Feature detection (web development): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:42, 29 March 2014

Revision as of 03:53, 29 March 2014

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:''This article is about {{About|the web development technique. For |the neurological process, see [[|feature detection]], or for |the computer vision technique, see [[|feature detection (computer vision)]].''}}

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:''This article is about the web development technique. For the neurological process, see [[feature detection]], or for the computer vision technique, see [[feature detection (computer vision)]].''

'''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|APIs]]s, or tailor for a better user experience.{{Citation needed|date=March 2014}}

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.{{Citation needed|date=March 2014}}