Web developers face new and exciting challenges as the digital realm expands at a swift pace. One persisting hurdle in this era of cutting-edge technologies and rapid advancements is compatibility with outdated browsers. Even with the introduction of the modern web browser, Internet Explorer still has a significant impact on the web and is still one of the biggest challenges bridge builders face.
For almost a decade, Internet Explorer has been one of the most popular online browsers, especially in business and corporate environments where legacy systems are still often utilized. It also does not support modern web standards because developers still have to put in a lot of effort to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Every time different versions and settings are taken into account, integration problems occur, customer satisfaction declines, and the company loses its competitive edge.
Today, in this blog post, you will learn how to test Internet Explorer online. Now, let’s get going!
Acknowledging the Legacy Issue
In 2024, Internet Explorer is still a browser option, albeit less so than it was at the time of its peak popularity. Web developers still hold high regard for it despite its decline in market domination due to its widespread use in a few specialized areas. Despite greater competition from other browsers, many people continue to use Internet Explorer even with the arrival of more advanced browsers, especially in business and specialized settings.
Examining Internet Explorer’s compatibility brings up a number of problems for site developers. The rendering engine has to be updated in order to support many of the new features and web standards, which is one of the main problems. The lack of consistency in browser functionality and appearance will force developers to employ workarounds and hacks in order to maintain some degree of uniformity.
Moreover, Internet Explorer’s fragmented architecture exacerbates connectivity problems. One of the most challenging components is the extensive usage of many Internet Explorer versions, from IE8 to IE11. The developers must deal with differing levels of support and conduct, which makes the processes involved in testing and debugging more difficult. This fragmentation also extends to operating systems since Internet Explorer is an essential component of the Windows operating system and provides further cross-platform compatibility.
Compatibility issues with Internet Explorer not only lead to technical problems but can negatively affect user experience and organizational objectives. A sizable portion of users would not be able to access a product or website designed just for Internet Explorer, which can cause annoyance, decreased user engagement, and, eventually, revenue loss.
Furthermore, a company that refuses to work with Internet Explorer could face many repercussions. Delegating the installation of Internet Explorer could lead to a breach of contract or regulatory obligations, which could have adverse legal effects or violate agreements. Additionally, in commercial situations where Internet Explorer is still widely utilized due to legacy programs, failure to solve this results in hindered adoption and limited, if not altogether removed, market reach.
The Importance of Online Testing
It is imperative that old browsers—especially Internet Explorer—be thoroughly tested, as the online environment is constantly evolving. When taking into account older browser support, the following advantages of using online testing platforms are especially pertinent:
Accessibility:
Virtual browsers, such as earlier iterations of Internet Explorer, appear instead of manual settings or virtual computers, which are needed for online testing platforms. By making the system easily accessible, it is possible to facilitate faster iterations and debugging and streamline the testing process.
Cost-Effectiveness:
Configuring and maintaining the infrastructure, which consists of multiple physical and virtual machines, can be expensive and time-consuming when assessing Internet Explorer’s compatibility with alternative browsers. By adjusting the solution to the changing requirements of different browser versions and settings, online testing solutions offer a less expensive alternative by avoiding the need for costly infrastructure deployment.
Scalability:
Similarly, the necessity to test projects across different browser settings grows with their size and complexity. Online testing platforms provide scalability, enabling developers to extend their testing protocols without having to discover and share resources or comply with additional infrastructure constraints.
Real-Time Feedback:
With online testing tools, development teams can work together and provide real-time feedback, simplifying the process of finding and fixing compatibility problems. By offering powerful tools like instantaneous result readout and diagnostics, developers can speed up the debugging process and create a smoother development workflow.
An Overview of Commonly Used Online Testing Resources
When it comes to online testing tools, developers have a wide range of options, and each one offers special benefits and features. In particular, LambdaTest, an AI-powered test orchestration and execution platform that allows automation testing across 3000+ browsers, OS and device combinations fits into this category and is the most effective tool for testing compatibility with IE:
● Browser Compatibility:
LambdaTest gives developers access to a large variety of browsers, including various iterations of Internet Explorer so that they can test their websites and online apps against the many browser ecosystems.
● User-Friendly Interface:
LambdaTest’s user-friendly interface makes testing quick and simple. Developers can quickly and easily set up tests, run them efficiently, and review the results using this interface.
● In-person Interactive Testing:
Developers can quickly find and fix compatibility issues by testing their web apps in real-time across several browsers with LambdaTest’s live interactivity testing tool.
● Automated Testing:
While LambdaTest promotes automation, developers can design and run test scripts to have their online application tested for compatibility with several browsers, including Internet Explorer. This automation is helpful because it speeds up the process overall and increases output.
● Bug Tracking and Screenshots:
LambdaTest gives developers additional control by allowing them to easily compare and visually validate their web apps by taking screenshots of them in a variety of browsers. It also includes a bug-tracking tool that makes managing problems for developers a breeze.
● Combining Development Tools:
Thanks to LambdaTest’s smooth interaction with several well-known development and continuous integration platforms, such as Jenkins, Jira, and Slack, developers can now quickly add compatibility testing to their regular workflow.
Strategies for Testing Internet Explorer Online
A significant problem for developers who wish to offer a consistent experience across all browsers is the fragmentation brought about by the Internet Explorer ecosystem, which includes versions IE 8 to IE 11:
1. Set Target Version Priorities
Explain the different iterations of Internet Explorer and how the project requirements and user demographics connect to them. The majority of resources should go toward the most widely used versions, while backward compatibility must be preserved to satisfy the needs of legacy users.
2. Utilize Online Testing Resources
Utilize internet testing platforms like LambdaTest to access several Internet Explorer configurations and versions. Test extensively across a number of versions to find and address any compatibility problems that might exist between one version and another.
3. Employ Feature Detection
To recognize and control feature differences between Internet Explorer versions, use feature detection techniques like Modernizr and conditional comments. This strategy allows developers to offer fallbacks or alternative versions of features that aren’t compatible with previous software versions.
4. Flexibility in Design and CSS Compatibility
Compatibility between Internet Explorer versions is a critical component in guaranteeing that the user has a pleasant and aesthetically pleasing surfing experience with responsive design and CSS:
● Incorporate Vendor Prefixes:
To maintain uniformity across Internet Explorer versions, utilize vendor prefixes (-ms-, -webkit-, -moz-, etc.) when implementing CSS properties. Examine CSS layouts thoroughly across all project versions to make sure that inconsistent rendering is stopped and fixed.
● Polyfills and Shims:
Use shims and polyfills that mimic modern HTML and CSS technologies, including Flexbox and Grid layout polyfills, to simulate the functionality of the most recent iteration of Internet Explorer. This allows developers to use complex layout techniques, but it also means that older browser versions must be supported.
● Gradual Enhancement:
When creating CSS, take a progressive approach: give basic layouts and styles to all browsers and then progressively add features for more modern browsers. This allows for a more seamless degrading experience for Internet Explorer, which may not support more complex CSS features.
5. JavaScript and DOM Manipulation Testing
JavaScript and DOM manipulation are essential for maximizing the functionality and interactivity of web applications since they enable the following:
● Cross-Browser Testing:
To completely confirm JavaScript’s functioning on different Internet Explorer versions, use local testing environments or online testing platforms. Understand that various versions impact the behavior of JavaScript engines and DOM handling.
● Utilize Feature Detection:
To find programmable JavaScript functionality and browser capabilities, use feature detection libraries (like Modernizr) or feature detection approaches (like typeof). There is a perfect chance of this. Consequently, this allows developers to provide fallbacks or alternative implementations for features that are incompatible with versions of Internet Explorer that are older than that one.
● Polyfills and Transpilers:
Transpilers and polyfills, like Babel or Polyfill.io, can be used to bridge the JavaScript compatibility gaps and ensure that they work with earlier versions of Internet Explorer. It encourages programmers to make the most of the most advanced JavaScript features while yet allowing older browsers to function correctly.
Read also: Understanding Naked Eye 3D Technology: How It Works, Applications, and Benefits
6. Methods for Troubleshooting and Debugging
Bug identification and Internet Explorer compatibility issue troubleshooting require sophisticated tools and a systematic methodology. Consider the following techniques:
● Tools for developers:
To fix compatibility issues, examine HTML, CSS, and JavaScript using Internet Explorer’s built-in Developer Tools. Look for rendering anomalies, console errors, and network requests to identify the root of the problem.
● Mode of Compatibility:
Test websites and web apps in Internet Explorer’s compatibility mode to mimic the previous browser’s version to identify which specific compatibility issues this version causes. Adjust the document mode and compatibility settings as needed to resolve any rendering or functionality problems.
● User-Agent Switching:
Use user-agent switching tools or browser plugins to mimic previous versions of Internet Explorer and test compatibility on various configurations. As a result, developers may mimic the user experience for a particular browser version or environment in order to find and repair errors.
7. Selecting the Correct Method for Emulation vs. Virtualization
When undertaking online Internet Explorer compatibility testing, developers frequently have to choose between emulation and virtualization:
● Emulation:
Their ability to run different browser versions inside of a single browser is combined with emulation. Testing multiple versions simultaneously is made simple and effective by emulation solutions like the IE mode in Microsoft Edge. Emulation can help explain test result inconsistencies, even though it cannot fully reproduce the tiny changes between each browser’s rendering engine and JavaScript implementation.
● Virtualization:
Using virtual machines or containers, several instances of Internet Explorer can be used to replicate the capabilities of every browser version more precisely. Users can test different browser settings with the additional flexibility and customization offered by virtualization technologies like VMware and VirtualBox.
However, compared to emulation, virtualization requires more time and resources. Therefore, it is not a definitive solution for multiple testing cycles.
To Sum Up
Support for legacy browsers is a complex issue that requires careful planning and the appropriate tools. For evaluating the compatibility of other obsolete browsers, including Internet Explorer compatibility, cloud services such as LambdaTest and others provide unmatched ease of use, scalability, and affordability.
In addition, LambdaTest is an invaluable resource due to its extensive browser coverage and variety of testing techniques. Developers may expedite time to market, optimize browser compatibility, and streamline testing procedures with LambdaTest’s intuitive features, robust UI, and simple-to-integrate options. Developers may utilize LambdaTest to efficiently handle compatibility issues and give users exceptional user experiences that surpass their expectations.
