Which browser do you use for webdev?

Irish_Tom · 6 Jan 2011 at 15:40

Lo all,

We've just built a new website (using Firefox primarily) and have just got to the cross-browser testing phase.

We ran into a small issue with IE7/8 (surprise surprise) and our boss asked why we hadn't developed the site for IE in the first place.

Now I would say things like Firebug make it far more productive working in Firefox.

You could also argue that to stay at the cutting edge of web development, it's better to work with those browsers which are standards compliant etc rather than conforming to the lowest-common denominator.

However, would it be better in the long-run to develop the whole site in IE and then tweak/add things for those browsers which are less restrictive?

So OcUK, what do you use and why?

FabienO · 6 Jan 2011 at 16:04

Chrome for Javascript - FF with Firebug for all else.

Test in all browsers; however, Chrome does have firebug now.

Also, build for the latest browser is best practice I think, then test in older. I read that somewhere, don't quote me!

tsinc80697 · 6 Jan 2011 at 16:09

Firefox + FIrebug. Then testing between all of the A grade YUI.

Generally we use the YUI Graded Browser Support for what we support but to various levels. Sounds like you need to read Hardboiled Web Design, great book in theory but depends all on the clients userbase.

http://developer.yahoo.com/yui/articles/gbs/

analog · 6 Jan 2011 at 16:09

I get the impression most people start off in the likes of FF and chrome then gracefully degrade the sites features down to IE6.

lokkers · 6 Jan 2011 at 21:39

I generally use IE8, as it attaches better to Visual Studio. However, if I'm spending time tweaking HTML or CSS I use Firefox with Firebug.

I then use IETester to check layout in IE6/7.

Sp00n · 6 Jan 2011 at 21:41

I use the ie7/8, Ff and chrome.

swinnie · 7 Jan 2011 at 00:18

Firefox primarily but also checking between Chrome and Opera. I then go through IE6, 7 and 8 to ensure they're compatible. I generally use IE Tester for this, but, I have found some inconsistencies between IETester and 'real browsers' so before release, it's to a couple of Virtual Machines I go to check them again. Probably just a one off, but consistency is important.

GravyMonster · 7 Jan 2011 at 09:19

FF + Firebug, occasionally dipping into IE8 and Chrome.

Finally before going live the site gets a full test in:

IE 6/7/8/9b/Mac
FF PC/Mac
Opera
Chrome
Safari PC/Mac

Irish_Tom · 7 Jan 2011 at 09:29

Cheers for the replies guys, I feel much more confident knowing that we're sticking to industry standard practice and I also feel more confident in being able to explain that to my boss.

Thanks also to tsinc80697 for the book recommendation. I'm always interested in the latest industry thinking, I'm not actually a developer so this is all a bit of a learning curve.

3dcandy · 7 Jan 2011 at 23:22

Currently Firefox 4 beta 8 1st, then Chrome, Then Firefox 3.6.12, then IE8/9, then Mobile Safari, then whatever is on Android....