It is impossible to create high-quality software without proper testing today. It allows you to identify the slightest technical errors that can affect the final use of the product by users. There are two main types of testing – automatic and manual. The choice depends on many factors. Manual testing is an excellent solution for various startups and small projects, while automated testing is for large projects and a large number of routine tasks.
It will be the best option, of course, to use both types of testing, since one complements the other. But often it is the cost of automation that influences the decision to abandon such testing, since it is the tools that are expensive. Let’s try to figure out in what conditions it is better to use this or that testing, as well as how this can be done more cost-effectively.
What is automated testing?
Automated testing is a method that involves the use of various tools to check system performance. They allow you to make a deeper analysis of the software. This type of testing analyzes how an application or site will react under high load, web attacks, also checks if the whole system is operating properly and much more.
Among the main advantages of automated testing are:
- Deep automated scan;
- Ease of work;
- Lack of human factors;
- Speed up the process.
What is manual testing?
Manual testing is a method in which a specialist reads the program code and analyzes the usability and interface of the application literally in order. He cannot interpret the code very deeply and work at high speed, but he can identify obvious errors and those that are difficult to detect automatically. And this, in turn, can also help improve the user experience and the usability of the application.
Manual testing has several advantages:
- Comparatively cheaper;
- Helps create a product that is user friendly;
- Examines the program code for non-obvious errors.
- Immediate real-user feedback.
- Test case diversity.
Manual verification of software code takes a lot of time, requires knowledge and attention of a QA specialist. This method does not exclude errors due to the human factor. Automatic and manual types of verification complement each other and together give an excellent result that allows you to identify even the most non-obvious errors. If you work with a software testing provider, you have the opportunity to save on the services of individual specialists and get the expertise of an experienced company. And this is a real opportunity to unload the internal resources of your project and direct them to administrative or marketing purposes.
Factors influencing the choice
If it is not possible to perform both types of testing, the choice depends on various factors. Let’s look at the most important of them.
Product size
If the project is enormous, it is almost impossible to subtract such program code manually. It is better to use the automatic type of testing here because it allows you to make a profound analysis.
Manual testing is better suited for small startups because user-friendliness is of paramount importance here.
Project budget
The cost of software quality is high, so for many startups, the budget for automated testing can be a challenge. Your task is to break your application down into the basic functions it performs and start testing those functions separately. This will take less time and be much cheaper than testing the entire application.
Human resources
Several people are usually involved in performing manual testing because it becomes difficult for one person to read along with program code independently. If it is not possible to hire a lot of testers, it is better to choose automatic testing. The computer can do this, while the programmer can devote time to other tasks.
How often are changes made to the code?
In the process of writing a program code, specialists have new ideas and want to make some changes to already finished parts. In this case, it is better to give preference to automated testing, as errors are possible due to the human factor, and there is a need to check how new modules will be combined with previous ones.
Need to check image and font size
Automated testing only considers technical issues but cannot consider user interface features. If you need to check the size of images and fonts, then it is better to use manual testing.
Leeway
The QA process usually takes some time. If you have a specific time frame, then it is better to include this time in the testing process in advance, since it may require additional time during testing.
Efficiency
Manual testing can check if the system can work on its own under normal conditions. However, suppose you plan to launch a commercial site or mobile application. In that case, it is better to choose automatic testing, which will allow you to check how the system will behave during the sales period.
Retesting
After the initial testing has been carried out, the specialist reports the errors found and makes recommendations for their elimination. After making corrections, it is better to check them not automatically but through manual testing. It allows you to check how effectively the corrections were made.
Load and stress testing
Many programs, especially if they relate to the financial sector, then hacker attacks and overloads are possible. To evaluate how the product will behave in extreme conditions, it is worth using automated testing. It can immediately emit the activity of 100 or more users at the same time, and use malware to test security.
GUI testing
Automated testing is performed to test GUI displays. Today, quite a few tools are used to record user actions and then play them back as many times as necessary. It allows you to evaluate the actual result and expectations.
The list of essential factors does not end there. When choosing a testing method, you also need to consider the features of your product, the specifics of the team’s work, and your strategy. There is an opinion that when creating any module, it is worth using manual testing, and after the whole system is assembled into one ready product – automatic testing. It will allow you to get the highest quality result and not spend too much.
Conclusion
As you can see, both automated and manual testing have their advantages and disadvantages. However, a properly set goal should determine which testing should be prioritized first. Just as application development consists of different pieces of code that fit together like a puzzle, software testing consists of parts that can be tested separately. Start small and you will quickly find your application gaining popularity and recognition.
