Understanding Browser Compatibility Matrix

While developing a website, developers and testing teams are likely to get a tilt of browser and device they require their sites to be fully compatible with. When this list of browser and devices is finalized and documented, it is often referred to as the browser compatibility matrix or browser support matrix.

This clause will explain what a browser compatibility matrix is, why it ’ s needed, and how to build one.

What is Browser Compatibility Matrix?

In simple terms, the browser compatibility matrix is a formalized leaning of browsers (including mobile and desktop versions), operate systems, and different device types. In most cases, it also lean the number of device-browser-OS combination a website is not compatible with.

The persona below represents a sample browser compatibility matrix.

Image source (2017)

A browser support matrix acts as a document to delimitate browser compatibility and lay down the orbit (and price) of development and testing efforts relate to specific browsers/devices.

Why do Teams Need A Browser Compatibility Matrix?

The web is extremely fragmented and there are multiple browsers available for accessing web message. Additionally, every browser has its latest and legacy edition. These browsers are accessed via various devices with unique operating system, which exacerbates the scenario.

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Naturally, organizations or businesses can ’ t test their websites on every single device-browser-OS combination available digitally.

Here ’ s where the browser compatibility matrix comes into the picture. As mentioned before, a browser compatibility matrix serve to limit the development and test coverage to a specific set of browsers and devices.

Restricting the number of supported browsers helps teams focus on the most democratic 1 relevant to their mark audience. It also aid trim the website ’ s exposure to cross-browser glitch. Additionally, testing and optimizing websites for the latest variant of browsers will enable developer to aline the site with the modish technology.

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Additionally, a well-defined ambit helps render the best possible user experience for the selected platforms. This drives us to an important question.

How to assess ideal test environments for a Browser Compatibility Matrix?

Evaluating the ideal device-browser-OS combinations to test is a critical task. This stage demands thorough research on the geographical usage of browsers. One can make use of the following sources or tools to calculate out the most salient browsers based on specific region:

1. Google Analytics:Teams must use this excellent creature to calculate out data regarding which browsers and platforms their customer are using to visit their website. It also showcases the locations users are coming from. This will help identify the most commonly used browsers and program to be included in the browser compatibility matrix.
2. StatCounter: Teams can leverage the traffic analysis platformStatCounterto analyze their website traffic soundly. It allow users to refine the data as per requirements. For instance, one can enquiry desktop browser usage worldwide and further refine it based on geographic location.

Users can view the data in multiple format (Pie charts, Graphical charts, Maps, etc.) Also, one can use extra filters to information found on operating system, versions, and timelines. This helps devs gain deeper brainstorm.

One can too refer to these credible public sources for procuring relevant info:

1. NetMarketShare
2. Apple ’ s Official Support Pages
3. Android Dashboards

Data Points to Consider for a Browser Compatibility Matrix

To evaluate accurate browser usage across specific program or device case, teams need to consider certain data points. These include:

1. Platform-Based enquiry:It helps interpret the medium via which a user visits a website. For example, it help ascertain whether a exploiter is coming from a peregrine, desktop, or tablet twist, including its inherent OS (Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, etc.).
2. Desktop Browser custom:Desktop browser employment for a particular operating scheme varies depending on the geographical location. Given this, teams must check for all the possible desktop browser-OS combination democratic among the quarry audience.
3. Mobile Browser usage:There are multiple browsers available for mobile platforms (iOS, Android) like Safari, Chrome, UC, etc. Find out which mobile browser is the most popular among the target audience and ensure that browser is a part of the browser compatibility matrix.

Collating information from the sources lean above will help teams best translate their hearing (local or global). Additionally, research-based on these data points will help team better see the device-browser-OS environs most relevant to the website ’ s audience.

Once the matrix has been mold, developer and QAs need to secure that their development and test travail are focused on the finalized set of browser. Once the application is germinate, QAs want to test this software application on existent device-browser combinations sooner than emulators. This helps them test software in existent user weather and explore bugs that an end-user may meet in the real existence.

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Rolling out web coating that render flawless user experience and devices is a big challenge. However, creating a browser compatibility matrix after thoroughgoing research makes it relatively easier.

As the browser compatibility matrix facilitate developer and tester understand their finish well, creating it in the initial stages of growth is the best exercise. Of line, craft a browser compatibility matrix is not an exact science. However, teams can use the data-driven coming explicate above to make informed determination during development and examination. Last but not least, bear in mind that an updated browser matrix assist teams develop and test software with the almost crucial constituent in mind & # 8211; the actual users.

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