There are two main types of testing in software development: automation testing and manual testing.
Manual testing involves a human tester manually executing test cases and verifying the results. This approach is useful for exploratory testing, where the tester uses their intuition and creativity to uncover potential issues. Manual testing is also useful for testing user interfaces and ensuring that the software is user-friendly.
Automation testing, on the other hand, involves using software tools to execute test cases and verify the results. This approach is useful for repetitive tasks and can help increase efficiency. Automation testing is also useful for testing large and complex systems, where manual testing would be too time-consuming.
Automation testing is becoming increasingly popular and there is a growing question of whether it can replace manual testing. Let look at the advantage of each testing type compared to another.
Advantage of manual testing.
- User Experience
When software development is at its initial stage, manual software testing can be the perfect option. In manual testing, the testers interact with the software as the actual users. They can easily detect any critical technical snags and UI issues as well.
- Adaptable & Flexibility
During the development process, manual testing allows for flexibility and adaptability to accommodate changes and explore different test scenarios in real-time. It enables exploratory testing and helps identify bugs and unexpected issues based on testers’ knowledge and experience.
Advantage of automation testing.
- Accelerated Delivery
Automation testing has many benefits, including faster test execution, improved accuracy, and enhanced quality. One important advantage is the ability to easily retest multiple test cases during regression testing, which helps ensure the application’s quality after making changes or fixing bugs.
- Economical for Big Projects
Automation testing is more cost-effective than manual testing for big projects. It requires an initial investment, but the return on investment is satisfying. Automation testing uses tools and scripts to provide accurate results.
- Repetitive tasks
Automated testing is useful for repetitive tasks that don’t require manual input. It is particularly helpful when tests need to be run on different browsers and platforms.
Deciding when to use manual testing or automation testing.
When it comes to select the most appropriate testing type, one must consider a multitude of factors that can greatly impact the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the testing phase. These factors range from the nature and complexity of the software being tested to the available resources, time constraints, and the desired level of quality assurance.
- Project Size and Budget
Automation testing is a great way to test large projects with many features when there is a good budget. It helps save time and effort.
Manual testing can be chosen for smaller projects with limited budget.
- Utilization
Automation testing is a great option for tasks like performance testing, load testing, regression testing, and repetitive functional testing.
Manual testing is highly recommended for performing ad-hoc and exploratory testing.
- Code Changes Frequency
Automation testing is usually better than manual testing when there are frequent code changes. When one module is updated, it may affect other modules as well. Automation testing helps to test all modules efficiently in such cases.
- Parallel or Sequential Testing
Automation testing is useful when running tests on multiple systems at the same time. Manual testing is recommended for sequential testing.
Conclusion
Both automation testing and manual testing possess distinct advantages and limitations, neither approach can be replaced by the other entirely. The choice between automation and manual testing depends on various factors to propose the appropriate testing approach in suitable purposes effectively. Finding the right balance between manual testing and automation testing is key to ensuring the highest quality of software.
