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Difference between QA Manual Testing and QA Automation Testing
A QA tester, or Quality Assurance tester, is a professional who ensures that software applications work correctly and meet specified requirements. They find and report bugs, helping developers fix issues before the product is released.
Example: Imagine you're playing a new video game your company is developing, and you notice a character gets stuck in a wall when you jump. This means you found a bug! Now, you need to write down what happened and tell the developers so they can fix it. The final result: the character jumps smoothly and no longer gets stuck. Everything works perfectly!
QA testers use various testing methods to check the functionality, usability, and performance of software. These methods can be divided into manual and automated testing. Manual testing involves testers checking software by hand, like exploring features and reporting any issues they find. Automated testing uses scripts and tools to run tests automatically, which is faster and can be repeated easily. Both methods help find and fix bugs to ensure the software runs smoothly.
In this article we will discuss:
– The Specifics of QA Manual Testing
– Key Points about QA Automation Testing
– The Differences Between QA Automation and Manual Testing
– When QA Automation (Manual) Testing is Better
– Which QA Type is Better for Your Career
QA Manual Testing is when testers check software by hand for any defects. They act like regular users to find bugs and issues in the software
QA Manual Testing is:
→ Flexible: Manual testers can change their approach as the software changes. They can perform random testing to find unexpected bugs.
→ Human-centric: Manual testing relies on human intuition. Testers use their judgment to explore different features, and results vary based on their skills and motivation.
→ Responsive: Exploratory manual testing gives important feedback early in development. Finding bugs early makes it easier for the development team to fix them.
Let’s determine what makes QA Manual Testing better or worse than Automation Testing.
➕ Can Be Cheaper
Depending on what you're testing, manual testing might cost less
➕ Versatile
Manual testing works well for any type of application, without needing special tools
➕ Flexible
Testers can change their approach easily if they find new issues
➕ Good for Usability
Manual testing is great for checking how easy and accessible an application is for users
➖ Takes More Time
Manual testing needs people to do the work, which takes longer than automated testing
➖ More Mistakes
Human testers can make mistakes, leading to less consistent results
➖ Hard to Find Good Testers
It can be tough to hire and keep skilled testers because there is a lot of competition in the QA job market
➖ Less Coverage
When there are a lot of tests to run, manual testing might not cover everything as thoroughly as automated testing
QA Automation Testing is a method where software tools are used to automate the testing process. Unlike manual method, the automation one can run tests repeatedly with little human intervention, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
QA Automation Testing is:
→ Objective: Automated tests follow scripts exactly, avoiding human errors.
→ Repeatable: You can reuse automated test scripts, saving time, especially for repetitive tasks.
→ Scalable: Automated tests can easily be expanded or adjusted as the system grows or changes.
Now, let's dive into the pros and cons of automated testing. Understanding these will help you see when and why to use automated testing in your projects.
➕ Faster execution
Automated tests run quicker, especially when done in parallel
➕ Better test coverage
They can handle more test cases efficiently, covering more scenarios
➕ Less human error
Automated tests follow the same steps every time, reducing mistakes
➕ Reusable tests
Once set up, you can use the same tests for different projects, saving time
➖ May not work with your technology
Some tools might not support the specific technology you're using
➖ Takes a lot of time and money to set up
Initial setup can be costly and time-consuming
➖ Can't capture user feelings
Automated tests can't tell you how users feel about the software
➖ Complex and resource-heavy
These tools can be hard to set up and maintain
QA Automation and Manual Testing have key differences in their approach and execution.
Manual Testing involves human testers who interact with the software to find bugs and issues. This method is flexible, as testers can adapt their approach and use their intuition to explore different features. It's especially useful for usability and accessibility testing, where human judgment is crucial. However, manual testing can be time-consuming, prone to human error, and may result in inconsistent outcomes.
On the other hand, QA Automation uses automated tools and scripts to perform tests. These tests are faster to execute, especially when running multiple tests in parallel. Automation is ideal for repetitive tasks, such as regression testing, and offers greater test coverage. However, automated testing lacks the ability to capture user feelings or provide insights into user-friendliness.
Let's explore when QA Automation (Manual) Testing shines brighter, offering clear benefits over the other.
There are several situation when a company should choose a Manual Testing instead of Automative:
#1. Exploratory Testing
Ideal when exploring the application without detailed test cases
#2. Usability Testing
Essential for evaluating user-friendliness and intuitiveness
#3. Ad-hoc Testing
Useful for spontaneous testing without specific plans
#4. Short-term Projects
Effective for small projects with limited lifespan
#5. Visual Issues
Better for checking the visual appearance of the application
#6. Accessibility Testing
Crucial for ensuring accessibility for users with disabilities
#7. Non-automatable Scenarios
Necessary when tests can't be automated due to technical limitations or the nature of the test
Automated testing prevails over manual testing when tasks need to be repeated frequently and swiftly, ensuring efficiency and reducing human error.
#1. Regression Testing
Automated testing is great for regression testing, ensuring recent changes haven't affected existing functions
#2. Large-scale Projects
In projects with a significant scope and numerous features, automated testing helps manage the extensive test coverage efficiently
#3. Time-sensitive Releases
When there's a need for quick feedback on the software's functionality, automated testing can rapidly execute tests, providing faster results
#4. Repetitive Tasks
For tasks that require repetitive execution automation can perform reliable and consistent results
#5. Complex Systems
In complex software systems where manual testing might be impractical, automation ensures thorough testing coverage
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The better QA type for your career depends on various factors such as your skills, preferences, and the nature of the project you're working on. It's essential to consider the specific requirements of each testing method and how they align with your goals and expertise. So, the best choice is the one that allows you to contribute effectively to the project success.
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