It is impossible to create quality software without proper testing. It allows you to identify the slightest problems that can affect the credibility of the finished product. There are two main types of testing – automatic and manual. The choice depends on many factors. Manual testing is becoming an excellent solution for various startups, while automated testing is for large projects. Ideally, of course, use both types of testing, but the cost of such services is high, so it makes sense to choose one kind of testing, but the one that is ideal for your project.
What is automated testing?
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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 a program or site will react to hacker attacks, which one has a performance limit, and much more.
Among the main advantages of automated testing are:
- Deep scan;
- Ease of work;
- Lack of human factors;
- Speed and much more.
However, this testing method has its drawbacks. Firstly, it cannot analyze user interface and usability, and secondly, it is costly.
What is manual testing?
Manual testing is a method in which a specialist proofreads the program code and analyzes the usability and interface. It cannot interpret the code very profoundly, but it can reveal obvious errors and also help improve the user experience.
Manual testing from TestFort has several advantages:
- Low cost;
- Helps create a product that is user friendly;
- Examines the program code for obvious errors.
Manual proofreading of program code takes a lot of time and effort and requires a specialist’s knowledge and attention. This method does not exclude errors due to the human factor.
Automatic and manual type of testing together gives an excellent result and allows you to identify even the most non-obvious errors. If you have the financial ability you should not choose between these two types but rather order a full range of services.
Factors affecting 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, which is why large companies devote a large part of their budget to automated testing. If it is not possible to allocate a lot of money, then it is better to prefer manual testing.
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
QA process flow usually takes a lot of time. If there is a time frame, then it is better to prefer automated 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. It is worth using automated testing for large projects with many models and good graphics. If you have a small startup or a non-commercial website, have some time to spare, and care about the comfort of your users, first of all, then it is better to give preference to manual testing.
