7 Reasons Why Automating Cross Browser Testing is A Better Option

Irrespective of what kind of (web-based) business you run, how many pages your website contains, the kind of layout and visibility it offers, or what web-apps you offer your clients to access your services from, automated CBT will bring in measurable benefits and accurate results. Let’s understand some benefits of automating cross browser testing for your website.

1. Quick simultaneous testing across different mediums in real time

One of the biggest challenges that manual testing faces is to carry out testing across all browsers, mediums, OS, devices and platforms. As testing deep dives it also needs to be carried across the different versions of each of these platform. Further ahead, as any build or hotfix emerges, it again requires running a test across various combinations of browsers and platforms all over again. Here is a quick glimpse of usage shares of the different browsers worldwide.

By means of automation all of this can be done automatically. Automatic cross-browser testing helps scale ‘n’ number of platforms, websites, OS and devices simultaneously in real time. Not just the results are more accurate with automated CBT, but the rate of testing is also swift and leaves nothing unattended.

2. Automation gives more accurate test results

When it comes to automated testing, there’s nothing more accurate and precise. Manual testers can sometimes skip a few details here-and-there by oversighting or under strained testing conditions.

Cross-browser testing with automation on the other hand scans the smallest of small details, goes by the script and leaves nothing unturned. Unlike human emotions with automation there is no fatigue, or boredom by repetitive tasks, which makes it more accurate and reliable.

3. More testing Vs manual efforts

Automated cross-browser testing offers you higher test coverage in a shorter time span of time than as compared to manually testing procedures. Also, one of the major challenges with manual CBT is in case of any reoccurrence of error(s), the entire testing needs to be repeated again across all browser types and devices that the tester was originally testing the website / apps on. Often in between two successive tests any error or including a newer combination of devices / platforms will require the tester to re-initiate the test start to end all over again.

Automating these procedures makes it efficient to conduct CBTs without having to worry about error occurrences or limited time spans. For instance, if a tester wishes to schedule a test for a two hour span across all internet browser types and hand-held devices, he can specify the particulars in the test script and begin the automated testing. The testing will proceed as per the test script and complete in its scheduled time.

4. Excessive testing using lesser resources

Anywhere where automation comes into picture – both time and resources are saved. Similar is the case with CBT automation. For a tester to schedule manual tests on any regular day means putting ahead a combination of different platforms and devices to test. Further updates – to any versions within the platform on which the app is being tested or to the app itself – means revising the tests start-to-end all over again. Manual testing in proportion to speed would require more resources (testers) to be deployed. However, in the case of automated testing, a single test-script takes care of all the checkpoints across which the website or app needs to be tested.

Automation isn’t just quicker but also accurate as sometimes human attention can skip some minute details while undergoing rigorous testing.

5. Saves time and money

Cross-browser testing often requires repeated testing, that if done manually can be boring and excessively time consuming. However by identifying the problem areas that need to be investigated companies can schedule automated testing that not just saves time but also all the resources – from office infrastructure to salaries – that go into testing manually. Automation thus provides a better ROI.

6. Easy test reporting

Automation testing also allows you to create a reporting dashboard using APIs and capture the smallest of malfunctioning reports. These analytics can be then studied, improved and shared ahead with clients and responsible decision makers. The same becomes a tedious task from the perspective of manual testers, which otherwise with automation is normally very easy and efficient.

7. Allows to run multiple tests

Automated cross-browser testing is of immense help while running multiple tests for an application. Often with addition of newer codes to the application the need for repeated tests arise. Manually addressing these needs require clearing off a buffer period and then running the tests. Considering there are – say 10 scenarios across which the new codes are to be tested – it would then require a handful of testers to effectively carry out these tests. With automated testing this buffer is significantly cut short and testing can be attained without any delay. Needless to say, the test results are also more accurate.

Source: https://huggymonster.com/7-reasons-why-automating-cross-browser-testing-is-better/