4 Ways Mobile Browser Simulators Can Help Test Websites

A mobile browser simulator is used to test websites on mobile devices. This is an important aspect of the process. You have Androids, iPhones, iPads, Blackberries, and numerous other devices. And these devices are not uniform. They have different screen sizes, resolutions, operating systems, browsers and more. A developer can no longer afford to just test their designs in Internet Explorer, Chrome or Firefox. They need to know their design functions on a Windows phone running a proprietary OS and the iPad’s OS X. A simulator can examine a website across several browsers in multiple device environments without physically needing any of those devices. With a growing population using the convenience of their mobile device to access the Internet, no developer can afford to ignore the functionality and responsiveness of their designs across multiple platforms. A mobile browser simulator will pinpoint any issues, giving you the opportunity to measure and correct the website’s potential. The last thing any designer wants is a website that won’t be visually appealing, working effectively for all users. A browser simulator will make sure that doesn’t happen. Here are four ways browser simulators are best for testing websites.

1. No Need for Actual Devices Previously, developers either checked their websites against as many platforms as possible using the devices they had available or they just hoped for the best. Testing effectively meant having access to as many devices as possible, which can be expensive and today nearly impossible. A mobile browser simulator eliminates the need to have real devices.
2. Better Development Tools Like most technology today, the growth of mobile users encourages the advancement of tools and resources. One can find simulators that can align compliance, check coding, review appearance across screen sizes and jump between browsers without even opening a new window.
3. A Great Range of Options There are many choices in mobile browser simulators. A developer will have to do a little research but finding one that fits specific needs won’t be a problem. While they all have the same general advantageous features, they can each have unique functionality that best suits a developer’s work style.
4. Time Savers Website testing and retesting is the most laborious aspect of the design. The growth of devices only made the situation worse. Dedicated developers spent untold periods of time examining the details of their work in individual browsers across tablets and phones. Simulators eliminate that tediousness, providing a streamlined and professional means to test quickly and effectively.

The mobile browser simulator is a godsend for the web developer. It’s a resource that allows them to give 110 percent with a lot less work.

Photo by Johan Larsson