What Is Manual Testing?
The manual testing process ensures that quality assurance software functions according to specifications by physically using the functions and features of the application in the same way that the end user would, with any potential errors, to ensure that the program is entirely free of defects.
There are two methods to test quality assurance software, manually by a human or automated, so that computers can accomplish the task. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. However, they share the fundamental goal of ensuring the quality assurance of the tested software.
How To Do Manual Testing
Understand The Requirements
To make manual testing effective, a tester must understand the requirements. This means that the software must be required to function. Documents with all the relevant details about the software being tested are requirements or user stories written in this format. They aid testers in understanding the application’s function, all sections to test, what the tester has to do, and what is considered defects. Knowing this before testing is beneficial because, as with every crazy game software test, the aim is to make the program closest to being free of bugs.
Suppose user stories or requirements are not available for testing. In that case, the tester may have to be more imaginative and look at various sources to comprehend how the system works.
Write Test Cases
After the requirements are examined and comprehended, it’s time to write test scenarios. Test cases function as guidelines for testers, outlining the steps and directions for testing various aspects and scenarios in applications. Writing detailed test scenarios is crucial since they allow test execution to flow smoothly and provide the most comprehensive coverage of tests. Test cases should contain sufficient details so the tests can be repeated when needed. It will allow future testers to take or rerun tests without asking more questions.
Conduct The Tests
When you’ve completed the written test scenarios and set up the test environment, it’s time to begin testing. After completing each test, it must be noted as passed, failed or failed. It can also be skipped. If testing is conducted manually, note down the events that led the test to fail, as it’s helpful to know these statistics for future planning.
Further Investigation
There are many advantages of using well-planned test cases and recording your test results. However, sometimes exploratory testing in between cases could provide benefits that wouldn’t necessarily have been realized.
Testing with experimental tests allows testers to use their own scripts and let their imaginations run wild, responding to inquiries when they arise. Being “rogue” for a while may uncover unexpected areas that can be added to tests for the following round of testing. It can also aid in investigating any failed test and is a good idea when there’s no complete coverage of tests in a particular subject.
Log Bug Reports
In addition to testing, the tester is responsible for recording specifics of any defects or bugs. The detailed and comprehensive information you record regarding the bugs will help the development team in the future. Making a plan in advance and making quality bug reports will benefit you and your team and save you time later should you need to address any questions regarding the bugs you’ve found.
A bug report you submit must have an identified title for the last search. Include steps for reproducing the issue (often the steps for testing), actual and expected results, and any pertinent attachments that can aid the team in understanding the issue, including screen recordings, screenshots, and exports.
Report On The Test Results
After testing and being able to swiftly assess the results is quite helpful. What was the number of tests that were completed? How many failed tests? What percentage of tests were not completed? Knowing these numbers helps you determine what’s next, including how many times reruns will be required.
Why and When to Test Manually
Manual testing is labour-intensive. It’s not difficult to think, “let’s skip it” or “let’s just automate it,” manual testing is an essential component in software development since automated testing isn’t able to cover everything. In the end, it’s people who will use your software. And it’s only natural that humans participate in testing your software. Manual testing can uncover and resolve more issues with usability than automated testing. Since it allows testers to be more flexible throughout the test. Which means they can experiment with different methods at the moment.
It’s not to say that automated testing isn’t practical. The most significant benefit of using automated testing is that it reduces the monotony of repetitive tasks, such as repetitions. Also, it is beneficial in certain instances where testing manually may not.
Closing Thoughts
While manual testing is a lot of effort, ensuring a pleasant user experience and a high quality assurance product is essential. Human testers will always uncover things that an automated test can’t. The key to manual testing success is understanding the application’s needs, composing excellent test cases and keeping detailed bug reports.
