Testing on Safari for Windows: A Complete Walkthrough

It is important to test web applications on various browsers to determine whether they work fine. Safari is an Internet browser developed by Apple, known for its fast execution and safe use. Developers normally make sure that their applications run smoothly on this browser. However, Safari is mainly for Apple devices like Macs and iPhones, so it’s tricky for Windows developers to test their apps directly. 

Even though Apple no longer supports Safari for Windows, developers can still test it using different methods. This guide will help you test Safari on a Windows computer using tools like Selenium Chromedriver.

In this blog, we will learn how to test Safari on a Windows computer, discuss the difficulties of using an old Safari version, and offer solutions for testing without risking accuracy. We will also discuss how Selenium Chromedriver can make testing on browsers like Safari easier, even on systems where it’s not the default browser.

Understanding the Challenges of Safari Testing on Windows

Testing Safari on a Windows system comes with special challenges, mainly because Apple no longer supports the browser on this platform. This means developers must deal with older versions or find different ways to ensure everything works smoothly. One big challenge is dealing with outdated software. The last official version of Safari for Windows was Safari 5.1.7 back in 2012. Testing this old version might not show how well modern web apps, made for the newest Safari versions, will work. They could behave differently on older Safari versions.

Next, there’s the issue of not having the same debugging tools. Safari has great debugging tools, like Web Inspector, but they’re only available on macOS. This makes it harder to troubleshoot and improve apps on Windows.

Another tough part is the environment’s inconsistency. Without macOS, developers can’t use the latest Safari features, like improved privacy settings or Apple’s WebKit engine updates. This makes it hard to test how apps will work in the real world.

But even with these challenges, there are ways around them. Developers can use virtualization, browser emulation, or tools like Selenium Chromedriver. These tools help Windows developers make sure their apps work well with Safari. Knowing about these challenges is the first step in creating a good testing plan.

Setting Up Safari for Windows: Options and Limitations

Even though Safari is no longer officially supported on Windows, there are still ways to create a similar testing environment. Understanding these options and what they can and can’t do is crucial to testing effectively.

One way is to download Safari 5.1.7, the latest version made for Windows. It’s old but can give you a basic idea of how your app works. You can find this version on some websites, but avoid getting malware. Remember that modern features like advanced CSS or JavaScript might not function as expected.

Another common method is using virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware. This software lets you run macOS on a Windows computer, allowing you to use the latest Safari version. However, setting this up requires a lot of computer power and might not be possible for everyone.

A third option is to use browser emulators or services like LambdaTest. These online platforms let you try out different browser versions, including Safari, without having to install anything on your computer.

While these methods offer solutions, they also have drawbacks like slower performance or fewer tools for finding and fixing problems. It’s important to consider these limitations and how they match your project’s needs to pick the right setup for your testing requirements.

Leveraging Selenium Chromedriver for Cross-Browser Testing

Selenium Chromedriver is an important utility in that it can help auto-test web apps on assorted browsers like Safari. Indeed, although Google Chrome remains the first choice with Chrome driver, this tool facilitates easier cross-browser testing.

Developers can use Selenium WebDriver to test Safari on a Windows system. Selenium WebDriver connects your app with remote platforms supporting Safari. This way, you can ensure your application works properly without installing the native version of Safari. Selenium Chromedriver, Python, Java, or C# scripts can automate repetitive tests.

With the integration of Chromedriver and Selenium Grid, developers can test several browsers simultaneously on one browser, such as Safari. This means you can check if your app works correctly by setting up the tests to run on a different machine or a Safari cloud platform.

Another great thing about Selenium Chromedriver is its ability to mimic what real users do, like clicking buttons, filling out forms, and moving through pages. These scripts can be used across different browsers, saving time during development.

However, it’s crucial to correctly set up the test scripts to match Safari’s unique working method. This involves handling specific HTML5 and CSS3 features or Apple’s special APIs. Using Selenium Chromedriver correctly, you can tackle many challenges of testing Safari on a Windows computer.

Configuring a Virtualized macOS Environment on Windows

Creating a virtual macOS environment on a Windows computer is a dependable method for testing Safari. This involves setting up a virtual machine (VM) with macOS using software like VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, or Parallels Desktop. You’ll start by getting macOS installation files and the virtualization software. After installing the software, you’ll create a new VM and assign enough resources like RAM and disk space. Once the macOS VM runs, you can install Safari and start testing in its natural setting.

Virtualization allows you to access the latest Safari version and its features. Developers can also make use of macOS-specific tools like Web Inspector for debugging. This setup mirrors real-life situations, making it a top choice for thorough testing. Additionally, having direct access to Safari’s native environment ensures compatibility testing remains accurate and aligned with macOS standards, which is particularly important for detecting browser-specific behaviors.

However, some challenges come with virtualization. It requires powerful hardware to run smoothly, and setting up a macOS VM requires technical knowledge and compliance with Apple’s licensing rules. Proper documentation and step-by-step guides can help streamline the setup process, but users should be prepared for initial troubleshooting. While virtual environments are great for testing how things work, they might not give accurate performance data like loading times.

Despite these challenges, virtualization remains a valuable option for Windows developers who must test Safari’s newest version. With the right setup, you can have a stable testing environment that efficiently connects Windows systems with Apple’s ecosystem. By overcoming initial hurdles, developers gain a reliable and scalable solution for testing Safari without needing physical macOS hardware.

Best Practices for Testing Safari on Windows

To ensure efficient testing of Safari on Windows, it is crucial to follow best practices that address the browser’s unique characteristics and challenges. Testing on Safari requires careful attention to detail, especially given its distinct rendering engine and specific feature implementations. Adopting these practices helps maintain consistency and reliability across various platforms and user environments.

• Use Responsive Design Tools: Safari’s behavior is sometimes resolution and device-dependent. Use Safari Responsive Design Mode and online testing platforms to simulate various resolutions.
• Focus on WebKit-Specific Features: Since Safari is built on the rendering engine of Apple’s WebKit, it implements HTML, CSS, and JavaScript like other browsers don’t. Hence, there is a specific emphasis on features that can only be found in WebKit, such as CSS Grid implementations and animations.
• Repetition and Automation: To minimize the time taken in repeated tests, use Selenium Chromedriver scripts to test similar form validation and user interaction cases.
• Test Performance Metrics: Safari’s speed and power efficiency optimizations can impact loading times and resource usage. Incorporate performance testing tools like Lighthouse or Safari’s built-in developer tools (accessible in virtualized or cloud-based setups).
• Ensure Accessibility Compliance: Safari’s user base includes macOS and iOS users, where accessibility standards are critical. Verify compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers.

By adhering to these best practices, testers can effectively address Safari’s unique demands while ensuring an optimal user experience across devices and operating systems. This approach guarantees thorough validation of performance, compatibility, and accessibility, which are integral to a browser as distinctive as Safari.

Debugging Common Issues While Testing Safari on Windows

When testing Safari on a Windows system, it’s common to encounter specific problems unique to this browser. These issues often need careful investigation and fixing to ensure users have a smooth experience. One common problem is layout differences caused by how Safari interprets CSS properties. For example, Safari might display flexbox or grid layouts differently than Chrome or Firefox. To tackle this, using CSS prefixes like WebKit and thoroughly checking Safari’s latest version can help to iron out these differences.

Another challenge developers often face is with JavaScript functions. Safari might handle certain JavaScript features in a way that leads to unexpected errors. Tools like LambdaTest’s live debugging or Web Inspector (which you can access in virtual environments) help pinpoint and solve these issues. Safari’s strong privacy settings are also worth noting, as they can affect how cookies and local storage are managed. Testing how your apps handle user sessions and store data in Safari is crucial to prevent any glitches in functionality.

Additionally, performance issues can be a concern. Safari’s optimizations can highlight inefficiencies in scripts or heavy resources. Performance monitoring tools can help identify and improve areas that are slowing things down, leading to a more responsive experience. 

Testing Safari on Windows with LambdaTest: A Complete Walkthrough

LambdaTest is an AI-powered test orchestration and execution platform that provides a clever solution for testing Safari on Windows without using emulators or virtual setups. They give you access to over 3,000 real browsers and devices, including various Safari versions, making it easy for developers to test accurately and reliably.

Their platform lets you test on genuine Safari browsers on real macOS hardware, ensuring your website works smoothly across different Safari versions and devices like iPhones and iPads. This method gives precise results, avoiding the usual issues with simulators or emulators.

LambdaTest’s built-in DevTools help developers debug web applications quickly on different devices and screen sizes. Features like network throttling ensure your site performs well on various network types, and geolocation testing confirms functionality in different regions.

For those automating tests, LambdaTest allows running scripts on real Safari browsers at scale, increasing coverage and efficiency. Their private real-device cloud provides a secure environment for testing native, hybrid, and web apps without needing your device lab.

LambdaTest smoothly integrates with over 120 tools, making it easy for developers to work efficiently. Their comprehensive features make testing Safari on Windows a reliable and hassle-free experience, ultimately saving time and resources.

Conclusion

Testing Safari for Windows may be challenging, but developers can ensure their applications work seamlessly on this browser using the right tools and strategies. You can work through these hurdles by identifying the limitations, utilizing the Selenium Chromedriver, or considering virtualization or emulating options. Ensure the testing workflow balances practicality and accuracy, allowing users a seamless experience across platforms.