Manual testing, a key component of software testing in which test cases are carried out by human testers without the help of automated testing tools. It entails methodically investigating software programs, spotting flaws, and making sure they adhere to requirements.

Validating software capabilities, user experience, and overall quality requires manual testing.

What is Manual Testing?

The process of assessing software programs by hand, devoid of the use of automated testing tools or scripts, is known as manual testing. In order to find bugs, confirm features, and make sure the program complies with requirements, entails human testers interacting with the product directly. The goal of manual testing is to evaluate the behavior, usability, and general quality of the software using a variety of methods and methodologies.

When testing manually, testers build test cases according to the needs and specifications of the software. These test cases include detailed instructions, anticipated results, and success/failure criteria. Testers carefully adhere to these test cases, entering different data sets and interacting with the program in ways that mimic actual user situations. They observe the system’s responses, record any deviations from expected behavior, and log defects in a tracking system for resolution.

How to Perform Manual Testing?

1. Gather the software’s requirements: The first stage in manual testing is gathering requirements for the product. This entails having a thorough understanding of the functions, end-user expectations, and what the software is meant to do. The foundation needed to create efficient test cases that encompass all facets of the functionality of the software is provided by gathering requirements.

2. Plan and write test cases: The next important step is to plan and write test scenarios. Specific scenarios and actions to be carried out during testing are outlined in test cases. They include of inputs, anticipated results, and pass/fail criteria. Effectively created test cases guarantee thorough examination of the features and functionalities of the software, directing testers through the testing procedure methodically.

3. Conduct the tests: Executing the test cases in accordance with the predetermined stages constitutes conducting the tests. To verify the software’s behavior, testers engage with it, enter different data sets, and create scenarios of real-world usage. Testers monitor the system’s reactions, spot any departures from expected behavior, and confirm that the program satisfies prerequisites.

4. Log all issues and bugs: Effective defect management requires that all problems and defects found during testing are recorded. When carrying out test cases, testers carefully record any problems, irregularities, or unexpected behavior they come across. This includes documenting every issue in great detail, including the behavior that was noticed, how to duplicate it, and its level of severity, so that the development team can address it quickly.

5. Report the results: A thorough test report that summarizes the testing procedures and conclusions is required when reporting the results. Testers inform relevant stakeholders, such as project managers, developers, and quality assurance teams, about the quantity of test cases completed, defects found, and overall test outcomes. Transparency is ensured and informed decision-making is facilitated by succinct and clear reporting.

6. Retest the new version: After the development team has fixed any flaws and issues, it is vital to retest the updated version. Regression testing is done by testers to make sure that the fixes have not resulted in any new problems or regressions. They also confirm that the reported flaws have been resolved. Before software is made available to end users, retesting helps to guarantee its dependability and stability.

Advantages Of Manual Testing

1. Creativity and Human Insight: When conducting manual testing, testers can use their creativity, human insight, and intuition to spot little problems that automated testing would overlook.
2. Flexibility for Testing: Manual testing is appropriate for exploratory testing and ad hoc scenarios because it provides the flexibility to modify test cases and methodologies in response to shifting requirements.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Creating and maintaining automated test scripts can be more expensive than conducting manual testing for smaller projects or those with regularly changing needs.
4. Direct Assessment of Interface Usability: Direct assessment of the software interface’s usability, accessibility, and intuitiveness is made possible through manual testing.
5. Real-World Simulation: Testers can more faithfully replicate real-world situations and user interactions, offering a more thorough evaluation of the behavior of the software.
6. Quick Setup Time: Compared to automated testing, manual testing usually takes less setup time, enabling testers to begin testing right away.
7. Dynamic Exploration for Unanticipated Issues: Testers can dynamically explore the software to find unanticipated problems and areas for improvement through exploratory testing, which is made possible by manual testing.

Types Of Manual Testing

Following are the most common types of manual testing:

1. Black Box Testing

Black-box testing concentrates on analyzing the program’s functioning without taking into account any internal code structure or implementation specifics. In order to verify that the program behaves in accordance with the requirements, testers interact with the program’s inputs and outputs as though it were a black box. From the standpoint of the end user, this method is very helpful for validating user interfaces, functions, and system integrations.

2. White Box Testing

Conversely, white-box testing explores the software’s core structure and logic. With access to the source code, testers can create test cases that evaluate the internal operations of the software, such as control flow, data flow, and code pathways. White-box testing seeks to identify flaws in code optimization, boundary conditions, and logic mistakes in order to shed light on the internal robustness and quality of the program.

3. Gray Box Testing

Black-box and white-box testing methodologies are combined in grey-box testing. Testers only have a limited understanding of the core workings of the software, including its code structure and system architecture. Grey-box testing makes use of this information to create test cases that verify the software’s structural and functional elements. It offers a balanced approach, allowing testers to uncover defects while considering the software’s behavior from an end-user perspective.

4. Smoke Testing

Smoke testing is a preliminary test performed on a software build to determine whether it is stable enough for additional, more thorough testing. It is sometimes referred to as build verification testing or build acceptance testing. It seeks to confirm the software’s fundamental operation and guarantee that crucial features are operating without experiencing any significant problems. The tests are usually quick to execute and focus on basic functionality rather than exhaustive testing.

5. Sanity Testing

Sanity testing is carried out to ascertain fast whether the software’s most recent repairs or modifications haven’t negatively impacted any of its current functionality. Sanity testing concentrates on those regions or features that are probably going to be impacted by the most recent modifications, as opposed to thorough regression testing. To make sure the software is still sane and functional, it is frequently run following a fresh build or small change. Sanity testing saves time and money by rapidly locating any evident flaws brought about by the most recent changes.

6. Regression Testing

Regression testing is an essential step in the software testing process that makes sure that recent code modifications haven’t had a negative impact on the program’s current functions. In order to confirm that the new code modifications have not resulted in any new flaws or regressions, it entails rerunning previously completed test cases. Regression testing finds and fixes any unexpected effects of code alterations, preserving the software’s stability and integrity. To save time and effort, it is frequently automated, particularly in situations where code releases or modifications occur frequently.

7. Acceptance Testing

Acceptance Testing is a method of software testing where a system is tested for acceptability. The major aim of this test is to evaluate the compliance of the system with the business requirements and assess whether it is acceptable for delivery or not.

Important Tools For Manual Testing

1. Jira

• Jira is a popular application for managing projects and tracking issues that helps software development teams collaborate.
• It allows developers and testers to collaborate in real time by integrating easily with development tools like as Git, Bitbucket, and Jenkins.
• With its flexible dashboards, reporting tools, and agile project management capabilities, Jira facilitates software delivery by giving teams visibility into project status.
• Jira greatly aids in the manual testing process with its powerful problem tracking and project management features. The smooth communication between developers and testers is made possible by its interaction with development technologies like as Jenkins, Bitbucket, and Git. To make sure that all found flaws are appropriately fixed, testers can utilize Jira to record, monitor, and rank manual test cases and issues.

2. Trello

• Trello is a visual project management solution that arranges tasks and workflows using cards, lists, and boards.
• In a collaborative setting, it is especially helpful for organizing test strategies, creating test cases, and monitoring testing activities.
• Testers can add cards for test cases or issues, move cards between lists to show their status, and create boards for various projects.
• Trello, a visual project management tool, makes manual testing easier by offering an intuitive interface for arranging test plans, making test cases, and keeping track of testing progress. Trello’s boards, lists, and cards allow testers to visually express test plans, monitor test case status, and work in real-time team collaboration.

3. Zephyr

• Zephyr is a test management solution that works well with Jira to offer further features for managing test cases, carrying them out, and reporting on them.
• Within the Jira context, it provides functionality including test planning, test case development, execution tracking, and real-time test reporting.
• Test cases may be easily created, arranged, assigned to testers, and their execution status monitored thanks to Zephyr’s UI, which is reminiscent of an old spreadsheet.
• Zephyr is a test management tool that integrates with Jira. It offers additional functionality for managing test cases, running tests, and producing real-time reports, which further improve the manual testing process. Within the Jira environment, testers can utilize Zephyr to organize test activities, create test cases, delegate tasks to testers, and monitor the status of test execution.

Conclusion

Manual testing continues to be a crucial component of the software development lifecycle, providing special benefits and functionalities to enhance automated testing endeavors. Teams may guarantee the quality, dependability, and usability of their software applications by utilizing a combination of manual testing methods and tools.

How To Perform Manual Testing? FAQs

1. What is manual testing and why is it important?

Ans: By using human understanding and intuition, manual testers might find flaws that automated tests might overlook. It also makes it possible to validate real-world events and user experiences.

2. Which popular tools are available for manual testing?

Ans: Tools like Jira, Trello, Zephyr, Sauce Labs, Bugzilla, and BrowserStack are commonly used for manual testing. These programs have features for cross-browser testing, bug tracking, test case management, and more.

3. What part do cross-browser testing tools play in manual testing?

Ans: Web applications can be manually tested in real-time across a variety of browsers and devices using tools like BrowserStack. This guarantees consistency and compatibility across different systems.

4. What benefits may manual testing tools offer the testing process?

Ans: Tools for manual testing facilitate the administration, execution, and reporting of test cases. They guarantee thorough testing in a variety of settings, promote teamwork among members, and give visibility into testing operations.