Microsoft Edge Online has gained popularity as a web browser due to its numerous features and functionality. Web developers need to ensure their websites are secure, fast, and compatible with various platforms and devices. It is a web-based version of the Edge browser that prioritizes security and efficiency while integrating seamlessly with Windows-based technologies. As more users migrate to Edge, developers must implement comprehensive testing strategies to provide users with outstanding experiences.
Cross-browser testing is an important aspect of web development since it ensures the consistency of websites and web applications across several browsers, including Microsoft Edge Online. Reliability and user experience are enhanced by early detection of issues throughout the development cycle.
In this guide, we are going to discuss the basics of Microsoft Edge Online, its useful features, and advanced testing methods to optimize Edge for cross-browser consistency.
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Microsoft Edge online
Microsoft Edge is the latest web browser developed for different operating systems by Microsoft allowing internet users to navigate the World Wide Web without restrictions. It is now the default browser for modern devices and comes with Windows 10.
The browser allows the user to use vertical tabs to shift the conventional tab bar at the top to a vertical bar running along the left side of the browser, which is less stressful for hands. Microsoft Edge is a cross-platform browser for computers, smartphones, tablets, and other mobile platforms using EdgeHTML. It is intended to be faster than the previous release. It comes with improved device memory management, which results in a longer battery life.
Microsoft Edge online features
Following the latest release, this browser experienced significant improvements. With so many new features included. The browser finally provides a browser for quicker and safer browsing. Let us discuss some of its special features.
Windows Hello
Microsoft Edge now supports Windows Hello. It is the first browser natively that supports Microsoft’s biometric sign-in system. Windows Hello uses unique biometric information such as your face, fingerprint, iris, or even heartbeat detection gathered from a wearable device to authenticate user identity rather than the traditional password system.
Private Browsing
Edge supports a private browsing mode called InPrivate. InPrivate opens a new, dedicated window that stops cookies and websites from tracking the browser’s behavior. When Edge’s private browsing experience is closed, browsing and download history, cached passwords, images, and autofill form data, are immediately deleted.
Greater Security
Security features in Microsoft Edge include the Edge Login Process, Sandboxing, an upgraded Microsoft SmartScreen, and others. The Advanced Settings panel contains security features such as Smart Screen Filtering and cookie management.
Reading View Feature
Edge offers a fantastic feature for those who enjoy reading, called Reading View. The amazing part is that there will be no advertisements or toolbars to distract users while they read something attentively.
Integrated Share Panel
The Edge browser includes an easy-to-use integrated Share Panel that allows users to simply share the content they discover while browsing the internet. The Share Panel provides the sharing applications that have been activated. This allows users to easily share web pages without using any browser add-ons.
Reading List
It lets users add a webpage to their Reading List. They can view the reading list later by clicking the Hub icon in the top bar. All saved articles will be listed underneath one another, with the most recently read pages shown at the top in larger form. The browser stores the complete page code, allowing it to read saved pages offline.
Analyze Site’s Performance
Edge’s Developer Tools have several wonderful features. The Unified Performance Profiler is found on the “Performance” page and can assist in determining why the website is slow or heavy. Microsoft Edge combines Internet Explorer’s JavaScript Profiler and UI Responsiveness capabilities to help developers work more efficiently. Among the new developer features are SASS and LESS source maps, a new Network tool, and enhancements to the Debugger, such as XHR breakpoints.
Read out loud
Microsoft Edge can audibly read webpage content. The control buttons can be used to pause and resume the read-aloud cursor. Users may also use the same controls to navigate forward and backward.
The Importance of Testing on Microsoft Edge
Testing on Microsoft Edge is essential. Here’s why.
Edge’s Growing User Base:
Edge’s user base is increasing. It is the default browser in Windows 10 and 11. Plenty of users continue with it as it is pre-installed. Ignoring Edge might result in missing out on a massive audience. Making sure the website functions smoothly on Edge attracts these users.
Compatibility with Modern Web Standards:
Edge complies with modern web standards. This indicates it has the most recent HTML, CSS, and JavaScript features. Cross-browser testing on Edge guarantees that the website leverages these features appropriately and aids in offering a modern and engaging user experience.
Impact on User Experience and Engagement:
User experience is crucial for retaining visitors. A site that performs well on Edge might result in more attention. Users will be more satisfied with the fast load speeds and seamless performance. Testing guarantees that users do not experience issues such as broken layouts or sluggish web pages. It improves overall satisfaction and retention.
Error Detection and Debugging
Browsers interpret and render code differently. A website that performs fine in one browser may cause issues or malfunctions in another. Cross-browser testing with Edge allows developers to find and solve issues before the website goes live. This proactive strategy saves time and money, as resolving issues after a website is launched may be more expensive and time-consuming.
SEO Benefits
An essential component of web advertising and visibility is search engine optimization or SEO. Among the many factors that search engines consider when ranking websites is user experience. A well-functioning website across all browsers is likely to receive positive feedback from users, including longer visits and lower bounce rates. This could boost the exposure and search engine ranking of the website.
Common challenges in testing on Microsoft Edge
Testing on Edge comes with different complications. Let’s list a few typical problems.
CSS Compatibility Issues:
CSS may function differently between browsers. Edge may display styles differently from Chrome or Firefox. This can cause layout difficulties.
JavaScript Compatibility Issues:
JavaScript functionality may not operate the same way in all browsers. Edge, while compliant with modern standards, can still cause problems. Some functions may behave in unexpected ways.
Third-party cookies
Third-party cookies in Microsoft Edge can cause issues with white screens and redirects.
Web Driver insider build issues
While testing with Edge, later versions of the Web Driver insider build might not work with UFT (Unified Functional Testing), a testing tool that accelerates test automation.
HTML5 Compatibility Issues:
Although HTML5 is generally accepted, there are minor differences. Edge might often treat certain elements differently. This can have an impact on how content is displayed and interacted with.
Performance and Rendering Challenges:
Performance varies among browsers. Edge is quick, but heavy scripts and large images might slow it down. Rendering difficulties may also happen. Elements may not appear as intended.
Advanced testing methods for ensuring cross-browser consistency and optimizing Microsoft Edge Online
Below are some advanced techniques that help testers simplify their testing procedures, improve the consistency of the applications, and provide the greatest user experience across all versions of Microsoft Edge online.
Understanding the Platform’s Offering
To ensure optimal Microsoft Edge testing, a professional tester must be experienced in the features and capabilities of the preferred cloud-based testing platform.
Its features, including cross-browser testing, responsive testing, and visual testing, are critical to ensure comprehensive testing coverage. Understanding the platform’s offering allows the tester to successfully use the platform’s capabilities and design strategies to fulfill certain needs.
Testing Across Multiple Versions
The online version of Microsoft Edge is updated regularly; therefore, it is critical to test on different versions of Edge from the most recent release to a few previous versions to ensure compatibility across various user bases. This requires testing on different operating systems such as Windows and macOS to cover the most diverse user scenarios possible.
Cloud-based platforms like LambdaTest provide all the versions of Microsoft Edge, allowing the team to test their application on the most recent and popular browser versions.
Implementing Parallel Testing
Choosing the best browser is just one aspect of optimizing the approach for Microsoft Edge testing. Another effective method that the cloud-based platform offers is parallel testing. This enables testers to execute several tests concurrently on multiple Microsoft Edge operating systems and versions.
Implementing this strategy allows testers to detect bugs more quickly, assure compatibility and consistency with the most recent Edge version, and provide a high-quality user experience while saving time.
Writing Cross-Browser Compatible Code:
Avoid using browser-specific functionality unless essential. This reduces the chances of the website operating differently among browsers. Test your code in many browsers from the start. This proactive strategy allows for the early detection of compatibility concerns.
Using Polyfills and Shims:
These tools solve issues with compatibility. For example, a polyfill can be used to add JavaScript functionality that Edge does not support. This guarantees that the website functions consistently across all browsers. Shims alter existing functionality to provide consistent behavior.
Utilizing Browser Extensions
Many browser extensions focus on online testing for Microsoft Edge. These extensions can help users debug screenshot comparisons and perform compatibility tests.
Leveraging Web development tools
Microsoft Edge tools include a variety of functions that allow the tester to simply inspect web page elements, analyze network requests, and debug JavaScript code. This approach helps in figuring out any error.
Optimizing Performance
Edge is fast, but heavy scripts and large graphics might slow it down. Optimize the website to guarantee that it operates smoothly. Reduce the use of complex scripts and large images. Use tools like Lighthouse to determine and enhance performance.
Performing Cross-Browser Testing
Testing on Microsoft Edge Online is crucial, but remember to test on other browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. This guarantees the user a consistent experience regardless of the browser chosen. Cloud-based testing platforms, such as LambdaTest, enable access to a wide range of browsers, allowing teams to test their application on numerous browsers while preserving the same user experience.
Automating Repetitive Tasks
Testing is a repeated task, repeated tests can be automated using frameworks such as Selenium, Cypress, Appium, Playwright, and others. Automating tasks enables testers to focus on complicated scenarios and exploratory testing. Automation testing platforms like LambdaTest integrate seamlessly with multiple frameworks, allowing teams to include Microsoft Edge testing into their regular testing workflows. This flexibility to seamlessly integrate with various automation frameworks enables testers to utilize the existing framework abilities and simply migrate tests to the cloud.
LambdaTest is an AI-powered test execution platform that can conduct both real and automated tests at scale. The platform enables real-time and automated testing on more than 3000 environments, including real mobile devices and browsers.
Furthermore, there is no need to maintain physical testing infrastructure because the platform offers a streamlined testing environment. Its vast and scalable cloud-based infrastructure allows testers to test the website or application across various versions of Edge, Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer Online to ensure flawless functionality across different devices. This comprehensive cross-browser and cross-device testing provides consistency, saves time and resources for all users, allows for concurrent test running, and considerably reduces testing time.
Another significant feature of LambdaTest is visual testing, which automatically compares screenshots from different browsers and devices, identifying visual irregularities. This can considerably increase regression testing efficiency.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that, in today’s digital environment it is vital to ensure the compatibility, performance, and consistency of web applications on Microsoft Edge. Developers can thoroughly analyze and optimize their web applications for Edge browsers by leveraging a range of tools and resources, as well as enhanced testing methods for cross-browser consistency. Developers can confidently create high-quality web applications that perform well across many Edge contexts, providing users with an enhanced Edge browsing experience.