Setting Browser Support Levels | Advanced Techniques

Browser support levels refer to the extent to which different web browsers can interpret and render HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code. In responsive web design, it’s essential to consider browser support levels to ensure your website works as intended across a wide range of devices and browsers.

Factors Affecting Browser Support

• Browser Version: Older browser versions may not support newer web technologies.
• Browser Vendor: Different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) may have varying levels of support for specific features.
• Device Type: Mobile browsers often have different capabilities and limitations compared to desktop browsers.

Setting Browser Support Levels

1. Target Audience Analysis:
   • Identify the primary browsers used by your target audience.
   • Consider the demographics, geographic location, and device preferences of your users.
2. Feature Detection:
   • Use JavaScript to detect if specific features are supported by the user’s browser.
   • Provide alternative solutions or graceful degradation for unsupported features.
3. Polyfills:
   • Polyfills are JavaScript code that can simulate missing features in older browsers.
   • Use polyfills to provide support for features that are essential to your website’s functionality.
4. Feature Flags:
   • Use feature flags to conditionally enable or disable certain features based on browser support.
   • This allows you to gradually introduce new features without breaking compatibility.
5. CSS Feature Queries:
   • CSS feature queries allow you to check if specific CSS properties or values are supported by the browser.
   • Use feature queries to apply different styles based on browser capabilities.

Example: Using a Polyfill for CSS Flexbox

HTML

<script src=”https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/flexie/0.2.1/flexie.min.js”></script>

CSS

.container {

    display: -webkit-flex; /* For older Webkit browsers */

    display: flex;

}

In this example, the flexie.min.js polyfill is used to provide support for CSS Flexbox in older browsers that don’t natively support it.

Tips for Setting Browser Support Levels

• Prioritize Core Features: Focus on providing essential features and functionality across a wide range of browsers.
• Graceful Degradation: Provide alternative solutions or fallback options for unsupported features.
• Regular Testing: Test your website on a variety of browsers and devices to ensure compatibility.
• Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest browser developments and update your code accordingly.

By carefully considering browser support levels and implementing appropriate strategies, you can ensure that your responsive web designs work seamlessly across a wide range of devices and browsers.