Difference between manual and automation testing
Software testing is the crucial step in SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle) and it helps companies in delivering quality products to their clients. It will be done either manually or automatically and the major difference is the test case used to detect errors.
In manual testing, test cases will be executed by a human. In automation testing, the testing tool will do it. Both manual and automation testing have equal benefits and limitations. Now in this blog, we are explaining the difference between manual and automation testing briefly.
Manual Testing
Manual testing will be done by QA manually without any tools for test cases. It takes time for detecting bugs and errors in the software product as the manual tester has to check all the features of the application one by one. In manual testing, QA or Software Tester will execute test cases manually to generate reports and it is the traditional method to perform software testing.
Automation Testing
Automation testing will be performed by utilizing test scripts or tools by software testers to automate the testing process. At first, testers will develop the test scripts using a suitable automation tool then they validate the software application. The purpose of Automation Testing is to complete the software testing faster and with accuracy.
There will be no chances of errors in the automated testing as it fully relies on the pre-scripted test cases that run automatically to complete the whole testing process. Automation testing is helping the tester to identify whether the application is performing exactly as per the expectation or not and it enables repetitive tasks and regression tests without the need for human intervention.
Automation testing also needs human intelligence to create test scripts/cases.
Key Differences between Manual and Automation Testing
Check out the following factors that differentiate manual and automation testing process.
| Factors | Manual Testing | Automation Testing |
| How it works | Completely hands-on with the high involvement of the tester from creating test cases to the actual test process. | The tester will create test scripts using tools as per the targeted platform for validating features with the expected results. |
| Reliability | High possibilities of human error that don’t assure accuracy. | Accurate and reliable as it is code and pre-scripted based. |
| Performance | Time-consuming process and requires more human resources | Faster testing process than the manual testing process |
| Coding skills | Requires fewer coding skills and it is possible to run testing even without programming skills | Requires in-depth coding skills and it is not possible without programming skills. |
| Exploratory testing | Allows random testing | Doesn’t allow random testing |
| Investment | Lower investment than automation and the ROI also will be lower in the long run. | The initial investment will be higher as implementing automation tools. However, the ROI will also be higher in the long run. |
| User Interface Change | The changes in the UI affectthe automation testing process and it requires to be modified accordingly to be performed as expected. | Testers can make small changes like id, class, etc and it will not resist the whole testing process. |
| Cost-efficiency | Not for high volume regression | Not for low volume regression |
| Test Coverage | Difficult to assure sufficient test coverage | Ensure great test coverage always. |
| Human Intervention | Requires human observation and it will assure user-friendliness. | Doesn’t allow human observation and it will not ensure a positive customer experience or user-friendliness |
| Visibility or Test Report | Test reports will be recorded in Excel or Word and the test results must be prepared manually. | Allows clients to check test execution results by entering credentials into the automation tool |
| Parallel Execution | Possible but it requires increased human resources | Can be performed on various platforms at the same time efficiently and it reduces test execution time significantly. |
| Batch Testing Process | Can’t be batched the test cases | Can be batched as multiple test scripts for faster execution |
| Configuration Setup | It requires an effortless test execution setup | It requires a less complex test execution setup |
| Functionality | Repetitive test execution can be boring or error-prone for human | As it is done with tools, it will be accurate and never will be boring. |
| Significance | Suitable for the test cases that need to run once or twice. | Suitable for frequent execution of same test cases. |
| Build Verification Testing | Difficult and time-taken | Easy and useful |
| Agility | Higher risk of missing out on the estimated deadline | Zero risk of missing out on the estimated deadline. |
| Framework Requirement | No framework is required to perform manual testing. However, testers must follow guidelines, inflexible processes, or checklists to perform some test cases. | Frameworks like keywords, Data Drive, or Hybrid will be used in Automation Testing for accelerating the testing process. |
| Documentation | No training value will be provided | Automation test will serve as a document that offers training value for new testers to follow the test cases quickly |
| Test Design | Don’t drive design in the coding process | Empower test-driven development design. |
| DevOps implementation | Not applicable for the automated build principle of DevOps | Enable Build Verification Testing and it will be part of the DevOps culture. |
| Significant use cases | Best for Exploratory, Adhoc, and Usability Testing. | Best for Regression, Load, and Performance Testing. It can also be used well for repeatable functional testing. |
Conclusion
Software testing can be done manually or automatically. If it is a manual testing process, testers can get accurate visual feedback and ensure user-friendliness. If it is automation testing, testers can deliver the quality product faster and they can provide documents instantly.
The learning of both manual and automation testing will be useful for the aspirants to enter into the Software Testing domain. Enroll in our Software Testing Training in Chennai at Softlogic to secure a bright future in the IT field.