Manual Testing: What, Why, Types, & How To Perform

In this article, we will learn the key aspects of manual testing, including its definition, purpose, types, advantages and disadvantages.

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What is Manual Testing?

Manual testing is a software testing process that involves executing test cases manually to verify the functionality and performance of a software application. Unlike automated testing, which relies on tools and scripts, manual testing is done by a person. Testers follow a set of steps to find problems in the software, such as errors, bugs, or issues with how it works. They make sure the software does what it is supposed to do and is easy to use. Manual testing is important because some issues can only be found through human observation and judgment. It helps ensure the software is high-quality and works well for users.

Why we need manual testing

Manual testing is important because it allows testers to evaluate software from a human perspective. Automated tools follow predefined scripts and can miss usability issues or unexpected behavior that only a person can identify. By manually testing the application, testers can put themselves in the users’ shoes and ensure that everything works as expected under real-world conditions.

Another reason we need manual testing is its flexibility. Unlike automated tests, manual testing can adapt to changing requirements or unique scenarios without needing to modify automation scripts. This makes it especially useful for testing new or complex features where behavior cannot be fully predicted.

Manual testing is also essential in finding visual and design-related bugs. Automated tools are not always capable of accurately detecting visual inconsistencies, alignment problems, or design flaws. A human eye is more effective in these situations, ensuring the application meets both functional and aesthetic standards.

Lastly, manual testing ensures that testers can use their intuition and creativity. Human testers can explore areas of the software that automated tools might skip. This exploratory testing approach often uncovers defects or weaknesses that would otherwise go unnoticed. Overall, manual testing plays a critical role in maintaining the quality, usability, and reliability of software.

Types of Manual Testing

Manual testing can be divided into several types based on the approach used. The most common types include White Box Testing, Black Box Testing, and Gray Box Testing. Each has a unique purpose in ensuring quality and reliability.

White Box Testing:

White box testing is performed with knowledge of the internal structure and logic of the code. The tester examines how the system works internally by analyzing the code, algorithms, and paths. This type of testing helps in checking things like code flow, logical errors, and coding practices. It is often carried out by developers or testers who understand the codebase.

Learn more: White Box Testing

Black Box Testing:

Black box testing focuses on the functionality of the software without any knowledge of the internal code. Testers interact with the application through the user interface, providing inputs and observing the outputs to ensure it works as expected. This type of testing is ideal for finding functional defects, usability issues, and user interface problems.

Learn more: Black Box Testing

Gray Box Testing:

Gray box testing combines elements of both White Box Testing and Black Box Testing. Testers have partial knowledge about the internal workings of the system but still test it primarily from a user’s perspective. This allows them to identify technical issues as well as functional flaws. Gray box testing is useful for scenarios where deeper insights into the system are required without fully accessing the code.

Learn more: Gery Box Testing

Each of these testing methods serves a specific purpose in manual testing and helps ensure that software is both functional and reliable.

How to perform Manual Testing

• Understand the Requirements: Begin by thoroughly understanding the software requirements and specifications. Review the documentation, such as requirement documents or user stories, to comprehend what the software is expected to do.
• Create a Test Plan: Develop a detailed test plan. This plan should outline the scope, objectives, resources needed, and the testing schedule. It ensures a clear strategy is in place for the testing process.
• Write Test Cases: Design clear and concise test cases based on the requirements. Each test case should include inputs, expected outcomes, and steps to perform the test. Ensure test cases cover all functionalities of the software.
• Set Up the Testing Environment: Prepare the testing environment, which includes setting up the necessary hardware, software, and system configurations. Ensure the environment replicates a real-world application setup.
• Execute Test Cases: Run the test cases on the application by following the steps outlined in each case. Note any discrepancies or unexpected behavior observed during the testing process.
• Log Defects: Document any issues or defects found during testing. Provide as much detail as possible, including steps to reproduce the issue, expected results, and actual results. Use a defect tracking tool if available.
• Re-Test and Verify Fixes: After the defects are resolved by the development team, re-run the test cases to confirm the fixes. Ensure no new defects have been introduced.
• Perform Regression Testing: Regression testing verifies that recent changes to the software have not negatively affected existing functionality. Re-run relevant test cases to ensure the entire system works as intended.
• Communicate Results: Compile and share the test results with stakeholders. Highlight any significant issues, areas tested, and overall software quality.
• Provide Feedback and Close Testing: Once testing is complete, provide final feedback to the team and document the testing process for future reference. Close the testing cycle when all defects are resolved, and the software meets quality standards.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Manual Testing

Advantages of Manual Testing

• Flexibility in Testing: Manual testing allows testers to adapt and modify test cases on the fly, making it easier to handle unexpected changes or new scenarios in real-time.
• Human Observation: Testers can use intuition and experience to detect issues that automated testing might miss, such as visual inconsistencies, user experience problems, or unusual behavior.
• Cost-Effective for Small Projects: For projects with a limited scope or short duration, manual testing requires minimal initial investment compared to setting up automation tools.
• Useful for Exploratory Testing: Manual testing is ideal for exploratory testing, where testers investigate the software without predefined test cases, uncovering unique bugs or problems.
• Handles Complex Scenarios: Certain test scenarios that involve complex user interactions or subjective judgment are better handled manually to ensure accuracy.
• No Advanced Tools or Skills Required: New testers can often start manual testing without requiring expertise in scripting or automation tools, making it beginner-friendly.

Disadvantages of Manual Testing

• Time-Consuming: Manual testing takes more time compared to automated testing, especially when dealing with repetitive tasks or large test suites.
• Less Accurate for Repetitive Tasks: Human error is more likely during repetitive test execution, which can lead to inconsistent results over time.
• No Reusability: Manual testing efforts cannot be reused for future regression cycles, unlike automation scripts that can be run repeatedly.
• Not Ideal for Large Systems: Testing large and complex systems manually can become overwhelming and reduces overall productivity.
• Limited Scalability: Manual testing does not scale well for projects with tight deadlines or extensive functionality that requires thorough validation.
• Higher Costs in the Long Run: For long-term projects with frequent updates, manual testing may become more costly due to the resources and time involved.

FAQs: Manual Testing

Conclusion

This article covered the key aspects of manual testing, including its definition, purpose, types, tools, process, benefits, and drawbacks. Manual testing requires test engineers to think like end users, applying creativity and problem-solving skills to evaluate applications. Despite automation testing’s rise, manual testing remains essential as the foundation of software testing.