Utilizing Microsoft Edge Online for Enhanced Web Testing

In the current digital world, it is critical to ensure the performance, security, and compatibility of web applications across several browsers. Users increasingly prefer Microsoft Edge online for browsing, so developers and testers need to apply strong testing techniques designed for this browser.

What does Microsoft Edge’s enhanced security entail?

Microsoft Edge’s enhanced security feature disables just-in-time (JIT) JavaScript compilation and adds further operating system protections for the browser, helping to guard against memory-related vulnerabilities. Hardware-enforced Stack Protection and Arbitrary Code Guard (ACG) make up these defenses. With these defenses in place, Microsoft Edge lowers your chance of an attack by automatically enforcing tougher security settings on websites you are unfamiliar with and gradually adjusting to your surfing preferences.

Because Microsoft Edge is still undergoing development and testing, you might see that increased security is enabled by default.

To ensure a consistent user experience, make sure your website works effectively on Microsoft Edge. The time and effort needed can be greatly decreased by automating your website tests. Here, we provide some insightful advice on how to write efficient automated tests on Microsoft Edge to guarantee that your users have a flawless experience.

Why Is Microsoft Edge Testing Important?

Despite not being as popular as Google Chrome, Safari, or Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge is a major market share leader and comes pre-installed on all Windows 10 devices. It is crucial to test your website on Edge for a number of reasons.

Different Rendering Engine: Because Edge employs a different rendering engine than other browsers, your website may seem different on Edge.

Special Qualities: Functionalities such as Cortana integration and Web Notes

Some Tips for Developing Robust Automated Tests for Microsoft Edge

Entire test coverage

Make sure all of your website’s major capabilities are covered in your tests. To ensure that all of the important features of your website are tested, create tests for different user journeys. Thorough test coverage guarantees that you can find and fix any problems visitors may run across when exploring different sections of your website.

For instance, every functionality on your website, including product search, checkout, customer service, login, and user registration, needs to be carefully tested. After every update or modification to your website, you can easily confirm that these essential features continue to function as intended by automating these tests.

Make Use of Screenshots

Take screenshots to confirm that Microsoft Edge shows your website appropriately. This can assist you in discovering layout problems that might be unique to Edge. Even minor visual differences can have a big effect on how a user interacts with a system. For example, even if they appear OK on other browsers, items like buttons, text, and photos may not line correctly or may overlap on Edge.

You can identify these problems early on in your automated tests by including  screenshot comparisons. It is possible to take screenshots at different points during the test and compare them to a baseline using tools such as UIlicious in order to spot visual changes.

Assertions of Data

Use assertions to verify that the information on your website is accurate. For e-commerce websites in particular, where precise pricing and product information are essential, this is very critical. By using assertions, you can make sure that the information on your website is accurate and satisfies the requirements. To ensure that product prices, descriptions, and availability are displayed accurately, for instance, you might establish assertions.

Additionally, you can verify that promotional reductions are applied correctly and that the final cost throughout the checkout process is calculated accurately. Additionally, assertions can be used to confirm that dynamic content—like user-generated reviews and ratings—is shown accurately.

Use tools to automate

Make use of UIlicious and other automation technologies to expedite your testing procedure. Automation guarantees that your tests stay up to date while also saving time and money. You can plan tests to run on a regular basis, such as every night or after a deployment, by using automation.

By using a continuous testing strategy, problems can be found early on and resolved more quickly. Tools like UIlicious and others include features like reporting capabilities, interaction with CI/CD pipelines, and simple test script generation to make it easier to monitor the progress of your tests. By scaling your testing efforts with automation, you may cover more test cases and scenarios without increasing the amount of manual labor required.

As Microsoft Edge gains popularity among users, developers and testers must implement robust testing methodologies specific to this browser.

To enhance web application testing, it’s important to utilize Microsoft Edge’s online developer tools alongside traditional testing methods. Resources such as the Microsoft Edge Developer Tools allow developers to simulate various browsing scenarios and identify potential issues. This ensures web applications function smoothly across different versions of Microsoft Edge and makes the testing process more efficient.

Leveraging Microsoft Edge Online Tools

Using Microsoft Edge’s online tools helps testers optimize web application compatibility and stability on this browser. These tools allow for debugging JavaScript code, simulating different network conditions, and gaining real-time performance insights.

Online Testing Overview for Microsoft Edge

Testing Microsoft Edge online involves assessing its functionality, compatibility, and performance in various scenarios. These assessments are typically conducted virtually or through web-based resources to ensure a consistent browsing experience with Microsoft Edge across different online applications, devices, and operating systems.

Commonly used in online testing for Microsoft Edge are virtualized environments that simulate real-world scenarios, automated testing tools, and specialized testing frameworks. For example, LambdaTest, an AI-powered test execution platform, supports testing across multiple versions of Edge and various operating systems. With over 3000 browser versions and operating systems supported, LambdaTest offers extensive testing capabilities.

Creating a Dependable Testing Environment

Establishing a reliable testing environment is essential for effective development, especially when focusing on browsers like Microsoft Edge.

• Microsoft Edge Browser: To accurately test web applications, make sure you have the most recent stable version of Microsoft Edge installed.

• Developer Tools: Utilize the integrated developer tools in Microsoft Edge, which offer capabilities for testing and debugging, including insights into network activity, JavaScript errors, CSS styles, and HTML structure.

• Browser Extensions: Use browser extensions designed for Microsoft Edge testing to enhance testing capabilities, such as performance analysis, accessibility verification, automated testing, and compatibility testing across different Edge versions.

• Testing Frameworks: Depending on project requirements, integrate testing frameworks like Selenium or Puppeteer to create scripts that simulate user interactions and test web application functionality across various browsers, including Microsoft Edge.

• Compatibility Testing: Ensure the testing setup allows for compatibility testing with different versions of Microsoft Edge. Tools or services that assess application compatibility with previous Edge versions can help maintain a consistent user experience.

• Virtual Machines or Cloud Testing Services: Utilize virtual machines or cloud testing services for comprehensive testing across multiple browser versions and operating systems, allowing access to diverse browser setups without the need for numerous physical devices.

• Version Control: Implement a version control system like Git to manage codebase and testing environment setups efficiently. Version control tracks changes, promotes collaboration, and facilitates code reviews.

• Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Maintain thorough documentation of testing environment setups, tools, and extensions used.

Simulators for Internet Explorer and Edge:

The industry standard browser at first was Internet Explorer, but Microsoft Edge performs better and is more compatible with current web standards. Consequently, Internet Explorer is being gradually replaced. Internet Explorer online and Edge are still widely used by consumers and businesses for a variety of purposes, testing and support for both browsers will always be necessary despite this change.

Developers may test their websites effectively without installing Internet Explorer  and Edge on their PCs by using online simulators for these browsers. These simulators allow developers to evaluate compatibility and spot possible problems by simulating Edge and Internet Explorer behavior in a virtual environment.

 Common Challenges in Microsoft Edge Online Testing

Issue: Edge Performance Problems

• Solutions:
  • Close all tabs and restart the browser to address memory consumption issues.
  • Open a new InPrivate browsing window to eliminate tracker-related slowdowns.
  • Defragment PC storage for optimal performance.

Issue: Edge Internet Connection Problems

• Solutions:
  • Ensure device connectivity to the local network and check the router and modem.
  • Improve connection by moving closer to the network’s central point.

Issue: Websites Not Loading Properly on Edge

• Solutions:
  • Clear browser data and ensure proxy support is turned off.
  • Address compatibility issues with older technologies like ActiveX, Silverlight, or Java.

Issue: Difficulty Accessing Favorites or Downloads

• Solutions:
  • Access favorites through the Hub button and import from another browser if needed.
  • Find download history in Edge settings or the Downloads folder on the PC.

Issue: Passwords Not Working in Edge

• Solutions:
  • Clear browser cache and cookies, and check for conflicting apps.
  • Run the Windows app troubleshooter.

Issue: Edge Stuck in an Infinite Loop

• Solutions:
  • Use System File Checker to identify and fix errors.
  • Uninstall recently installed programs or apps.
  • Use System Restore if necessary.
  • Force-close Edge using Task Manager if unresponsive.

Issue: Mouse Hover and Other Features Not Working

• Solutions:
  • Clear browser cache in Edge settings.

Issue: Text Size Too Small in Edge

• Solutions:
  • Customize font size in Immersive Reader settings.

Issue: Unable to Save Web Pages in Edge

• Solutions:
  • Save pages directly by right-clicking.
  • Use browser extensions like OneNote for clipping pages.

Issue: Skype for Business Online, Access, or Project Not Working

• Solutions:
  • Use a different browser for SharePoint or OneDrive projects if unsupported in Edge.

Issue: Flash Player Not Working in Edge

• Solutions:
  • Use alternatives like HTML5 due to the end of Flash Player support.

Issue: Sound Not Working in Edge

• Solutions:
  • Unmute the tab if necessary.

Problem: Video Websites Not Functioning Correctly in Edge

• Solutions:
  • Clear browser data in Edge settings.
  • Update graphics card drivers and ensure Windows is up to date.
  • Enable software rendering instead of GPU rendering if necessary.
  • Use video download managers like MyTube.

Issue: Autofill Not Working Properly in Edge

• Solutions:
  • Check autofill settings and clear browser cache.
  • Disable conflicting extensions and manage form data in settings.

Issue: Browser Crashes in Edge

• Solutions:
  • Ensure Windows and Edge are up to date.
  • Use System File Checker to identify and fix system file errors.
  • Disable conflicting extensions and clear browser cache.

Issue: Excessive Pop-Up Windows in Edge

• Solutions:
  • Scan for malware using antivirus software.
  • Install ad-blocker extensions.
  • Clear browser cache.

Issue: Home Page Keeps Changing in Edge

• Solutions:
  • Scan for malware and disable suspicious extensions.

Issue: Adblocker Not Working in Edge

• Potential Solutions:
  • Update or reinstall the adblocker extension.

Issue: Tabs Falling Asleep in Edge

• Potential Solutions:
  • Adjust sleeping tab settings to whitelist specific sites or disable entirely.

Issue: Syncing Issues Across Devices in Edge

• Potential Solutions:
  • Update Edge and reset the browser.
  • Create a new profile if necessary.

If all else fails, ensure Windows and Edge are fully updated and consider waiting for the next Microsoft update, which may include fixes for existing issues.

Read also: Evaluating Web Browsers for Online Testing

Conclusion

Given that Microsoft Edge has a sizable market share, distinct features, and a rendering engine of its own, testing your website on Edge is crucial to providing a consistent user experience. Cross-browser testing guarantees that your website functions properly in all popular browsers, and automation technologies such as UIlicious streamline and simplify this process.

You can build reliable automated tests that support the upkeep of your website’s compatibility with Microsoft Edge and other browsers, giving your users an impeccable experience, by using automation tools and the above-mentioned guidelines.