To verify that a software system acts (builds and operates) correctly across a wide range of heterogeneous field situations, developers do compatibility testing. Compatibility testing is a non-functional test in which software is tested for its capability when run on different platforms like hardware, operating systems, various applications, mobile devices, etc.

In today's digital world, the importance of compatibility testing is crucial to ensure that an app or software works well in all environments and also meets the needs and expectations of its users. Testers can only perform compatibility tests by categorizing differently:

Software and application compatibility testing: 

There are several operating systems like windows, Linux, and Mac and therefore it is important that the application runs smoothly on every system.

The need for software compatibility especially mobile app compatibility testing becomes important. It creates and maintains products/services when there are so many people performing so many activities across numerous devices, whether they are online at home, at work, or in their hands.
 
Hardware and network compatibility testing:

A system compatibility test is performed to check whether the application is compatible with a particular size of:

* Ram
* ROM
* Hard-disk
* Processors and graphic cards

Also, parameters such as bandwidth, operating speed, capacity, signals, etc. are tested through network compatibility testing and are a crucial part of mobile compatibility testing.

Browser compatibility testing and website compatibility testing:

Each browser searches the information differently and every browser has its features displaying websites differently. 

Thus, it becomes important to carry on browser compatibility testing to check whether a website or application is functioning properly as intended to work in any browser. It involves various parameters like:

* Code validation
* Performance
* User interface
* Behaviour (navigation bars, links, search, etc.)

Cross-browser compatibility testing is performed to make the application user-friendly and also pinpoint compatibility errors in the different browsers so that quick debugging can be done.

End users should not be restricted to use any specific browser to access a particular application. Thus, it becomes necessary to perform website compatibility testing with different browsers. 

Mobile compatibility testing:

In this, an application is tested over multiple mobile devices having a different operating systems like android, ios, and windows. The application, irrespective of its OS (Android, iOS,) must give the same user experience.

Mobile app compatibility testing tools help to give applications the optimal level of quality and make sure it runs perfectly.

How is compatibility testing critical for digital transformation?

We are living in the age of digitalization and AI will surely rule the digital platform. Every day several applications have been launched that need to be performed precisely. 

Compatibility testing service plays an important part in this to make sure that the end product in the user's hand will give its 100 percent.

Minimizing the risk of failure: Digital projects involve a higher risk of failure when launched without a proper test automation strategy. As we know that manual testing cannot go thoroughly and find the requirements of diverse web browsers, devices, operating systems, screen resolutions, and dynamic systems. 

This is where a compatibility testing company comes to the rescue by mitigating human error that can occur from continuous testing of complex workflows.

Ameliorating application development process:

Compatibility testing assesses the issues in the software itself in the development process. Therefore, it becomes easier with the help of a system compatibility test to validate and provide feedback on application stability, usability, and scalability across different platforms. 

Also, the feedback obtained with this testing process helps to analyze errors, if any, in the development phase itself and improvise the application process.

Keeping customer satisfaction on top:

In the end, the main user is regular people and they will rate the application according to ease of use. For example, compatibility testing for mobile applications gives a higher chance for particular software to have better feedback if performed well.

The application needs to run and perform smoothly on different browsers, operating systems, hardware, etc.

Final Words

Compatibility is a key factor in the overall digital transformation effort. It helps to ensure positive business outcomes as it encourages referrals to a business. 
Compatibility testing is essential to building brand reputation, which is at the heart of digital transformation.