What is Compatibility Testing? Software and Application Testing

Compatibility Testing

Compatibility Testing is a type of software testing to ensure whether your software is capable of running on various hardware, operating systems, applications, websites, WebPages, network milieu or mobile devices. The other term which can be used for compatibility testing is"Non functional testing".

Tools employed for "Compatibility Testing”:

1. Browser Compatibility Testing:

   This tool is really beneficial and helpful for a software developer to check application in various browsers.

2. Virtual Desktops - "Operating system compatibility”:

   This is used to run the applications over a set of plethora of operating platforms as 'Virtual Machine'. 'n' number of systems can be connected,joined and hence results can be compared and evaluated.

Let us now have a look at the "Tritan Compatibility Testing Process"

1. ) Initially, define the set of environments or platforms the application is likely to use

2. ) Draw the various platforms, software, and hardware to understand the anticipated behavior in different configurations

3. ) Set up the proper full fledged testing environment

4. ) Start testing across various platforms, devices, and networks

5. ) Note the behavior, report the bugs, defects, errors in an order

6. ) Get the defects fixed or removed permanently.

7. ) Retest the application rigourously if not getting the desired results.

Compatibility Testing can be performed for the following:

1. Operating systems:

   Testing across OS like Linux, Mac OS, and Windows etc.

2. Databases:

   Testing across databases like Oracle, SQL Server etc.

3. Browsers:

   Testing across browsers like IE, Chrome, Firefox, Mozilla, Safari, etc. Some of the most common cross browser testing tools include Browserstack, Crossbrowsertesting.com, Browserling, Browsera, Browsershots etc.

4. Other System Software:

   Testing web server, networking, messaging tools etc.

5. Mobile applications:

   Testing across different mobile platforms, devices, networks etc.

Few of the most observed compatibility testing defects:

1. Variations in the user interface with observation to style,looks,feel and layouts.

2. Changes with respect to font size, alignment, width, contrast, issues.

3. Highly marked changes is CSS style and color, issues related to scroll bar.

4. Also, presence of broken tables and frames.

The most effective and recommend use of compatibility testing is to ensure whether built software works effectively with various configurations. This testing is inevitable to check whether the application is compatible with the client’s environment or not.
Finally it is true that the end user might test the developed product in multiple platforms or any other characteristic and surprisingly they may find bugs, defects in the application which is not a hot pick interms of quality. To lessen the effects of such commercial issues and in order to release quality products, hence the need to to test applications on all platforms arises. Thus compatibility testing plays a quintessential role in testing applications.
Tritan uses comprehensive compatibility testing services that are relevant across various operating systems, browsers, database, hardware, software, configurations, devices etc. We are pioneer in providing an end to end cross browser test automation solutions with a truly and fully loaded selenium test automation framework with high integration plug-in.

Conclusion:

Software applications launched in the market should be of great quality and it should be ensured that they are also compatible with all hardware, software, OS, platforms, etc. which is achieved through opting for compatibility testing. Compatibility can be determined through deploying compatibility testing, which detects for any defects, errors,bugs before the product is delivered to the end user. This testing establishes or confirms that the product meets all the requirements set and agreed upon by both the developer and the end user.
This efficient quality software or application in turn improves the reputation and P.R of the business and bendicts the company to success. It is absolutely true that quality products improve sales and marketing efforts and bring satisfaction to the customer. Moreover, an efficient compatibility test effort ensures real compatibility among different computing milieu. In addition, a truly dynamic compatibility testing also confirms the workability and stability of the software that is of much importance before its launch.

Finally, it is true that the end user might test the product in different platforms or any other factor and they may find bugs, errors, defects in the application which is not worthy in terms of quality. To lessen the impact of all such issues and in order to deliver high quality products, it is important to test the application on all the various functionalities and parameters. Thus, compatibility testing plays a vital role in testing of applications and software.
Most companies today are taking the advantage of getting their testing done outside, as they need not maintain a group of testers, or maintain a panoramic range of hardware and software that is used in the process of testing.

Tritan Dynamic Compatibility Testing -

Tritan comprehensive compatibility testing services are performed across a variety of operating Systems, browsers, databases, servers, hardware, different versions, configurations, display resolutions, etc. Moreover, we provide an end-to-end compatibility test automation solution with a fully loaded Selenium test automation framework with integration plug-ins.