-platform testing no mean task. Some of the challenges that software developers might encounter during the testing process include:

1. Frequent browser updates

Browsers tend to add updates regularly, every six to eight weeks. Many users opt for the upgrade, others have auto-updates installed on their devices, and others might prefer the current version. In any case, you must continuously test and adapt the software for new browser versions.

2. Identifying visual errors

Screen resolution is another layer on top of the existing complexity of browsers and operating systems. And yet, it’s non-negotiable when detecting any issues with page layout.

3. Excessive number of browsers 

There are many more browsers out there than just the major ones like Chrome and Safari. Moreover, many customers might be using the legacy versions of even these popular ones, and testing the software across all these versions across all operating systems is highly time-consuming.

4. Numerous browser/OS combinations

Browsers alone are numerous, and when you add all the different versions of operating systems out there, it becomes even more complex.

5. Managing simultaneous multi-browser testing

Simultaneous testing helps reduce testing time. However, attempting to do so for all the combinations of browsers and operating systems can become a nightmare unless suitable automation tools are chosen.

6. Complex infrastructure setup and maintenance

While many software developers prefer the complete control that on-site development gives them, practically speaking, it gets extremely expensive.

You have to own and maintain the infrastructure of all the latest devices, operating systems, and browsers, as well as a team to manage them. With new upgrades constantly being released, scalability quickly becomes a problem.

7. Difficulty in automating cross-browser testing

Choosing the right automation tool and preparing them to handle cross-browser testing takes time and effort.

You need to be very clear about the capabilities you’re testing for and the parameters of each browser, and you have to write test scripts for each scenario. All of this can slow down the software release cycle, which, in turn, will affect your bottom line.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cross-Platform Testing

Despite the many complications associated with cross-platform testing, it can be done smoothly if you follow a clear plan that covers all the bases. Here’s how to construct a cross-platform testing strategy.

1. Identify target platforms and devices

Chances are, your target audience won’t be using all the devices, browsers, and operating systems available. Thus, you can focus on the ones they’re most likely to use.

Leveraging website analytics will help you understand where your traffic is coming from and, thus, which platforms are worth prioritizing. You can also tap into industry data or conduct audience surveys.

2. Prioritize your choices

Even among your shortlisted platforms, some will matter more than others and should thus be tested first. Factors to consider when ranking in order of priority include:

• Market share of the platform 
• Highest user base in your audience 
• Any strategic relevance (such as a browser that a core target demographic uses the most)

Based on your priority ranking, prepare a testing matrix of combinations of browsers, devices, and operating systems that you intend to test, and then rank them too.

Here’s an example:

a. Identify browsers, devices, and operating

• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
• Devices: Desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone
• Operating systems:  Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

b. Prioritize combinations

Consider factors such as market share, user demographics, and known issues. Assign a priority ranking to each combination.

c. Create the testing matrix

The ranks here indicate the priority level for testing each combination, with Rank 1 being the highest priority (most critical to test) and Rank 3 being the lowest priority (least critical to test).

Rank	Browser	Device	OS
1	Chrome	Desktop	Windows 11
1	Chrome	Smartphone	Android 13
2	Chrome	Laptop	macOS Ventura
2	Safari	Tablet	iOS 16
3	Firefox	Tablet	Android 13
3	Edge	Tablet	Windows 11

4. Design and execute test cases

For each combination in your matrix, prepare a test case that includes all the critical software functionalities, such as login, navigation, form submission, data display, responsive design, and error handling. 

Execute these test cases individually, ensuring you record each test’s status (pass/fail) and any notes or observations. This systematic approach will help identify and address issues across different browsers, devices, and operating systems.

5. Document your test findings

Documentation as you go creates a record of testing processes and learnings that will be invaluable for future testing cycles. Things to include in your documentation records include:

• A detailed description of each issue you encounter 
• Screenshots or videos to help explain the problem 
• Steps on how to replicate the problem so that it can be independently verified 
• A severity level based on how much it impacts the user experience 

6. Analyze and amend

After all testing and documentation, you must analyze your results and make the necessary fixes. These include:

• Identifying commonalities in the issues pinpointed, such as whether they occur more on one browser than in the others
• Prioritizing which fixes need to be actioned first
• Doing a root cause analysis for each issue to help prevent similar problems in the future 
• Implementing the fixes and then retesting to ensure everything is working okay

In addition, here are some best practices to ensure that your tests run optimally:

• Use a mix of devices and stay updated on new ones and shifts in customer preference.
• Test for real-life situations, such as differences in network speed, low bandwidth, and switching from WiFi to data (or vice versa).
• Use automated tests wherever possible, and make sure they cover a wide range of platforms.
• Integrate your testing into the CI/CD pipeline to test all changes across the board.
• Use cloud-based testing to access the widest possible range of testing environments without breaking the bank.

The Best Cross-Platform Testing Tools in the Market

There’s a plethora of cross-platform testing tools available to suit different needs. Let’s discuss some of the best. 

1. Appium

This open-source HTTP server supports tests in any framework and in any language that can craft an HTTP request. Appium is available on both Android and iOS and is ideal for automating native, web, mobile, and hybrid apps without modifying app code.

Also Read: Appium Testing Guide for iOS & Android

2. Katalon

This free automation testing tool offers full-featured test and execution management for starter and advanced users. Katalon supports script execution on real devices, cloud environments, and emulators and comes with integrations for Jira, Git, and Kobiton.

3. Eggplant

This commercial GUI Automated Testing product is designed and developed for Android and iOS. Eggplant supports web testing, mobile testing, network testing, cross-browser testing, image-based testing, and UI automation.

4. Browserling

This is a popular cross-browser testing tool suitable for all versions of Chrome, Opera, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape, Minefield, and more. You can enable or disable Flash and test for different screen sizes and color depths on Browserling.

Meet the Ultimate Tool for Cross-Platform Testing: TestGrid.io

TestGrid.io stands out in performing cross-platform tests due to several key features and capabilities:

• It provides access to a wide range of real devices, including various versions of iOS and Android devices, ensuring thorough testing across different platforms and device configurations.
• It leverages cloud infrastructure to offer scalable and on-demand testing environments. This means you can perform tests without worrying about hardware limitations or setup complexities.
• It supports popular automation frameworks like Selenium, Cypress, and Espresso, enabling automated cross-platform testing. This integration helps create reusable test scripts that can be run across different devices and operating systems.
• It offers detailed reports and analytics on test performance, including logs, screenshots, and videos of test executions. This helps quickly identify and resolve issues.
• It customizes test environments to match specific testing needs, including setting up different network conditions, device orientations, and more.

To check out first-hand how TestGrid.io works, why not give it a try? Book a free demo today.

Final Words

As technology advances, there will only be more browsers, operating systems, and devices for customers to choose from, and they’ll expect a flawless software experience across all of them. As a service provider, you can’t afford to ignore that.

However, ensuring a superior experience across platforms can be a complicated process – but with proper planning, systematic execution, and the right testing tools, you can prioritize your testing and solve the most critical issues first.

Plus, as you continue testing, you’ll build up a valuable repository of data that you can use to refine your testing scripts and reduce testing cycles in the future.

This helps you save time and money while continuing to delight your customers with a top-notch experience no matter what environment they’re logging in from.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I handle discrepancies between different platforms?

You must maintain as much consistency across platforms as possible to reduce the cognitive stress of navigating the same page differently. To avoid discrepancies, test across multiple operating systems and their different versions and design the software to be compatible with each OS’ unique functionality.

2. How often should cross-platform testing be conducted?

This will depend on various factors, including updates to the software itself, updates to browsers or operating systems, or an increase in customer complaints about specific features not working. Talk to an expert like TestGrid.io to determine the frequency.

3. How is cross-platform testing different from cross-browser testing?

Cross-platform testing focuses on testing across different platforms for consistency and a positive user experience. For instance, it identifies when a website looks normal in Google Chrome on a desktop but gets distorted on a smartphone.

Cross-browser testing, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the browser experience and ensures that software works the same across Chrome, IE, Firefox, and so on.

4. How to do cross-browser testing manually?

It’s possible to manually conduct cross-browser testing if you’ve clearly defined each test scenario and have access to a sufficiently large range of devices or simulators/emulators. However, we recommend testing in a cloud environment for a more efficient and cost-effective process. You’ll get amazing results!