How to Test Compatibility of Apps | Importance, Advantages and Tools

Introduction: 

The needs for software development are no longer centered on a single platform because technology is developing more quickly than ever. Today, cross-platform compatibility is a goal while developing software. This is the situation where compatibility testing is necessary. You need to evaluate your website's or application's compatibility to function on a variety of devices for the great majority of software kinds. How do you go about that? How can you guarantee that your consumers can switch between devices without having their experience affected in any way?

What is Compatibility Testing?

Before we learn about how to test compatibility, first let's go through definitions. Compatibility testing involves examining an application's performance across various networks, operating systems, hardware platforms, & browsers. Software incompatibility can be defined as a property of software systems that may not work properly on any computer, or several computers. They could be parts or systems that are designed to work together or separately. Software compatibility refers to the ability of software systems or components to function effectively either on the same computer or on many computers connected by a computer network. It's conceivable for some software parts or systems to work together in one setting but not another.

Then, perform one round of compatibility testing before moving the program into production so that it may be used or accessed by multiple users on various systems without encountering compatibility problems. Generally, this type of testing is done when the app is declared fully working and is in a stable state. 

Testing for mobile app compatibility makes sure that the software application functions as intended on a variety of browsers, mobile devices, networks, and hardware. It is a way for a tester to confirm that the program will run properly on the consumer's preferred device.

Usability testing and mobile compatibility testing are frequently mistaken. Compatibility testing verifies that the program under tests functions as expected across the combination of devices and browsers, whereas usability testing concentrates on appearance and usability.

Why Compatibility Tests are important?

This form of testing guarantees consumer satisfaction scores on your weekly charts which alone solidifies its significance. The application might not work with a particular user's device because users of your program will use it on various devices. Access will be interrupted as a result, and the end user will finally uninstall your application. This results in the loss of a potential client. If compatibility testing is done (and done correctly, of course! ), you will be able to address potential bugs on particular devices and keep a customer. You will at the very least be able to provide a precise list of the hardware and operating systems that your program is compatible with. As a result, even if you lose a client, at least you won't get their wrath in return.

Additionally, it is anticipated that a compatible application will draw more users. Increased user numbers translate into more potential clients, which boosts revenue generation. Yes, in the end, it's all about the money. Therefore, it is possible to say that compatibility testing can be profitable in every way when done properly on the apps being developed.

How to Test Compatibility of Apps?

A typical way to test compatibility should be done in these steps:

1. Determining the range of environments or platforms that the application is anticipated to operate on is the first step in the compatibility testing process.

2. The tester should be sufficiently knowledgeable about the platforms, software, and hardware to comprehend the anticipated behavior of the program in various configurations.

3. To determine whether your application functions properly under various configurations, the environment must be set up for testing with various platforms, devices, and networks.

4. Bring up the found bugs in the app and proceed to correct them. Verify the fix by retesting until the product is fully polished and ready to ship.

Generally, these tests will include these aspects of testing your app:

1. Version compatibility testing

2. Hardware and software compatibility testing

3. Browser compatibility testing

4. Network compatibility testing

5. Operating system compatibility testing

6. Device compatibility testing

7. Mobile compatibility testing

When it comes to professional and industry's leading compatibility testing, WeTest shines from the rest. Let it be PC compatibility testing, Mobile App compatibility testing, or Mobile game compatibility testing, WeTest got all of them covered. Clients can expect an experienced testing team of WeTest who test these apps on more than 300+ real devices, which can quickly accommodate application issues & reduce project costs. 

Wrapping up:

In this article, we explained the basics and how to test compatibility of apps in development in an organization along with their importance. A software application's ability to function correctly across various browsers, databases, operating systems (OS), mobile devices, networks, and hardware is determined by a compatibility test. Compatibility testing is a type of non-functional software testing that is used to assure reliable applications and client satisfaction. It tests elements including usability, dependability, and performance.