Testing and debugging websites across different browsers is crucial in web development to guarantee compatibility and a seamless user experience. Even though many developers utilize well-known browsers like Safari, it often provides a notable challenge because it is only available on Apple devices. People who do not have access to a Mac may have considerable challenges while evaluating websites on Apple’s browser.
However, testing and debugging websites on Safari is possible even without owning a Mac. Safari for Windows may have been discontinued, but thanks to different workarounds, methods, and tools, Windows users can still access Safari’s features and guarantee their websites function smoothly on this prevalent browser.
In this article, we’ll explore different ways to test and debug websites on Safari without needing a Mac, providing practical solutions to improve the web development workflow.
Safari for Windows
Safari for Windows launched in June 2007 as part of Apple’s effort. It was meant to expand the extent of its WebKit engine, which powers the Safari browser on macOS and iOS. At that time, WebKit was admired for its efficiency and speed, and Safari on Windows was seen as an alternative option to Internet Explorer, which had the ascendency over the Windows browser market at the time.
Next several years, Apple launched several versions of Safari for Windows. The browser became popular for its fast browsing experience, clear design, and integration with macOS and iOS features like Apple’s online ecosystem and iCloud.
Although it had technical advantages and Apple tried its best to expand its software ecosystem, Safari for Windows never flourished. Most Windows users preferred different browsers, particularly Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer. By 2012, the settlement by Apple to discontinue Safari for Windows was made. It was then that the development and updates were officially halted. The last version released was version 5.1.7.
Key Features of Safari for Windows
These days, Safari for Windows is considered frivolous, but once it did offer several features that were ahead of their time. Some of these include:
- WebKit Rendering Engine– Safari for Windows used the WebKit engine. This was later adopted by many mobile browsers and Chrome. WebKit is known for its speed and methodical memory usage, which bestowed Safari’s speed as well.
- Smooth Font Rendering- Safari for Windows was popular for its smooth font-providing potential. This made the text appear clearer to other browsers at the same time.
- Visual Bookmarks (Cover Flow)- The Cover-Flow style visual bookmarking system of Safari for Windows allowed its users to preview their saved websites in a visually appealing format. These features of Safari for Windows were a chunk of Apple’s emphasis on producing an elegant and user-friendly experience.
- Built-in Developer Tools– Safari included developer tools that permitted web developers to inspect elements, debug JavaScript, and optimize websites. Although it was not as well-equipped as modern tools like Chrome DevTools, these tools were effective for fundamental troubleshooting.
- Tabbed Browsing– Safari on Windows offered tabbed browsing. It is a feature that quickly became standard across browsers and permitted its users to open and manage multiple web pages within a single window.
- Private Browsing– Its Private Browsing mode is just like its macOS counterpart. By this, it enabled its users to browse without storing history, cookies, or cache.
- Fast Performance and Optimized Memory Usage- Safari for Windows was known for its optimized memory usage and fast-paced rendition. The WebKit engine, along with Apple’s consciousness of regulation, permitted Safari to render pages in less time and with minimum memory consumption. In its time, Safari was one of the fastest browsers available on Windows.
Testing and debugging websites on Apple’s browser without a Mac
Guaranteeing that the website looks great and functions seamlessly and correctly for all users is essential in web development. For this, testers and developers need to test the website across different browsers. Among the variety of browsers available, Apple’s Safari stands odd because of its unique features.
Unfortunately, for a Windows user, testing and debugging websites on Safari can be very challenging. This is because Apple no longer offers a version of Safari for Windows. However, there are still many ways to test and debug websites on Safari without needing a Mac.
Using Cross-Browser Testing Tools
Utilizing cross-browser testing tools is the most efficient and dependable way for testing Safari without a Mac. These tools encourage testers to test their website on different browsers, including Safari, across diverse devices and operating systems, all from a Windows PC.
One such cross-browser testing platform is LambdaTest, which supports testing on numerous browsers and devices. It permits testers to test their website on real Safari browsers, including both mobile and desktop versions, all without needing a Mac. Additionally, for users looking for broader simulation options, LambdaTest can also serve as an alternative to a Windows emulator by offering access to various Windows-based browsers and environments directly from the cloud.
LambdaTest is an AI-native test orchestration and execution platform. It is used to test web and mobile applications manually and automatically at scale across 5000+ real devices, browsers, and OS combinations.
This platform lets testers run live interactive tests on Safari through a cloud-based interface, with support for macOS and iOS devices. It supports parallel testing that allows testers to speed up their workflow. It also offers robust features to the QA team with which they can ensure that all applications are tested thoroughly before the deployment process.
Additionally, LambdaTest provides a self-explanatory mobile-friendly test feature that helps evaluate how proficiently web applications adjust to mobile devices. By running mobile-friendly tests, developers can detect issues with responsiveness, ensuring a flawless user experience across devices while maintaining a high QA standard.
Pros:
- Access to the latest versions of Safari on real devices.
- Comprehensive testing across multiple devices and browsers.
- Perfect for both manual and automated testing.
Cons:
- These services usually require a subscription, although many of them offer free trials or limited free access.
Installing Safari on Windows
In the past, Apple released Safari for Windows, which allowed testers and developers to use browsers on their computers. Nevertheless, this version was dropped in 2012 and is no longer supported or updated. Although outdated Safari 5.1.7 installations are likely to be found, this is not a practical choice for contemporary web development. Developers and testers should be aware that Safari for Windows does not support current web standards, functionality, or security patches.
Developers and testers can get Safari 5.1.7 from specific legacy download URLs if they decide to take this path. It is still crucial to comprehend its hazards and limitations, though.
Remote WebDriver Services
Developers and testers can connect to Safari instances running on remote machines or cloud-based services. This is all possible because of Remote WebDriver services. Platforms such as LambdaTest provide remote WebDriver services for Safari, which is specifically useful for automated testing.
Benefits:
- Automated testing enables faster feedback and repeatable tests.
- Ideal for large projects with many tests or frequent code changes.
- Eliminates the need for maintaining local environments or devices for Safari testing.
Challenges:
- Requires knowledge of automation frameworks such as Selenium.
- Some services may charge based on usage, so it’s necessary to keep a record of test frequency.
Simulating Safari’s Behavior in Other Browsers
While it’s not an outstanding replacement for actual Safari testing, developers and testers can mimic Safari’s behavior in other browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Chrome and Firefox both present emulation modes that allow developers to simulate numerous devices and screen resolutions, making it more manageable to estimate how the website will behave in Safari. If developers and time are time-crunched and need a quick approximation of Safari’s behaviour, they can use this method. It is also beneficial for testing layout, responsiveness, and mobile-specific features when direct Safari testing is not possible.
How to Simulate Safari in Chrome:
- Open Chrome Developer Tools and press F12 or Ctrl + Shift + I.
- Click on the “Toggle Device Toolbar” (the icon that is similar to a smartphone and tablet).
- Choose an iPhone or iPad model to emulate Safari’s behavior on mobile.
Limitations:
- While these tools imitate screen sizes and resolutions, they cannot duplicate the accurate rendering engine (WebKit) used by Safari, so some inconsistencies may still happen.
- Testers may experience differences in font rendering, JavaScript behavior, or CSS properties that aren’t completely supported in the emulation.
Using Safari’s Developer Tools for Debugging
Though developers and testers can not use Safari’s built-in tools straight on Windows, it is still important to understand how essential these tools are when access to Safari is available. The developer tools of Safari give its users various debugging options. These tools offer features like manipulating and inspecting HTML elements, monitoring network activity, and many more.
Access to these tools enhances the testing process, allowing testers to resolve issues quickly and accurately. Some tools in Safari’s Developer Tools include:
Console- It views errors, logs, and warnings from JavaScript code execution.
Network- It analyzes all network requests, including API calls and external resources.
Responsive Design Mode- Preview how the website will appear on different screen sizes and resolutions, including mobile devices like iPads and iPhones.
Testing Safari on iOS via Cloud-Based Services
If testers need to test their website on mobile Safari, cloud-based testing services are indispensable. Websites may be tested on actual iOS devices running Safari by testers utilizing well-known and trustworthy platforms like LambdaTest. They can guarantee that the website is fully optimized for iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices by doing these.
Testing Safari on iOS via cloud-based services is crucial as multiple users access websites from iOS devices, and mobile Safari faces specific quirks that developers need to account for. Using real device testing aids developers and testers in catching performance, responsiveness, and usability issues that might not come in emulators.
Conclusion
To ensure an amazing experience for Apple device users, it is vital to test on Safari. While Windows users may not have immediate access to Safari, there are different practical ways to test and debug websites on this browser.
Testers can use cross-browser testing tools to access real Safari instances. They can also use remote WebDriver services for automated testing of Safari. Simulating Safari’s behavior in other browsers for a rough approximation is another good way. Leveraging cloud-based services to test Safari on iOS devices and debugging using Safari’s developer tools when possible also proves to be helpful.
Utilising these methods can help developers and testers guarantee that their website performs well across all browsers and devices, including Safari, and deliver a great experience to end users.
