Manual testing is testing the software manually by a QA analyst or a tester. Its primary purpose is to look for bugs and improve the process during the development phase.
It is an old-school method of testing where the analyst checks the essential features of the software or application. This method allows the testers to perform test cases then create test reports manually through its findings.
Since it detects bugs, it allows developers to locate what is wrong in the code. After, it corrects the bugs before handing the application again to the analyst or tester for a retest. Manual testing existed way before automated testing emerged. This testing involves a lot of work, but it ensures that the application functions smoothly. There are a lot of companies that offer manual software testing services and in this guide, we will dive deep into manual testing and some of the tools you can use to test applications.
Why is Manual Testing Important?
There’s nothing better than relying on human knowledge when identifying bugs and errors in software. While automation provides you with convenience, manual testing allows you to be specific and detail-oriented when running through the test cases. For this reason, we will discuss why manual testing is important in this section.
1. Human Brain is Better
Automated testing tools use AI and codes to detect duplicate test cases and errors and create and execute designs. However, as stated by Medium, only humans can create them with high precision since they can detect issues right away. With this, they can anticipate future errors.
2. Better User Experience
UX/UI testing is not possible through automation testing. Only manual testing can visually spot all bugs that automation scripts are having difficulty identifying.
3. Some test cases are not possible with automation
The tester needs to prepare test cases to program them before running the actual tests with automated testing. However, with manual testing, the QA or tester can quickly test to see the results.
There’s no need for an automation script when testing, which can be pretty time-consuming. Hence, it’s a more straightforward process since manual testing allows freedom to test the cases.
Tools in Manual Testing
Now that we know the importance of manual testing let’s head to the tools you can use. Here are some of them:
Selenium
Selenium is an open-sourced testing tool that can be used for automation and manual. This tool is used in web applications such as Linux, Windows, and macOS. Also, it doesn’t force users to learn another test scripting language when using it.
QTP
QTP is also a manual testing tool that features keyword and scripting interfaces and a graphical user interface. To enable test procedures and control the test application, it uses a VBScript.
QTP enables testers to test the program with a single console. Moreover, it can perform both functional and regression testing. It can also be used in API testing, database testing, system operations, and web service testing.
LoadRunner
LoadRunner is used to test an application, its performance, and its behavior. It can simulate thousands of users simultaneously and record it for later analysis of the application’s performance.
To make use of the simulation, LoadRunner creates messages that are stored in a script. Its components are VuGen, Load generator, agent process, and controller.]
Citrus
Citrus is a manual testing tool used for integration. Thus, it is often used for the test framework. It also supports HTTP, SOAP, and JMS Protocols for end-to-end testing.
Bugzilla
Bugzilla is a manual testing tool used in several businesses to detect bugs and issues. It is an open-sourced application that allows users to track bugs and errors. It also has a test management tool to connect other test case solutions like ALM and Quality Center.
Other features include:
- Includes a powerful search mechanism to allow time-based searches and build any type of search you want
- Uses a Google-style bug search to detect the bug in a code
SoapUI
SoapUI is an API form of manual testing that allows users to create complicated test scenarios. It also provides services such as Web Services, REST, and SOAP. It makes testing more efficient due to its API testing modes.
Conclusion
There you go – we have discussed everything you need to know about manual testing along with the tools to use. These tools will surely aid you in your testing journey throughout the development phase.
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