Cross-browser testing in software testing is a crucial process to ensure that a web application or website works as intended across different web browsers. This type of testing addresses the variations and inconsistencies that arise due to different browser engines, versions, and configurations. Here are some key aspects of cross-browser testing:

1. Browser Compatibility: The primary goal is to verify that the application behaves correctly in various browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and Edge. This includes checking layout, functionality, and performance.

2. Different Browser Versions: Testing is not limited to just the latest versions of these browsers but also includes older versions, as not all users may have updated to the latest version.

3. Responsive Design: Ensuring that the application’s design is responsive and renders correctly on different screen sizes and resolutions, providing a consistent user experience across devices.

4. Functionality Tests: Checking if all features of the application work as expected in different browsers. This includes interactive elements like forms, buttons, login functionality, and any other dynamic behavior.

5. Performance Testing: Assessing the application’s performance, including load times and responsiveness, across different browsers.

6. Automated Testing Tools: Tools like Selenium WebDriver are often used for automating cross-browser tests. These tools can run tests on multiple browsers and versions, reducing the time and effort required for manual testing.

7. Debugging and Reporting Issues: Identifying and documenting any browser-specific issues, including visual discrepancies, functional bugs, or performance issues.

8. Continuous Integration: Integrating cross-browser tests into a continuous integration pipeline helps in identifying issues early in the development cycle.

9. Accessibility Testing: Ensuring that the application is accessible in different browsers, particularly for users with disabilities.