Manual Testing vs. Automation Testing

May 15, 2023 | Test Automation Insights

Woman at assembly line performing quality analysis

Can automation replicate the quality assurance that human user testing provides? Technology’s ability to optimize test runs has come a long way. Because of this, many software developers have been researching the validity of automation testing and considering implementing it in their work. 

Deciding on an approach to software testing is a pivotal moment in the development process. Manual and automated testing are both valid methods of software testing, and knowing the strengths and limitations of each is important. Learn what automated software testing tools can do for your deployment timeline. 

Benefits of Automation Testing

More Test Cases

Because automation testing can be completed so quickly, software testing teams can conduct more test runs in a smaller amount of time. It also covers more permutations and variations, implementing broader test scenarios. For large-scale projects, the benefits of automation testing are significant and necessary when dealing with time constraints. However, both large and small companies alike find the convenience of automated software testing to be a useful tool for success. 

Less Busywork

Automated test runs do require maintenance, but that’s a small output of labor in comparison to the labor manual software testers need to do daily. Software test automation results in the majority of test work being automated, leaving fewer unnecessary manual tasks for the people on software development and testing teams. 

Continuous Testing

Some software testers have used automation testing to implement continuous testing. As the name implies, continuous testing happens repeatedly and for a long period. This protects a software development company’s reputation and ensures that things are running smoothly on any given day. Engaging in continuous testing with a team of manual software testers would be an expensive endeavor that wastes time and resources. Automation makes continuous testing accessible.  

Parallel Execution

Parallel test execution is the ultimate result of efficiency and technological optimization. With automated software testing tools, users can run multiple test scenarios at once. To achieve this same result with manual software testing, companies would need to pay more for an increased number of workers. The limitations of human labor aren’t a significant barrier to software test automation, making it a great choice for small and large companies alike. 

Benefits of Manual Software Testing

Highly-Involved Process

Some companies prefer manual software testing because it is a very hands-on process. Analysts and QA engineers are highly involved and play a large role in observing and tweaking test scenarios. This slow, focused attention is sometimes better for complex testing scenarios because there is more room for nuance with manual test execution. There are manual software testing tools available that can keep the process organized and running smoothly.   

Less Programming Knowledge Required

A major benefit of manual testing is that less knowledge of programming languages is required, allowing non-technical members of development teams to participate. However, Ranorex allows users to conduct automated test scenarios without any complex programming languages. Tests made with Gherkin, a plain English testing language, enable those without a background in coding to have an input in testing scenarios. 

Flexibility

Because members of a testing team can be adaptable, minor changes to a test script aren’t greatly disruptive in the manual testing process. Making changes may be more complex in automated testing scenarios. However, using a system with automated testing tools like Ranorex that has built-in intelligence allows you to keep working even with slight changes in your UI.  

Deciding Between Manual Testing vs. Automation Testing

To cover all bases, software testing companies should implement both automated and manual software testing if they have the financial means to do so. Different scenarios command different methods of testing. For instance, automated software testing is best for repeated test runs, regression tests, and smoke tests. Companies may find that manual testing works better for them during exploratory testing and scenarios that are subject to frequent change. 

It’s best to have both manual and automated testing for various features and stages, but if your company can only use one, automated testing is the superior choice. It will cover more bases in less time and for a lesser amount of money. 

Test Speed

In a race of test speed, human testers cannot compare to testing automation software. One of the most significant benefits of automation testing is its ability to outperform manual testing methods in a fraction of the time. With Ranorex 6.0, you can speed up your test runs by over 200%.  

Accuracy

Humans aren’t perfect, but we can build machines that come pretty close. Automated testing scenarios have a higher rate of accuracy than manual testing scenarios because people are prone to occasional errors. Software is better at spotting mistakes in code and malfunctioning features because it never gets tired or distracted. 

Cost Efficiency

Whether a company hires contract workers for software testing or full-time employees, paying multiple testers can get expensive. Automated testing is more affordable, and companies don’t have to pay more money while onboarding new employees as the demand for additional tests increases. The cost of automated software testing tools is consistent and reliable. 

Framework

Automated and manual software testing both have processes that software testers stick to. Software testing automation involves frameworks, such as behavior-driven development and test-driven development. This is typically a more structured approach in comparison to manual testing, which has guidelines and checklists in lieu of a framework. Ranorex has testing guides to assist software testing teams in navigating automation processes. 

Use Automated Software Testing Tools to Improve Your Projects

Use Ranorex software for software testing automation. Your software testing team can get a free trial of Ranorex Studio or DesignWise to see firsthand how automation makes the software testing process more efficient. Navigate the testing and deployment pipeline faster with automation tools built for multiple types of testing, frameworks, and standard programming languages.

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