How to Approach Cross Platform Testing

What Is Cross Platform Testing?

Cross platform testing involves verifying that an application works across multiple devices. It is an integral aspect of any successful app deployment because apps are built for multiple platforms. Along with identifying issues that might occur within different platforms, cross platform testing helps track the behavior of an app in a different environment. For example, your app’s UI might appear correctly on a cell phone, but the layout might be disoriented on a tablet, impacting the end-user experience. Cross platform testing requires a lot of planning before the actual process can begin.

How to Plan for Cross Platform Testing

1. Learn About Your Audience
2. Select Platforms
3. Think Critically about Testing
4. Consider Automation

1. Learn About Your Audience

To successfully test your application across multiple devices, you should have the right knowledge regarding your dedicated users. It is important to get information through your app regarding what your users like to do and common actions they might take. If they focus on a certain feature, it might be helpful to focus on improvements for that during the cross-platform phase. It is also key to understand what devices your dedicated users are using. This will help you determine what to focus on.

2. Select Platforms

Once you’re familiar with your users, the next step in planning a cross platform testing phase is to select which platforms. Source It isn’t effective to use platforms and devices at random; companies must test platforms that are regularly used by their base to retain any important information. If a set amount of devices is narrowed down for cross platform testing, businesses can make tangible improvements or propose effective solutions and enhancements.

3. Think Critically About Testing

While cross platform testing is encouraged, it isn’t feasible to test all scenarios, issues, and solutions within one cycle. If you’re testing all the time, there is no room to make the actual improvements. Businesses need to think logically about how often they’re testing. They should also invest their time and resources effectively. Before launching a cross platform testing effort, companies should set out priorities to ensure all areas are being dealt with in the correct order of importance.

4. Consider Automation

Cross platform testing, despite its importance, isn’t the most engaging work. Sometimes bugs can fall through the cracks when the testing becomes a bit mundane. Automation can be a desirable investment for businesses looking to test an application across multiple platforms while saving time. Automation is a great investment and strategy. Businesses still need to be ingrained in the process to track usability, accessibility, and other areas not caught by machines.

Commonly Used Tools for Cross Platform Testing

With the importance of cross platform testing in the QA and mobile app world, there are a variety of tools that can help streamline the process.

• Browserstack: This tool is the most widely used for cross platform testing. The cloud-based system helps with multiple apps and websites across different operating systems. It also can integrate seamlessly with your company’s tools and frameworks.
• Browsershots: This tool is a free, web-based tool that works by testing screenshots. While it isn’t the most user-friendly, it allows for convenience. Users can test app compatibility with a single press of a button.

If your business is looking for a cross platform testing tool, research available options that will help manage their entire QA workflow.

Cross Platform Testing Benefits Businesses

As businesses continue to grow, the importance of QA and cross platform testing rises to the forefront. Businesses want their mobile applications to be accessible and efficient. With cross platform testing, that becomes more of a reality for businesses looking to grow their app’s user base. Once a team learns about their users’ behaviors, they can begin to select the right testing platforms. Thinking strategically about what, when, and how to test also comes into play. As businesses grow, automated testing might be an investment that will benefit all parties. To prevent their app’s failure across devices, businesses need to invest in long-term cross platform testing and mobile retargeting.