Brief Comparison between Manual and Automated Testing

Each business has to focus on the quality of the software application to make it popular in the longer run. So most IT companies nowadays implement formal software testing strategies to ensure that the application is flawless, and meets all predefined business requirements. However, each business can either test the software manually or test the application using specialized tools, software and scripts.

As the name indicates, manual testing requires QA professionals to test all aspects of a software application without using any tools. On the other hand, automated testing allows QA professionals to test aspects of the software quickly and thoroughly using specialized tools and software. However, each type of software testing has its own pros and cons. So it becomes essential for businesses to understand the major differences between manual testing and automation testing.

Major Differences between Manual Testing and Automation Testing

Accuracy of Test Results

Often manual testing fails to deliver reliable and accurate test results. Also, the manual testing results are always prone to human errors. That is why; many businesses invest in test automation tools to get more accurate and reliable test results. Also, the use of tools and scripts eliminate the chances of human errors in the test results.

Repetition of Test Cases

Nowadays, QA professionals need to test a software application under various conditions and across multiple platforms and devices. So they have to perform a variety of tests under various conditions. Likewise, they also need to execute certain test cases repeatedly and frequently. The testers cannot execute test cases repeatedly without using specialized tools and software. Also, they can easily reuse the test scripts to perform certain tests repeatedly and assess the application under various environments.

Human Observation

The test automation tools lack the capability to assess the user-friendliness and user experience of an application. But when the application is tested manually, it becomes easier for testers to assess the user-friendliness of the software through observation. Also, they can recommend several ways to boost the software user experience. The testers can further identify additional bugs or performance issues in an application through techniques like random testing and error guessing.

Batch Testing

The test automation tools enable QA professionals to perform a variety of batch testing efficiently. The tools further help testers to execute many test cases at a time and on multiple machines. The professionals can even use the tools to assess the application using various combinations of devices and operating systems without requiring additional time. But the enterprise has to deploy additional testers to test the application based on different combinations of operating systems and devices.

Prerequisite

The testers can assess all aspects of the software manually without using any tools or software. But they will need additional time to execute the all required test cases manually. The testers cannot start automated testing without performing specific manual testing initially. Hence, the QA professionals often use automation testing as a continuous and extended part of manual testing. Also, manual testing is always a prerequisite for starting automated software testing.

Number of Testers

When a business decides to test software manually, it has to deploy additional testers to execute the required test cases within a shorter amount of time. On the other hand, the test automation tools make it easier for businesses to test the software repeatedly and thoroughly without deploying additional QA professionals. But the company needs to provide adequate training to the testers to take full advantage of the leading-edge software testing tools.

Investment in Test Automation Tools

When a business decides to automate its software testing efforts, it needs to invest in various testing tools and software. Also, it needs to pick the test automation tools according to specific requirements of each project. Hence, automation testing often enhances the upfront cost of individual projects. Many small businesses and startups even lack the funds required to obtain leading-edge testing tools. However, each business can reuse the licenses test automation tools to test many applications. Also, the investment in leading-edge testing tools helps enterprises to deliver quality and flawless software applications over a longer period of time.

Time Constraint

Nowadays QA professionals have to assess all aspects of a software application within a short amount of time. So they find it difficult to perform all required tests manually. But the QA professionals can use test automation tools to perform the required tests without putting extra time and effort. They can further use the same test scripts to test the application repeatedly and under different conditions. The leading-edge testing tools further enable developers to test the application across many devices and platforms without increasing the time-to-market.

On the whole, a business can reap a number of benefits by automating its software testing efforts. The test automation tools enable testers to perform a variety of tests within a shorter amount of time. Hence, it becomes easier for QA professionals to assess all aspects of the software repeatedly and under varying conditions. But no business can automate all its software testing efforts. That is why; it is always important for the organization to decide to which tests must be performed manually and which testing efforts can be automated.