Compatibility Testing: Types & Processes Involved

Content:

Introduction
Why Perform Compatibility Testing?
Types of Compatibility Testing
Categories of Compatibility Testing
Benefits of Compatibility Testing
Popular Compatibility Testing Tools
Conclusion

Introduction

How do you determine whether or not the software you are designing will run on a particular browser, device, or network? Such an assessment falls under the category of ‘Compatibility Testing,’ which is a non-functional software testing method. It helps you check whether the software or application holds the capability to run on different hardware, mobile devices, operating systems, etc. Based on customer needs, the parameters involved in a compatibility testing scheme can be customized. To make a particular software app available to a broader audience, it must be in sync with various browser and network environments currently active worldwide.

Why Perform Compatibility Testing?

The below-mentioned pointers can understand the main reason why compatibility testing is performed:

Compatibility testing is conducted to ensure the concerned app can fulfill expectations related to different devices and models
Best way to analyze app behavior when placed in different environments
Check app compatibility with other browsers, networks, devices, hardware, operating systems, databases, etc.
A convenient way of recognizing errors before the final product launch
Dynamic compatibility testing highlights security and workability features to improve app performance
Delivery of bug-free software applications that are can ensure success for your business

Types of Compatibility Testing

Based on the popularity factor, the two version-based compatibility test types are:

Forward Compatibility Testing

It is a process to verify the behavior and associated compatibility of the evolved hardware or software compared to their latest versions. This type of compatibility testing is slightly tricky to predict since the changes managed in the newer versions are not fully known.

Backward Compatibility Testing

It is a process to verify the behavior and associated compatibility of the evolved hardware or software compared to their older versions. This type of compatibility testing is predictable since the changes managed in the previous versions are better known.

Categories of Compatibility Testing

As per the current classification order, below mentioned are the different categories of compatibility testing:

Network Compatibility Testing – Under this testing type, the concerned application is analyzed on different networks like 3G, WiFi, 4G, etc., to check various parameters such as speed, bandwidth, etc.

Hardware Compatibility Testing –The act of examining a developed application covering different hardware configurations for ensuring it works on them in the desired manner.

Browser Compatibility Testing – To test the software’s workable nature on various browsers, including Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc. Cross-browser testing is an integral aspect of compatibility testing conducted in these modern times.

Device Compatibility Testing – This compatibility testing method is performed to assess an application’s compatibility with different external devices, including USB devices, Bluetooth, printers, etc.

Mobile Compatibility Testing – An application is examined over multiple mobile devices possessing different operating systems like Windows, Android, and iOS.

Operating System Compatibility Testing –Testing an application or software by running it over various operating systems covering Windows, Linux, Mac, etc.

Software Compatibility Testing –To test an application’s compatibility with other software is practiced these days extensively. For instance, if you use an application to create an MS Word file, this file should open without failing in the MS Office app on your device.

Benefits of Compatibility Testing

The primary aim of compatibility testing is to facilitate a satisfactory customer experience. A software or application must operate on all possible variations of browsers, devices, OS, networks, etc. Some of the vital benefits of conducting compatibility testing are as follows:

Lesser scope of future customer complaints, thereby, reduced cost of customer support
Not only compatibility but testers also get a clear idea about scalability, stability, and usability
Better feedback during the testing stage to enhance the development process
Compatibility testing helps in pulling more customers to increase enterprise revenue
Better reputation and standing for the company within the global market scenario

Popular Compatibility Testing Tools

It is important to note that compatibility testing is conducted using both manual and automated methods. Going by the popular software testing trends, here are the topmost compatibility testing tools used by most professional testers:

BrowserStack –Being a cloud-based automated testing tool, it permits testing applications covering 2000+ real devices & browsers. Using this tool, you get to access multiple pricing plans that can be checked on their official website.

CrossBrowserTesting – This compatibility testing tool offers products, including visual testing, live testing, and automated testing covering multiple browsers. The best part CrossBrowserTesting is that it supports the incorporation of test scripts from both Selenium & Appium.

Ranorex –Ranorex GmbH is the parent creator of Ranorex Studio. It is basically a GUI test automation framework that actively supports Selenium. You can choose different plans for using this tool, which also comes with a free trial period.

LambdaTest –The benefit of LambaTest is related to its offering of multiple browsers and operating systems to perform live testing, automated testing, visual testing, and responsiveness check.

Conclusion

Currently, the importance of compatibility testing as a valuable non-functional testing method helps organizations release quality software applications. Although the price involved in conducting compatibility testing can become slightly expensive, the results are essential to judge the app’s suitability with the global customer base. This write-up offers a clear insight associated with the different compatibility testing types and their operational benefits.

Presently, almost all software testing companies have upgraded their compatibility testing suite since new devices, browsers, and networks are brought into existence as time passes. To maintain an application’s rapport with such factors, it requires precise testing that can be managed by professional testers at any renowned software testing services like ImpactQA. To fix a consultation to satisfy each of your compatibility testing needs, click here.