Compatibility Testing: Definition, Types And Possible Defects

In order for software to operate successfully, compatibility testing is essential. It is essential to ensure the high-quality performance of the software products. In this article, GCT Solution will analyze compatibility testing in terms of definition, types and possible defects.

What Is Compatibility Testing?

Compatibility testing determines if the software product has the ability to function correctly across various browsers, databases, operating systems (OS), mobile devices, networks, and hardware. Compatibility testing is used to guarantee reliable applications and client pleasure.

For instance, if Google.com is compatible, all operating systems and browsers are allowed to be accessed by anyone.

In addition, compatibility testing is a type of non-functional software testing.

Types Of Compatibility Testing

• Version testing

Whenever a new version of software is released, version testing ensures the software product is compatible with different versions of the software.

• Browser testing

Browser testing is also known as cross-browser testing. This ensures the software application performs properly across different browsers, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Internet Explorer. It also makes sure that the software works well across browsers on different devices, such as laptops, smartphones and tablets.

• Hardware testing

Hardware testing assesses the performance of the software products with various hardware configurations.

• Software testing

Software testing tests the developed software product to ensure its successful performance with other software. This includes scenarios such as if Microsoft Word compatibility with Microsoft Outlook or Excel and vice versa.

• Network testing

Network testing assesses the performance of the software product in diverse networks, for example, 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi.

• Device testing

Device testing makes sure that performance of the software product runs smoothly with different devices, for example, USB port devices, printers, scanners and Bluetooth.

• Mobile testing 

Mobile testing checks if the software product performs well with different mobile devices and/ or their platforms, including iOS and Android OS.

• OS testing 

OS testing, or Operation System testing, confirms the software application performs properly with different operating systems, like Linux, Mac and Windows.

Possible Defect Of Compatibility Testing

Here are some possible defects that could be detected during the compatibility testing:

• Changes in font and/or size
• Changes in the UI (user interface)
• Issues with the scroll bar
• Issues with the menu bar  
• Issues with content alignment
• Overlapped content or labels
• Broken frames or tables

Final thought

Compatibility testing, to be honest, plays a vital role in your software development process. Hopefully, this article helps you have a clearer view of compatibility testing to apply it in your process of building software products. 

If you are seeking a seasoned IT provider, GCT Solution is the ideal choice. With 3 years of expertise, we specialize in Mobile App , Web App, System Development, Blockchain Development and Testing Services. Our 100+ skilled IT consultants and developers can handle projects of any size. Having successfully delivered over 50+ solutions to clients worldwide, we are dedicated to supporting your goals. Reach out to us for a detailed discussion, confident that GCT Solution is poised to meet all your IT needs with tailored, efficient solutions.