How to test a Website for QA

Check List and Guidelines for Website Testing

Testing plays a very important role in development of a website. The following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide for you to test any website:

1. Test all links:

• Check all internal hyperlinks : Verify  whether all links are jumping to correct destination.
• Check all external hyperlinks: Verify whether external hyperlinks like social network links and email links are correct.
• Check whether there are any orphan links or links that jump on the same page.
• Test all header and footer links which are constant for all pages.

2. Test forms if present:

• Try to submit form without Mandatory and Optional field.
• Check for field validation.
• Check error handling for wrong input.
• Check whether default/standard values are proper.

3. Test content:

• Verify whether information on all pages is correct and easy to understand.
• Test for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Check contact details and email addresses.
• Help content: Check files in the help section, search field and the site map.
• Proper images.
• Also check above points for pop-ups.

4. Test  navigation:

• If menu is provided then check for its consistency in entire website.
• Check for navigation using keyboard and shortcuts.

5. Graphical User Interface (GUI) check:

• Font size and color.
• Cursor or mouse focus.
• Location of buttons , images, symbols and logos.
• Scrolling: Avoid long scrolling.
• Consistent design.
• Dark colors should be avoided.

6. Cookies and Java scripts:

• Test cookies and Java scripts that should be enabled or blocked.

7. Browser and OS compatibility:

• Check for design and GUI issues on multiple platform and for different screen resolutions.
• Test on different browsers and its versions like IE 6, IE8, Mozilla Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Safari, etc.
• Also test on different OS and its browsers like Windows 7, XP, Vista,  Mac, Linux, and Solaris.

8. Compatibility on gadgets and mobile platforms:

• Test for OS like Symbian, Android, iOS, Bada, etc., used for mobiles, tablets and smart phones. Nowadays, some TV sets also provide facility for browsing.