Feature detection (web development): Difference between revisions

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{{About|the web development technique|the neurological process|feature detection (nervous system)|the computer vision technique|feature detection (computer vision)}}

{{More referencescitations needed|date=March 2014}}

'''Feature detection''' (also '''feature testing''') is a technique used in [[web development]] for handling differences between [[runtime environments]] (typically [[web browsers]] or [[user agents]]), by programmatically testing for clues that the environment may or may not offer certain functionality. This information is then used to make the application adapt in some way to suit the environment: to make use of certain [[API]]s, or tailor for a better user experience.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Meiert |first=Jens |title=The Web Development Glossary |publisher=Frontend Dogma |yeardate=14 July 2021 |language=engen}}</ref>

Its proponents claim it is more reliable and future-proof than other techniques like [[User agent#User agent sniffing|user agent sniffing]] and browser-specific CSS hacks.<ref name=":0" />