Compatibility testing is a type of software testing that falls under the non-functional testing category. It is performed to check software compatibility on different platforms, which can only happen when the application is stable. It aims to check how well the software works on various browsers and operating systems.

Compatibility testing plays an important role in providing a consistent user experience and minimizing issues related to incompatibility. Also, it is highly crucial in product production and implementation as it is performed to avoid future issues in compatibility testing. In this article, you will learn more about compatibility testing in depth, where we will cover the importance, types, and steps to perform compatibility testing.

What Is a Compatibility Test and Why Is It Important?

what is Compatibility Testing

A compatibility test is software testing that verifies whether the software application performs perfectly in different environments, such as various operating systems, browsers, or networks. A major challenge in compatibility testing for mobile applications is ensuring consistent GUI behavior across various devices. It makes the software reliable to users across multiple environments and prevents potential issues arising from incompatible setups.

Its primary purpose is to identify and resolve the potential issues that may arise when the software application is used on different platforms. What it tests actually:

Different operating systems such as Windows, macOS, ios, android
Different web browsers such as Chrome, firefox, edge, safari
Different network connectivity issues such as wifi, cellular data
Different screen sizes and resolutions

It is essential because:

It identifies potential issues early, reducing user complaints and post-release fixes.
It allows the developers to reach a broader audience to ensure that their applications work perfectly on various platforms.
It increases the brand reputation because poor compatibility applications can cause users frustration, damaging the company’s reputation.
It enhances user satisfaction by providing a seamless experience across platforms.

10 Types of Compatibility Testing in Software Testing

types of compatibility testing

Different types of compatibility testing in software testing are essential to check that an application can perform well on various operating systems. So, here are its 10 major types:

1) Backward Compatibility Testing

Backward compatibility testing checks that the new software version works well with older versions of other applications or devices. It also verifies that users without upgrading their systems can still use the application without issues.

2) Forward Compatibility Testing

Forward compatibility testing verifies if the application can function on newer or upcoming versions of platforms and operating systems. Depending on the advancement of the features, apps become incompatible or inaccessible with old devices. This verifies that the software remains usable as technology evolves.

3) Version Testing

Version testing verifies that the app remains compatible with new versions. It is the process of verifying software’s performance across different versions of the same operating system. It ensures that the app remains compatible with an older or new version users might be using.

4) Browser Compatibility Testing

Browser compatibility testing checks how well the application works on different web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It verifies that users have a consistent experience regardless of their browser choice.

Its main function is to identify issues arising from the different engines and features supported by various browsers, ensuring a perfect user experience across various platforms.

5) Hardware Testing

Hardware testing in compatibility testing checks that the software works efficiently with various hardware configurations, such as CPUs, graphic cards, storage devices, and peripherals like printers and scanners.

6) Software Testing

Software testing is the broader field of compatibility testing, which refers to verifying that software applications work properly across various devices and other software configurations. It ensures a consistent user experience regardless of the environment in which they are using it. To avoid potential issues or malfunctions, it also checks whether the software is compatible with various platforms and setups, such as third-party plugins, APIs, or databases.

7) Network Testing

It refers to verifying that software applications or websites work properly across various network conditions, such as bandwidth and connection types (mobile data, 2G,4G,5G, and Wi-Fi). It checks how the application behaves under different network speeds and capabilities.

8) Device Testing

Device testing is the process of verifying that the application functions correctly across different devices, such as operating systems, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. It ensures a consistent user experience regardless of the device used to access it.

9) Mobile Testing

Mobile testing is the process of verifying an application’s performance on different mobile devices, operating systems (Android, iOS), and screen sizes. This testing is performed to check how well your app performs on other mobile phones and tablets to fix the issues related to device compatibility.

10) OS Testing

OS testing is the process of verifying software application compatibility across various operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS platforms. It ensures a consistent user experience regardless of the platform they are using if the software behaves as expected on various OS versions and configurations.

Steps to Perform Compatibility Testing

steps to perform compatibility testing

There are a few steps to perform compatibility testing:

1) Define Compatibility Requirements

Identify the target audience and market
Determine the range of devices and browsing systems you need to support
Set specific compatibility criteria based on product functionality and user need

2) Collect Information About Target Platform

Research popular devices or operating system versions used by the target audience
Understand market needs and future compatibility needs

3) Create Test Case

Design test scenarios that cover different compatibility aspects like data formats and functionality across various platforms
It includes positive and negative test cases to evaluate compatibility thoroughly.

4) Set up the Testing Environment

Access necessary hardware and software to copy across different platforms
Utilize cloud-based testing platforms or device labs for broader coverage

5) Execute Compatibility Test

When you run your application on each configured platform, it carefully monitors for errors, malfunctions, or unexpected behavior.
Test key features and functionalities across different configurations.

6) Analyze Test Results

Identify compatibility issues, functional errors, and performance discrepancies.
Prioritize issues based on severity and impact on user experience

7) Report or Fix Bugs

Document all compatibility issues with detailed descriptions and screenshots
Communicate the identified issues with the development team to fix the software bugs or make necessary adjustments.

8) Retest And Regression Testing

After bug fixes, run the compatibility test in retest and regression testing to ensure that issues are resolved and no new problems have been introduced.

Purpose of Cross-Browser Compatibility Testing

Cross-browser compatibility testing ensures that a website or web application functions correctly and consistently across different browsers. This testing is vital for:

Consistent User Experience: The primary goal is to deliver a consistent look and functionality on various browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc
Identifying browser-specific issues: This testing process helps identify and fix any problems that might occur only in specific browsers, such as layout discrepancies, feature malfunctions, or rendering errors.
Reaching a wider audience: By ensuring compatibility across different browsers, you maximize the potential reach of your website to a broader user base.
Quality assurance practice: Cross-browser testing is a crucial part of the quality assurance process for web development, ensuring the website performs as expected on various platforms.

Example of Compatibility Testing

A common example of compatibility testing is checking if a website displays correctly across different web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, on various devices and operating systems (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS). Any issues, such as layout distortions or feature malfunctions on specific browsers, are identified and resolved.

Compatibility Testing Tools

Compatibility testing tools help software applications work well on different platforms, devices, and settings. These tools automate testing on various operating systems, browsers, screen sizes, and network conditions. This automation helps developers find potential problems early on. You can use vStellar’s test automation framework, BrowserStack, CrossBrowserTesting, and Sauce Labs to simulate real-world scenarios for compatibility testing.

Final Thoughts on Compatibility Testing

Compatibility testing is essential for delivering high-quality software that meets user expectations across different platforms and devices. By identifying and resolving the compatibility issues early, businesses can improve user satisfaction and maintain a competitive edge. You should prioritize compatibility tests to make sure that software applications meet user experience.

If your testing approach lacks compatibility testing, it can significantly impact your application's success. Consider adding it, or seek assistance from vStellar Test. Contact us Now!

FAQs

What Is Meant By The Rule of Compatibility?

Compatibility means that two or more things, whether a product or a system, have compatible characteristics to work effectively without issue. It refers to the principle that things need to match perfectly to have a smooth function. For instance, a computer component is compatible with the motherboard it is intended for. The rule of compatibility refers to ensuring that a software application or product can function perfectly across different environments, such as devices, operating systems, and browsers.

What Is Software Compatibility?

Software compatibility means a program can run effectively on various hardware, operating systems, or software environments without causing issues or errors.

How to Analyze Results in Mobile Compatibility Testing?

Analyzing results in mobile compatibility testing involves a systematic approach to check that the application works perfectly on all targeted mobile devices and environments.

Importance of Compatibility Testing in Modern Software Applications

Related Blogs

No Code Spy Locator Management for Smarter QA Testing

End to End Testing: Purpose, Process & Best Practices

Self Healing Tests in Test Automation: Purpose, Benefits & Working

News Letter

Weekly Testing Newsletter Testing News & Tips

Optimize UX Across Various Platforms Today!