eWhat is Manual Testing?
As the name implies, this one is a type of software testing where test cases are being executed manually by an expert. Yes, here there is no scope for automation tools to be used. The main objective behind conducting manual testing is that several bugs, issues and errors can be identified. It may quite interest you to know that manual testing is considered as one of the most primitive techniques that assist professionals in identifying critical bugs in the developed app.
In fact, most veteran software testers always emphasize the fact that testing an application manually is extremely important than testing it via automation tools. Yes, even though automation tools save ample time and energy, the significance of manual testing shouldn’t be ignored at any rate. After all, there is no concept such as 100% automation. Further below I would like to mention some of the manual testing types which can also be used as an automation tool.
- Black Box Testing
- White Box Testing
- Unit Testing
- System Testing
- Integration Testing
- Acceptance Testing
Like it or not, manual testing is a very important part of the entire software testing process and it somehow has to be performed prior to its release. Being a human, these professionals exactly know how the end-user will see the software and they do the same. So yes, manual testing is done to review the developed app or website from the end-users point of view. Certain aspects such as a smooth checkout process, fast-loading hi-res images, links to social media channels, and quick optimization are well taken care of here.
So how different is manual testing from automation testing? Well, both concepts are extremely different. You see manual testing requires an expert to intervene whereas automation testing doesn’t. All types of apps and websites can be tested manually to assess User Interface, User Experience, ad-hoc or exploratory testing and whatnot! Automation testing is highly recommended for stable systems which are likely to have fewer bugs and is highly considered while conducting regression testing and performance testing.
Further below I would like to mention certain benefits of conducting manual testing.
Benefits of Manual Testing
#1 It’s Okay if Your Programming Knowledge is Not Legit
One of the obvious benefits of manual testing is that one is not required to have a solid knowledge of programming. In fact, what needs to be done here is first of all the requirements are being understood and then document test cases are being made and executed simultaneously. Though test cases are being conducted here, programming is not used. On the contrary, while you are conducting automation testing what happens is test cases can only be enhanced when testers are able to use anyone programming language. So here having significant programming knowledge is necessary.
#2 Enables Testers to focus more on complex features
Another significant benefit of the manual testing tool over automation is that here testers can focus more on complex features. Also, in automation tools, this turns out to be pretty time-consuming. Whereas with manual testing, testers tend to spend less time focusing on emulating each unique user path possible. Yes, in other words, they can seamlessly concentrate on complex features and functions.
#3 Errors can be detected externally
Another advantage of manual testing is that even while doing so the code is not affected at all. For example, the server response time doesn’t change even when the software testing is taking place. Manual testing is all about testing various capabilities of the application. And you know what’s more intimidating here, you don’t have to use pre-built test cases but think of on-the-fly scenarios.
Now what happens is the real version from the point of view of end-users is extremely different from the point of view of an automation machine. All you have to do is try to execute on multiple browsers, devices, and operating systems.
To perform successful manual testing what needs to be done?
- First and foremost, go through the software project documentation very carefully
- Draft test cases
- Review them keeping clients in mind
- Execute them
- Report for issues and bugs, if any!
- Again the bugs are fixed, execute them once more to see whether they pass or not.
Top Manual Testing Tools
1. Selenium
One of the leading testing tool names to take into account is selenium. This one in particular is mainly used to test web applications.
A web application is not created overnight. It takes lots and lots of effort to do so! And what if the end result doesn’t come as expected? Simple, you are bound to face losses.
How is Selenium helpful here? Well, it is an open-source tool that automates web browsers to a great extent. Selenium turns out to be the best manual testing tool till date.
This one offers a single interface where it is possible to write test scripts such as Ruby, Java, Node, PHP and Python! In addition, the open-source tool has a proven track record for supporting different operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Some of the most interesting components of Selenium include – Selenium IDE, Selenium Client API, Selenium Remote Control, Selenium Web Driver, Selenium Grid and so forth.
It may quite interest you to know that Selenium is one such tool that doesn’t require high-level knowledge of scripting.
So whether you are a mid-level experienced professional or just a beginner, getting started with Selenium should be no big deal for you! Some of the core benefits of using Selenium include:
- Easy to use
- Available for Free
- No scripting knowledge required
2. Jmeter – Change this para tomm
The next contender in line is Apache JMeter. Again this one is an open-source tool that is highly recommended for testing the performance of dynamic web applications.
Jmeter is highly based on the java application and is used to load functional test behaviour and assess application performance. Overall, creating applications using jMeter is a child’s play. Some of the most astounding features of Jmeter include:
- It is platform-agnostic, Supports Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and other platforms.
- Clear user interface
- Easy to use
- Versatile
3. BugZilla
Today, one of the leading manual testing tools that feature maximum functionalities is Bugzilla. So featuring maximum functionalities and versatility is one of the core reasons for choosing Bugzilla as your manual testing tool.
Though this one is not new it has been here for years and maybe that’s the reason why it’s quite in vogue.
Not to mention over the years, it has succeeded in proving its worth again and again. On and all, much like others Bugzilla is pretty easy to use and comprises of simple concepts.
Now can you name me one of the most crucial elements that a software tester must keep in mind? It’s Quality assurance.
And Bugzilla being a leading manual testing tool has a noble reputation for delivering the best possible outcomes by eliminating bugs without much hassle. Also, not to mention that Bugzilla is an open-source tool.
4. Mantis
Another reputable name to think of when it comes to the best manual testing tool is Mantis. Again this is no different when it comes to tracking bugs or defects.
Now, what makes Mantis a cut above other manual testing tools is that this one has the potential to customize testing as per users’ needs and requirements.
Not to mention that this manual testing tool in particular is extremely compatible with other platforms such as Windows, iOS, Android, iPhone and more.
Moreover, software testers can add custom functionality to track relevant bugs and issues which might harm the application sooner or later.
Also, with its accurate email notification functionality, one can send emails regarding ongoing updates, comments, and resolutions, especially to those who are well-connected in the project, for example, project managers, stakeholders, etc.
5. TestLink
Unlike others this one is pretty much kind of an ambidextrous tool, you must be wondering why? Well, testLink is one such tool that supports both manual testing as well as automated testing.
Also, Testlink is free, and open-source which means you can save a lot of money by using the tool in particular. Some of the crucial benefits of TestLink include-
- A wide range of assistance options
- User-friendly programs
- Comprises of tons of web-based capabilities
6. QTP
Have you heard of HP? Yes, I am talking about one of the reputable firms offering a wide range of quality tools. QTP is one of its products.
Mostly recommended for UFT testing, regression testing and functional testing. There is no denying the fact that software testing requires a high-end manual testing process and QTP works wonders in such a scenario.
Easy to use, pretty versatile, supports keyboard and scripting interface, and effective graphical interface are some of the core aspects derived from QTP.
7. ALM
ALM or Quality centre is a manual test management tool that assists well in taking care of application lifecycle management.
Right from crucial resources, project milestones, and deliverables, everything is well-taken care of here. Also, as a project owner, there will be no difficulty in tracking the health of the project or its current status.
The enterprise-wide application is based on Java 2 enterprise edition tech. For backend purposes, ALM uses Oracle and MS SQL.
Conclusion
Manual Testing has to be taken into account no matter what the situation is! You see since this one is available with a different set of parameters, this one is pretty different from all the other forms of testing. I am sure you enjoyed reading the post.
And I assure you that all the aforementioned tools are some of the best tools to take into consideration while conducting manual testing.
However, before you pick one do spare some time and consult with your software development company and try picking the right choice that is cost-effective and leads to less-time consumption.
