Sometimes a.k.a cross browser tests.

Testing web applications ? With a host of web browsers in the market each vying for a market share (Google Chrome is the latest entrant and I have to admit it's a cool browser), it's becoming increasingly difficult for websites to cater to a large internet community each using a different browser ( or someone like me who uses 3 browsers, please do not ask reasons  )

While it is impossible to test your web application for compatibility with every browser available, it makes sense to satisfy the major browsers in use.

Take a look at the browser usage statistics on this website:

http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp

This shows that though Mozilla Firefox (FX) has increased it's spread, Microsoft Internet Explorer is still the major web browser. (Also note it's share is descreasing every month, that's interesting). Google Chrome itself has captured about 3.1% within 2 months of launch. That's incredible and it's only going to improve.

It also means, one more browser has been added to your compatibility test check list. But it's inevitable and has to be done.