Manual Testing Vs. Automation Testing

In today’s technology-driven environment, software can be tested through both manual and automated processes. However, the process you should choose depends on the benefits and costs associated with each. In this post, we’ll walk you through the benefits of using both manual testing and automated testing methods, highlighting where the former should be used as a complement or a prerequisite to the latter.

Manual Testing

It is the process of manually testing software or an app for defects. In this case, a software developer or tester plays the role of an end-user and uses most of the features to determine correct user behavior and its acceptability once the application is released. The testing is conducted to identify end-user experience with the app prior to its market release. The approach is more informal than rigorous  and explores user interface of the application by using most of its features and data gained from prior tests to determine consumer behavior.

The success of such testing depends mostly on the expertise of the tester since a lack of knowledge and domain proficiency may result into incompleteness of the test and defects in the application. However, a major advantage is that one can have an intuitive and in-depth insight into how it feels to use the software by opting for manual testing training. Likewise, necessary changes and additions may be made in the application to enhance its usability and performance. Large scale engineering and manufacturing projects often rely on rigorous manual tests to maximize the number of defects identified.

Advantages of Manual Testing:

• It is most appropriate for applications that have short life cycle and constantly changing GUIs.

• The manual test gives real-time insight into end-user experience and issues. The tester acts as a user and checks most of the features from the perspective of an end user. Thus, one can exactly know how the users would use or react once the application is released.

• With manual testing, you can easily identify any bugs or defects that may pop up when a user handles the software in a certain way. This helps to fix the issues prior to releasing the application.

• This type of testing is extremely flexible and scalable in nature. Right when an idea strikes your mind, you can test it immediately and make necessary changes. This is not the case with automation testing.

• Manual testing is much more cost effective

Automation Testing

Automation software testing is a process where software tools perform pre-scripted tests on an application before it is released. Automation tests are run that repeat pre-defined actions by comparing an application’s expected and actual outcomes. If the expectations and outcomes align as per test results, the program is likely to be bug-free and performing as it should; otherwise, issues need to be addressed.

Advantages of Automation Testing:

• Despite that initial setup and programming of automation testing may take time, it is capable of performing tests more quickly and effectively.

• The tests can be reused over and over again. This is an ideal option for developers running regressions on continuously changing codes. There is no need of continuously filling out similar information or to remember to run the tests. Everything is done automatically.

• Automation testing is the best solution for bulk testing and repeatable tests

• Saves time and human effort considerably

Should Manual Testing be used as a Complement or Pre-requisite to Automation Testing?

This is perhaps one of the biggest dilemmas that enterprises face today. It is not surprising that developers will have different opinions on this, and choosing the right methodology will depend on the nature of the software or application being tested. The best approach is to breakdown a testing process into manual testing and automation processes. A software application testing includes several layers. It is important to identify what can be tested manually, and which processes can be tested through automation. This way, you may not need performing manual testing for the entire cycle, which saves time and effort. On the other hand, you may speed up the process as well as get accurate results.