Have you ever faced browser incompatibility issues while developing a website or web application? You are not alone. Web developers often face challenges with ensuring that their work functions consistently across different browsers. Fortunately, there is an official alternative to CanIUse, created directly by browser manufacturers, called Baseline, which provides a clear indication of which features and APIs are generally available across browsers.
What is Baseline and how it's different from CanIUse?
Unlike CanIUse, which provides data based on anonymous data received from various sources, Baseline is an authoritative and comprehensive list of features and APIs available across browsers provided directly by browser manufacturers. The list is updated annually, keeping developers informed of the most recent and widely supported features.
Why is Baseline important for web developers?
Baseline helps ensure that web developers use only supported features in their projects, reducing the likelihood of encountering compatibility issues. By specifying a target, such as Baseline2023, developers only use features supported across all browsers in the Baseline without compromising the experience for users.
Where can web developers find Baseline and how to use it?
Web developers can access Baseline on websites like web.dev and MDN. While Baseline is not yet widely adopted, there is a growing sentiment that it will, in the future, replace browserlists during development. To use it, developers need to specify a target, indicating which baseline they want to use, and follow the compatibility guidelines suggested on the Baseline list.
In conclusion, web developers should pay attention to Baseline since it provides a reliable list of features that are not included, reducing the potential for browser incompatibility issues in their projects. The better developers understand web Baseline, the easier it will be to ensure consistent functionality and access to web applications and websites across different devices and browsers.
