How to Perform Cross-Browser Testing in TOSCA?
Cross-browser testing in TOSCA is the process of validating that a web application behaves consistently across different browsers, browser versions, and platforms using Tricentis TOSCA’s model-based automation approach.
It is achieved by designing reusable, browser-agnostic test cases and executing them across multiple browser configurations through TOSCA’s execution lists and integrations with browser drivers and grid technologies.
This approach reduces script duplication while improving test coverage and reliability in enterprise web applications.
What Is Cross-Browser Testing in TOSCA?
Cross-browser testing in TOSCA refers to validating web application functionality, UI behavior, and performance across multiple browsers (such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari) using a single set of automated test assets.
Unlike script-heavy tools, Tricentis TOSCA uses a model-based test automation (MBTA) approach. Test cases are designed based on application models rather than browser-specific scripts. This allows the same test logic to be executed on different browsers with minimal changes.
Key characteristics include:
Browser-independent test design
Parameterized execution for multiple browsers
Centralized maintenance of test models
Support for enterprise-scale automation
How Does Tricentis TOSCA Work in Real-World IT Projects?
In enterprise environments, web applications are accessed through diverse browser and OS combinations. TOSCA is typically integrated into CI/CD pipelines where cross-browser testing becomes part of continuous quality validation.
Typical Enterprise Workflow
Application under test (AUT) is deployed to a test environment
TOSCA scans the application and creates reusable modules
Test cases are designed once using business-level actions
Execution lists define browser configurations
Tests run automatically across multiple browsers
Results are consolidated into centralized reports
This workflow aligns well with Agile and DevOps practices, where rapid feedback and reduced maintenance are critical.
Why Is Cross-Browser Testing Important for Working Professionals?
Modern web applications are expected to function consistently across:
Different browsers
Multiple browser versions
Various operating systems
Corporate security configurations
From a professional standpoint, cross-browser testing helps:
Identify browser-specific rendering issues
Detect JavaScript or CSS compatibility problems
Reduce production defects related to user environments
Improve user experience and accessibility
For teams working in regulated or customer-facing industries, cross-browser validation is often a compliance requirement rather than an optional activity.
How Does TOSCA Support Cross-Browser Testing?
TOSCA supports cross-browser testing through a combination of design-time abstraction and run-time configuration.
Browser-Agnostic Test Design
TOSCA test cases are created using:
Modules representing UI elements
Business-level test steps
Reusable test data
These elements are not hardcoded to a specific browser.
Execution-Time Browser Selection
The browser is selected during execution using:
Execution Lists
Test Configuration Parameters (TCPs)
Environment settings
This separation of test logic and execution environment is central to TOSCA’s approach.
Step-by-Step: How to Perform Cross-Browser Testing in TOSCA
Step 1: Prepare the Application Environment
Before test design, ensure:
The web application is accessible in all target browsers
Required browser versions are installed
Network and security settings allow automation
In enterprise environments, this often involves coordination with infrastructure and security teams.
Step 2: Scan the Application and Create Modules
Use TOSCA’s XScan to identify UI elements:
Scan the application once
Create modules for pages and components
Avoid browser-specific locators where possible
Best practice is to rely on stable identifiers (IDs, names, ARIA attributes) rather than dynamic XPath.
Step 3: Design Browser-Independent Test Cases
When creating test cases:
Use reusable modules
Avoid browser-specific conditions in test logic
Parameterize test data
Example (conceptual):
Login action
Navigation to dashboard
Validation of UI elements
The same test case should logically apply to all browsers.
Step 4: Configure Browsers Using Test Configuration Parameters (TCPs)
TOSCA uses TCPs to control execution behavior.
Common browser-related TCPs include:
Browser type (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Browser path or driver settings
Timeout values
These parameters allow the same execution list to run across different browsers without modifying test cases.
Step 5: Create Execution Lists for Cross-Browser Runs
Execution Lists define:
Which test cases to run
In which order
On which browser configuration
A common practice is to create separate execution lists for:
Chrome validation
Firefox validation
Edge validation
In CI environments, these lists may be triggered automatically.
Step 6: Execute Tests and Analyze Results
During execution:
TOSCA launches the specified browser
Runs the test cases
Captures logs, screenshots, and execution metrics
Results are consolidated in TOSCA’s reporting dashboard, making it easier to compare browser-specific behavior.
How Is Cross-Browser Testing Used in Enterprise Environments?
In large organizations, cross-browser testing with TOSCA is commonly used in:
Customer-facing portals
Internal business applications
ERP web interfaces
Regulatory reporting systems
Integration with Enterprise Toolchains
TOSCA is often integrated with:
CI tools (Jenkins, Azure DevOps)
Test management systems
Defect tracking tools
This allows cross-browser results to feed directly into release decisions.
Common Challenges in Cross-Browser Testing with TOSCA
Even with model-based automation, teams encounter challenges:
UI Rendering Differences
Minor layout changes across browsers
Font and spacing inconsistencies
Mitigation: Use tolerant verifications and avoid pixel-perfect checks unless required.
Dynamic Web Elements
Browser-specific timing issues
Asynchronous loading behavior
Mitigation: Proper synchronization and wait mechanisms.
Browser Version Management
Frequent browser updates
Compatibility with automation drivers
Mitigation: Regular environment maintenance and controlled versioning.
Best Practices for Cross-Browser Testing in TOSCA
Design tests at a business level, not UI mechanics
Centralize browser configuration using TCPs
Limit browser-specific logic to exceptional cases
Regularly refactor modules to handle UI changes
Align test execution with CI/CD pipelines
These practices reduce long-term maintenance and improve execution stability.
What Skills Are Required to Learn TOSCA Training?
Professionals learning TOSCA typically benefit from:
These skills are commonly addressed in structured TOSCA Training Online programs.
How Is TOSCA Used Alongside Other Industry Tools?
TOSCA does not operate in isolation. In practice, it works alongside:
CI servers for automated execution
Version control systems
Defect tracking platforms
Test data management tools
This ecosystem approach is typical in enterprise quality engineering.
Role vs Skill Mapping for TOSCA Cross-Browser Testing
Cross-browser testing is a core responsibility across these roles.
What Job Roles Use TOSCA Daily?
TOSCA is commonly used by:
Functional automation engineers
Enterprise QA teams
Test architects
DevOps-aligned quality engineers
Its adoption is particularly common in organizations with complex, integrated applications.
What Careers Are Possible After Learning TOSCA Training?
Professionals with TOSCA expertise often progress into:
Automation Specialist roles
Test Architecture positions
Quality Engineering leadership roles
Consulting positions involving enterprise test automation
Formal credentials such as a TOSCA Certification Course can support structured career progression, depending on organizational standards.
Cost and Licensing Considerations
From an enterprise perspective, Tricentis TOSCA Pricing is typically subscription-based and negotiated at the organizational level. Licensing decisions consider:
Number of users
Scope of automation
Integration requirements
Understanding licensing constraints is important when planning cross-browser automation strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can TOSCA run the same test case on multiple browsers?
Yes. TOSCA separates test logic from execution configuration, allowing the same test case to run on different browsers using execution lists and TCPs.
Does TOSCA require separate scripts for each browser?
No. Test cases are designed once and reused across browsers, reducing duplication.
Is cross-browser testing possible in CI/CD pipelines?
Yes. TOSCA integrates with CI tools to trigger browser-specific execution automatically.
What browsers are commonly supported?
Commonly supported browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and others depending on driver availability and environment setup.
Is coding required for cross-browser testing in TOSCA?
TOSCA minimizes coding through model-based automation, though technical understanding improves effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
Cross-browser testing in TOSCA validates consistent web application behavior across browsers
Model-based automation enables browser-independent test design
Execution lists and TCPs control browser-specific execution
Enterprise workflows integrate TOSCA with CI/CD and reporting tools
Best practices focus on reusability, stability, and maintainability
To deepen practical skills in enterprise-grade automation, explore structured TOSCA Training programs at H2K Infosys.
Hands-on learning helps professionals apply cross-browser testing concepts effectively in real-world projects.
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