how to test plugin on different browser versions
Plugins are an important part of modern websites, providing them with additional functionality. However, to ensure safe and stable operation of the plugin on different browser versions, it is necessary to conduct thorough testing. Sometimes you have to test the plugin on several browsers at the same time, but what is even more frightening – on several versions of different browsers. How to implement this without losing nerve cells?
My name is Ksenia, I am a QA specialist at SimbirSoft. I will share my bitter experience of choosing a method for installing different browser versions, as well as tips on how to simplify this process – using a sandbox and a virtual machine.
Testing on different browser versions is a critical step to ensure that your product works correctly on all popular platforms. As new browser versions appear, their functionality may change, which may affect the operation of your plugin. Therefore, regular testing on different browser versions will help to detect and fix possible problems in time.
Background
One fine day I got to an interesting project. The team's task was to create a plugin that simplified the recruitment process by collecting resumes from different employment web applications. The list of requirements for the plugin included testing in four different browsers, each of which required checking 2 versions (the latest and the penultimate): Google Chrome v 126/127, Firefox v 127/128, Yandex v 23/24 and Microsoft Edge v 126/127.
Stage 1. Denial
The question arises – why test browsers with the same engine if the update is automatic? It was important for the client that the user of the plugin could work with it, even if there were no browser updates. And the client's requirement is a law for us.
After thinking about it and accepting the requirements, I took a risk and installed the penultimate version on my PC:
1. Downloaded an outdated version of the browser on my PC.
2. Created a folder for the system files of the second version of the browser (using the “Create folder” button).
3. Created a shortcut (using the “Copy” and “Paste” buttons).
4. Open the properties of the new shortcut with the specified location path.
5. I added -user-data-dir=* to the path, separated by a space.path to the folder we created (from step 2)*
To copy the folder path, press Shift+right mouse button → “Copy as path”.
Stage 2. Anger
There was a problem that not every browser can be duplicated in this way. This method only works on Google Chrome and Yandex. And another problem: as soon as you open the previous version of the browser, it automatically updates to the latest one.
I tried to remove auto-updates in the following way: I deleted the Update folder from the browser's save path.
To check that auto-updates are disabled, follow these steps: Settings → About browser. If the browser returns an error about auto-update, then everything went well.
But there was still a problem: I was confused about which browser version I was testing the plugin on. Also, not all browsers could be installed this way.
Stage 3. Bargaining
Realizing that I couldn't do it on my own, I asked my colleagues for help. They suggested that I download older browsers into the sandbox. The sandbox is an isolation tool. To activate it, you need to open the “Windows Components” menu through the control panel and check the box next to “Windows Sandbox”.
After installing outdated versions of the browser in the sandbox and disabling automatic updates, I set my computer to sleep mode at the end of the work day.
Stage 4. Depression
And so the work day begins — I expect to finally be able to test the plugin on most of the required browsers and versions. But it turns out that the laptop was not connected to the charger and turned off. After turning on the machine, I realized that the sandbox was empty. It turns out that every time the sandbox is closed, all its contents are cleared.
The question arose – how to make my work independent of turning on the computer? After all, the work was going to be long, and the charger did not save the situation globally. I did not want to worry every time that I could lose the achieved result due to an accidental shutdown of the laptop.
Stage 5. Acceptance
My final option was a virtual machine. To use it, I installed VirtualBox on my computer, downloaded the Windows shell, and ran the contents.
How to create a virtual machine step by step:
1. Download ISO image of the virtual machineby clicking the “Download the tool now” button.
2. Open the utility, accept the license terms, create installation media and click the “Save” button.
3. Launch VirtualBox.
4. Click the “Create” button.
5. Fill in the fields: Name, Type, version (for example, Windows Shell, Windows 10 (64 bit)) and click the “Next” button.
6. Specify the required memory size (more than 4096 MB is recommended) and click “Next”.
7. Check “Create a new virtual hard disk” and click “Next”.
8. Select the required hard drive (I have VDI) and click “Next”.
9. Specify the storage format – Dynamic hard disk and click “Next”.
10. Specify the path and size of the virtual hard disk (for Windows, more than 20 GB is recommended) and click the “Create” button.
Click the “Configure” button
Go to media and select the media file from the disk (the file saved in step 2)
After starting the virtual machine, I went through everything again: downloaded outdated versions of the browser and turned off auto-update.
But what about Microsoft Edge? It is installed by default on Windows. How can I downgrade the version on it? After some manipulations, I still couldn’t roll back the updates. After talking with colleagues, we found a way out — install Edge on the Linux shell in VirtualBox.
And you need to download an older version right away. The advantage of Linux is that software updates do not occur without the user's knowledge.
After installing all the necessary browser versions, I started testing. Everything went smoothly, and most importantly, the client was satisfied with the result, and a few weeks later he even received a letter of thanks for my work.
Conclusion
Installing multiple browser versions to test the plugin is an important step to ensure optimal compatibility and functionality of the product. This approach will help identify potential issues and bugs, providing a better user experience. In my experience, the fastest and easiest solution is a virtual machine on which you can install outdated browser versions, disabling auto-updates in advance.
And for those who haven’t yet delved into working with virtual machines, I recommend contacting this article.
Thank you for your attention!
Read more original materials for QA specialists from my colleagues in the social networks of SimbirSoft – In contact with And Telegram.
