Manual Vs. Automated Testing — Which is Better?
Software testing helps you ensure that your product or application works as it’s supposed to. There are many phases and stages of software testing grouped into two major categories, manual and automated testing.
If you’re not sure which testing will be worth investing your time and resources in, here’s a detailed guide for you.
Manual Testing
Manual testing involves looking for an application’s defects using a written test plan with various test cases. It requires software testers to analyze the behavior of the app/website from a user’s perspective. They see whether the software is functional or delivers a different output than expected.
With manual testing, testers determine inconsistencies and discrepancies from the expected behavior and communicate them to software developers. Developers need to replicate the defects and then find a way to them.
Manual testing works well for testing UI, UX, functionalities, web and app behavior, features, and user acceptance.
Automated Testing
With increasing technological advancements and industrial demands, companies needed additional testing methods for rapid development. This is where automated testing comes in. it allows testers to run automated, iterative, and parallel tests on several devices, operating systems, and browser versions in one go. It also generates reports with error logs automatically. Due to these conveniences, the market size of automated testing is expected to increase at a CAGR of over 16%.
When to do Manual Testing
When You Need Flexibility
Manual tests allow QA engineers to quickly test the software and immediately get results. Automated testing needs time and effort to set up and perform. However, automation testing will be preferable if you need multiple tests with different inputs and values.
Testing End-User Usability
No machine would know if a website or application satisfies a user’s need; only an actual human can do that. For this purpose, you need manual testers to use their sensibilities and generate results.
Short-Term Projects
If your project has a low budget and timeline, manual testing would be ideal because automation requires planning, investment, and time.
When to Use Automation Testing
Repetitive Tests of Large Number
If your project requires multiple tests with different inputs and values, it makes sense to invest in automation testing. They will periodically run tests and generate reports without much manual supervision.
Parallel Testing
Automated testing will also allow parallel testing, where you can test various software and units without compromising on the quality or accuracy tests. Manual parallel tests are prone to errors and may not offer desired results.
Scarce Human Resources
When a company is short on software testing, they go for automation testing to finish tasks within deadlines.
Since setting up automation requires a hefty investment, careful planning, and a lot of time, most companies outsource software testing from expert companies. You can do the same through Xpeer.
It’s an AI-backed software that will help you find many software testing companies in your region. You can check their reviews, service details, pricing, at other factors and choose the one that suits your needs.
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