What is Compatibility Testing?

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What is Compatibility Testing?

Compatibility testing is a type of software testing that ensures the compatibility of a software application or system across different platforms, operating systems, browsers, devices, and network environments. It aims to verify that the software functions correctly and consistently across various combinations of hardware and software configurations.

The purpose of compatibility testing is to identify any compatibility issues or conflicts that may arise when the software is used in different environments. This testing helps to ensure that the software can be seamlessly installed, executed, and operated without any compatibility-related errors or issues.

During compatibility testing, the software is tested on different platforms, operating systems, and devices to check if it functions as expected and maintains its performance, functionality, and usability across these different environments. It involves testing the software on various combinations of hardware, software, and network configurations to identify any compatibility issues such as software crashes, performance degradation, display issues, or functionality failures.

Compatibility testing can be performed manually or using automated testing tools. It typically includes testing the software on different versions of operating systems, browsers, databases, and hardware configurations. It may also involve testing the software in different network environments, such as different internet speeds or network protocols.

The main objectives of compatibility testing are to ensure that the software is compatible with the intended platforms and environments, to identify and resolve any compatibility issues, and to provide a seamless user experience across different configurations. By conducting compatibility testing, software quality assurance teams can ensure that the software meets the requirements of a diverse user base and functions reliably in various environments.