In a digital age where software is critical to business operations, it is irritating when the system gets broken, resulting in dissatisfied users and financial loss. As a result, software testing was established to detect bugs throughout the development process.
In fact, software testing was traditionally done manually, but the process has gradually evolved to automation. This article aims to differentiate between manual and automated testing and the limitations and strengths of the two methods.
1. What Is Manual Testing?
Manual testing is a software testing procedure in which test cases are done manually rather than using automated technologies. Prior to automation testing, all newly produced software must go through manual testing. Testing takes expertise and effort, but it ensures that the product is bug-free. Manual testing requires an understanding of manual testing methodologies.
Manual testing involves testers (humans) manually executing test cases from the end perspective of users. It determines whether or not the application is operational as specified in the requirement document. Test cases are planned and executed in order to complete the software program completely. Manually generated test case reports are also generated.
Manual testing is an essential testing procedure since it is used to detect both obvious and hidden faults in software. Developers patch detected flaws and send them to testers for retesting.
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2. Manual Testing Types
Manual testing can be done in a variety of ways, including the following:
- White Box Testing: This testing is known as white box testing since the code is visible to developers during the testing. It is carried out by developers who review each line of code before passing it on to the test engineer.
- Black Box testing is carried out by test engineers who evaluate the functionality of an application or program in accordance with the client's specifications. Because the code is not visible during testing, it is referred to as black-box testing.
- Gray Box testing: This testing approach combines white and black box testing. It can be done by a professional who is familiar with both coding and testing. Gray box testing is a process in which a single tester performs both white and black box testing.
3. What Is Automation Testing?
Testing by Automation is a sort of software testing that uses automated testing software tools to execute a test case suite. This type of automated testing software enters test data into the system being tested. The expected and actual findings are then compared, and full test reports are generated as a result. Despite the absence of human intervention, automation testing necessitates the expenditure of money and resources. The same test suite must be run in later development cycles. The test suite can be recorded and replayed as needed using the automation testing tool.
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4. Automation Testing Types
There are various forms of automation testing, which include the following:
- Smoke Testing: Also known as sanity testing, this is a testing technique that determines whether or not the released software product is stable.
- Unit testing: a type of testing in which individual units of source code that may be isolated in a system are examined to determine whether or not they are fit for usage.
- Integration testing: a type of software testing in which individual modules are merged and assessed as a group. This testing procedure determines whether the component meets the functional requirements given.
- Functional Testing: this is the testing process used by QAs to assess whether the software meets pre-determined requirements.
- Keyword Testing: also known as action word-based testing, is a testing methodology that is used in both human and automated testing. Keyword testing distinguishes test case documentation - both data and functionality for use - from test case execution prescription.
- Regression Testing: is the practice of evaluating existing software applications to guarantee that previously built and tested software continues to function after changes.
- Data-Driven Testing: (also known as table-driven testing/parameterized testing) is a testing methodology that examines how an application responds to diverse inputs. It is the process of creating test scripts in which test data and output values are read from data files rather than the same hard-coded values being used repeatedly when the test is performed.
- Black Box Testing: in this method, the functionality of an application is tested without inspecting its internal structure. This testing methodology can be used at the unit, integration, system, and acceptance levels.
- Acceptance testing: examines whether or not the software system meets the specified specifications. This test assesses the system's compliance with business requirements and then confirms whether it meets the requirements for distribution to end users.
5. How To Distinguish Between Manual And Automated Testing?
The following are six important distinctions between manual and automated testing:
A. Execution of Tests
The primary distinction between manual and automated testing is the technique of test case execution. Manual testing is performed by humans, whereas automated testing is performed by a tool without the involvement of users. Let's look at how human and automated testing vary.
B. Test Effectiveness
Manual testing takes longer than automation testing because it is performed by humans, which implies the testing approach becomes less efficient. Everything in automation testing is done using automated processes, which considerably reduces time consumption and so makes it more efficient.
C. Test Precision
As a result, one distinction between manual and automated testing is in their accuracy. Because of the possibility of human mistakes, manual testing lags behind automated testing. As a result, while automated testing is more precise, manual testing is more complete.
D. Task Categories
Everything is done manually in manual testing, whereas most jobs are automated in automation testing, including genuine user simulations.
E. Coverage of Tests
Manual testing does not give adequate test coverage, whereas automation testing does.
You should study the two testing methods in depth after learning the difference between manual testing and automation testing. Let's begin with manual testing.
Final thoughts:
In the era where software is increasingly developed, the quality assurance demand is direr than ever, leading to various questions regarding software and QA testing. This article has outlined the definition and types of manual and automation testing and pointed out the difference between the two methods. If you want your project ensures quality outcomes, you should adopt a suitable method and choose a reliable outsourcing company to ensure a thorough and comprehensive testing procedure.
If you are looking for a trusted IT partner, VNEXT Global is the ideal choice. With 14+ years of experience, we surely can help you to optimize your business digitalization within a small budget and short time. Currently, we have 400+ IT consultants and developers in Mobile App, Web App, System, Blockchain Development and Testing Services. We have provided solutions to 600+ projects in several industries for clients worldwide. We are willing to become a companion on your way to success. Please tell us when is convenient for you to have an online meeting to discuss this further. Have a nice day!
