Have you ever tested web applications? Almost any software testing specialist with more than a year experience will give an affirmative answer to this question. Because there are quite objective reasons for this state of affairs.
When you look at these fabulous numbers, it becomes clear why there are so many new web applications being developed around the world. This process leads to the need to attract a large number of specialists. The fact that the web (in a broad sense) will continue to increase the pace of its development is also confirmed by the gaining strength of the “mainstream”. And everything is “moving” to the clouds. Cloud technologies are becoming the new reality of the modern Internet. Even the once familiar desktop Word and Excel are now presented as web alternatives from Microsoft. With that being said, it can be argued that the need for good quality assurance engineers specialized in web products will only grow.
The article presented to the readers’ attention is devoted to the issues of the features of manual testing services. It would be right to start the story with the basics and decide what exactly we mean by the concept of “web application”. And what nuances in the implementation of these applications add work to testers Manual testing is an effective method of detecting errors in a program. It involves passing test scripts manually, without the use of software tools. The technique helps to improve software reliability, increase productivity and reduce the cost of adjustments in the future.
Manual functional testing is part of the testing process carried out at the stage of software quality control during its development. It involves writing test scripts by simulating user actions and passing them manually with the identification of errors and inaccuracies.
Manual testing of sites, programs and applications involves the implementation of a documented procedure for test execution. The technique determines the order of the tests, the values of the input parameters and the output results.
Manual software testing allows you to detect errors in the program’s functionality at an early stage of development. it reduces their cost and increase the likelihood of making correct adjustments.
Manual testing is a manual step-by-step process of creating, developing and maintaining quality software. This is done to ensure the performance and quality of the software developed.
The main purpose of manual testing is to ensure that the application is working properly, without any functional defects or bugs. And in accordance with the specification requirements.
Where Can’t Manual Testing Be Replaced?
There are several aspects in which manual testing fully meets the requirements of the modern world.
Suitable for small projects
The initial cost of installing an automated test system is significantly higher compared to traditional manual testing methods. If you have a small project, it is better to prefer manual testing to avoid the high costs of using automated methods.
A person understands another person better
Experienced manual testers put themselves in the shoes of users and then analyze the software according to their needs, resulting in better quality and better UX (User Experience). This is not possible with automated testing, where all software is tested in a standard format.
Go to small details
Automation operates on fixed and predefined testing procedures that cannot be changed. Although the result is faster, minor defects can be ignored by the algorithm. Therefore, manual testing is imperative to fix tiny flaws that can be neglected during automation.
Personalized application of methods
Not all software needs to be tested using the same methodology. If the testing methods are appropriate for the type and size of the software, each organization still requires individual application.
Thus, manual software testing is a must when software requirements change regularly.
Where should manual testing be replaced?
There are several points in which manual testing does not meet the requirements of the modern world. So it is advisable to replace these aspects with automated methods.
Repetitive steps
There are certain steps in the testing process that are repeated and do not necessarily require manual control. Just give the command to the algorithm once. And you can do more useful things. Automation should be used to save time in such cases.
Saving time
You do not need to revise the test parameters every time you test part or all of the software. Frameworks are reusable. So they save time and reduce the likelihood of software release delays due to testing processes.
Reducing the human factor
Artificial intelligence is more powerful than human intelligence. So it prevents any human error when testing software, making it a more reliable method.
More precision
This conclusion follows from the above. Fewer test errors mean more accurate test reports and more efficient analysis.
Conclusion
Any testing requires a meaningful approach using test analysis and test design techniques. Otherwise, you run the risk of forever remaining a “monkey tester”, the value of whose work will be scanty. In general, the key points of test analysis and test design apply to both desktop and web testing. But with a significant caveat: you must take into account all the nuances mentioned in the article. Also should be paid attention to the fact that it is practically impossible to test software qualitatively without a strong understanding of the methods. And there are the ways of using test analysis and test design.
Both testing methods have their merits and demerits. And they will never replace each other completely. Undoubtedly, most of the leading testing agencies or expert testers are implementing automation in many areas. But manual testing will never completely disappear. This is due to a number of the aforementioned benefits.
Without manual testing, the testing process will not be complete. And there are potential for critical functional issues. Manual testing is more reliable than automation because skills such as inductive thinking and human perception are used in the testing process. Thus, for optimal testing, you should not rush from one extreme to another. You just need to find the right balance between automatic and manual processes.
