Tips for Bug Testing Websites During Development
As a website developer, one of the most stressful parts of the job is bug testing. Just when you think the project is moving along smoothly, an unexpected issue pops up.
The dreaded bug.
I’ve been developing websites long enough to know what to look for and how to troubleshoot many of the potential issues that might arise. However, this doesn’t mean that I catch everything the first time around. Some of the issues that pop up only happen after a specific sequence of events. No matter how rare that sequence might be, the issue must be resolved before checking it off the production list and moving on to the next task. Many of the bugs I fix are ones that pop up often related to WordPress Plugin compatibility issues and therefore are easier to resolve. Other times, when the fix isn’t so easy, these issues can take significant amounts of unexpected time away from other tasks.
What can you do to minimize fixing website bugs?
Here are a few tips to help you through the bug testing phase of your website development project.
Find the bugs before your client does.
This probably goes without saying, but it’s never good when you receive a call from a client saying that you missed something like a URL pointing to a page on the development site after it’s been launched, or an issue with a plugin that wasn’t properly resolved before launch. It is not only embarrassing but also hurts your reputation with the client and could cause issues going forward with the relationship with the client.
Test Plugin Compatability
If you are developing in WordPress, make sure the plugins are compatible with each other. Also, make sure that the plugins that you are working with actually do what you want them to do before you recommend them to the client, or worse yet, purchase it and later discover it isn’t what they needed and then you have to start over, wasting valuable time and money and again harming your relationship with your client.
Test on Multiple Platforms & Multiple Devices
Basically, there are 2 operating systems that you need to worry about: Windows and Mac OS. Yes, there is also Google Chrome, but that is essentially the same as a regular Google Chrome browser.
Test, test, and test again
Not to belabour the point, you really just can’t do enough testing before launching. The site has to be running as smoothly and perfectly as possible to provide your client with the ultimate in customer satisfaction and return on investment while making you shine in their eyes. Spending the time to test and retest can only benefit you and your client in the long run. It’s worth it! Let me know if you have any questions about bug testing and I’ll see what I can do to help!
bOB’s artistic vision extends across all media and reflects his art school training. His superior knowledge and ongoing education in all things web and SEO-related affords him the expertise to be lead on all web projects, making him your best resource for website design excellence. bOB has been bringing his unique vision to art and the web for over 25 years. Watch quick and easy 5 minute tutorials on a variety of topics. Helping you get the most out of your projects. New content every Friday.