Software creators understand the importance of testing their apps during development. It minimizes the odds of huge issues when the software goes live and ensures the product meets user expectations.
You can use manual and automated tests when checking how the software works. The best results come from combining both methods since each approach comes with different benefits.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the main differences and reasons why you need manual and automated tests!
Automated Testing – An Overview
If you want to know what automation testing is and how it can benefit businesses to speed up their testing processes, you can check out the main differences between the two testing methods. Automated testing shortens the time of the process and gives reliable results.These tests compared to manual testing don’t require human intervention to run. Instead, a computer runs them by following the instructions you issued.
Specialized test automation tools perform these analyses. Each tool requires a certain learning curve and an expert who knows to adjust all parameters. But once you complete the preparation of the automated test, the computer does the rest. It will execute all processes automatically and deliver the results once the test finishes.
Benefits of Automated Testing
Test automation requires a clear determinant that tells the computer how to determine the result. Based on that, it determines the “right” and “wrong” results. You also need an automated testing tool that covers your needs and personnel who knows how to use it. It usually doesn’t take much training and time for engineers to become adept at using these tools. Now, let’s check the main advantages of using test automation!
An Excellent Choice for Lengthy and Large-Scope Tests
Analyzing big data manually can take days or weeks. Software developers used to give up on large-scope tests, but then automation appeared. Automated tests don’t require human intervention but only a PC. That means you can leave a computer unattended, and they’ll perform the tests 24/7. If necessary, you can even run the checks on multiple computers.
Automation ensures that the test browses file contents, data tables, memory, and other relevant content to determine the result. Even the most complex and lengthy tests will go smoothly, ensuring maximum coverage.
It Has Maximum Accuracy with a Simple Requirement
It’s impossible for a computer to make an error. Therefore, automated testing results are 100% reliable. However, there is a small twist. The basic requirement is to create a bulletproof script and adjust the parameters to the test’s needs. As long as you handle the adjustments properly, you can rest assured the test will run smoothly.
It’s the Only Option in Certain Situations
Let’s say you are developing a web-based app. Once it goes live, it might have thousands of users logged simultaneously. How can you be sure everything will work smoothly? It’s expensive and almost impossible to have thousands interacting with the app at the same time. But if you use test automation, you can simulate that situation. It’s a convenient way to see if the software can handle the desired workload.
It Saves Time and Money (in the Long Run)
There’s no denying that test automation tools require an upfront investment. But their value lies in long-term use. Automated testing is best suitable for tedious tests and analyses you need to perform repeatedly.
For example, let’s say you are working on a software unit and plan to test it several times. You can create the automatic test only once and then run it as many times as necessary. This approach can save you hours or days. Another vital benefit is that your engineers are free to work on other tasks, improving their productivity.
Manual Testing – An Overview
This used to be the only available testing form, and it required a human workforce to execute the test. Testers would analyze a specific feature or software overall. Today, manual tests aren’t that widespread, but they are far from extinct. Moreover, many development companies have teams of manual testers handling the necessary checks.
Benefits of Manual Testing
Manual tests take more time and come with the risk of error. Human testers can make a mistake accidentally and without realizing it. But despite these drawbacks, manual tests also have many advantages, and we’ll list them below!
A Great Choice for Testing User Experience
A machine isn’t suitable to test the app from a user perspective. If you want to improve UI/UX, manual testers can analyze the software to see what could be improved. You can benefit from insights on which pages or features need to load quicker, details on where to position the links, etc. This estimation is sometimes subjective, so it could be wise to work with multiple UX testers.
Excellent for Exploratory Tests
You finished creating the feature and want to test how it works. You are looking for general issues without specific requirements. That’s where manual testing comes into play. Scripts can’t “catch” everything, and exploratory tests serve to discover potential issues missed by automated tests.
Suitable for Short-Term Projects and One-Time Tests
You might be working on a small and short-term project. It’s not worth wasting your time adjusting a script and executing a test automation tool. Instead of wasting those resources, you can do the required tests manually. Manual testing is also a time-saver in situations where you only need to run the check once. If you don’t plan to repeat the test, it could be faster to do the analysis yourself.
Final Thoughts
Manual and automated tests complement each other, making the perfect pair of software testing. Some situations allow test automation, while others require manual analysis. It’s up to you to find the right balance for your software. Maximizing the potential of both will ensure you get reliable feedback and develop the best product possible in the final version.
