Software Manual Testing Vs Software Automated Testing

Both manual testing and automated testing play a crucial role in software testing activities. Though automated testing has scaled up the efficiency of software testing activities to an all-new level, there are still certain aspects of software testing that need manual testing intervention. In this article, you will get to know the differences between software manual testing and software automated testing.

What is Manual testing?

It is a testing method wherein the manual execution of tests takes place by manual testers. Bugs are discovered in the software product or application that is being developed. All the key features of the software application are tested by QA testers. Bugs are being found in the software systems through the strategic implementation of software manual testing.

Software Manual testing example:

Let’s take an example of an e-commerce website. The following points needs to be pondered and worked upon:

• Different devices and browsers need to be optimized
• Hassle-free checkout
• High-resolution images should be loaded quickly
• Specific links should be provided to social media channels
• In software manual testing, the code is reviewed by testers that control each of these functions to make sure that it works as expected by the customer. The website’s appearance is also evaluated from a user’s perspective by manual testers.

What is Software Automation testing?

Testers write test scripts/code so that the test execution can be automated by using the software automated testing platform. Appropriate automation tools are used by the team so that the test scripts can be developed and the software can be validated. Test execution is completed in less amount of time.

The pre-scripted test is used which runs automatically in order to compare the actual and the expected results. This will help the tester to ascertain whether the application performs as expected or not.    

Software Automated testing example:

When web testing is being performed, web traffic simulation is considered to be an essential activity as it makes sure that the websites work as expected. Not all tests are considered to be complicated. A dynamic test mimics to know how a system responds to inputs or user interaction, while the focus of a static test is on evaluating how an application function without user interaction.

Differences between Software Manual testing and Software Automation testing:

Manual testing:

1. It is performed manually by QA testers
2. It consumes a lot of time and is considered to be less efficient
3. Exploratory testing can be carried out easily
4. The initial investment is lower compared to automation testing and subsequently, the ROI is also lower compared to software automated testing
5. It does not provide accurate results as there is a possibility of human errors involved in it
6. Minor changes like changes in class, id, etc., would not thwart the execution of a manual tester
7. All the manual tests are recorded in a Word or Excel format and the test results are not readily available.

Automation testing:

1. It is performed automatically by using automated scripts and automation tools
2. Huge amounts of testing are carried out in less time and it is also highly efficient
3. There is no random testing involved in test automation activities
4. The initial investment is higher but the ROI is better in the long run
5. It is performed by specific automation tools and scripts and hence a level of accuracy is expected
6. Even if there are minor changes that need to be done, modification of automated test scripts takes place to work as expected
7. The test execution results can be checked by stakeholders by logging into the automation system.

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing software manual testing or software automated testing for your specific project, then do get connected with a top-notch software testing services company that will provide you with a viable testing strategy that is precisely in line with your project-specific requirements.