Software development is a complex process. It’s not only about writing the code – you need to optimize it for different browsers, systems, and platforms. The complicated code means that errors will happen, especially when integrating different components to work together.
Testing is a crucial part of software creation. It has the task of identifying bugs, including security vulnerabilities, performance, and other issues. Developers should iron out these problems before the product hits the market. It’s the only way to ensure an optimal user experience and an app that meets the desired expectations.
Software creators can use manual and automated testing. The big question is which is better, and the right answer is you’ll need both. In some situations, only manual testing is the option. But in others, automatic tests will save time and accelerate the development. Test automation, as opposed to manual testing, which requires human input, increases the testing scale and allows specialists to perform many more tests with the same resources. Here’s what you need to do about the advantages and drawbacks of automated and manual testing!
An Overview of Automated Tests
Automated tests are a huge step forward in software testing. Thanks to test automation, you speed up the app analysis and bug discovery. Automation processes large chunks of data quickly and offers reliable results without the risk of an error.
The idea is simple – automated testing indicates that humans aren’t a part of the process. Engineers should only set the parameters and adjust the tool to their specific needs. Then, they can run the test whenever they feel suitable, and the software will perform the necessary analysis.
Automated Testing Pros
- Set the test once, but run it multiple times. You might need to perform the same test on different software builds. Automation is highly recommended if you plan to perform the same tests regularly.
- Computers work around the clock. Your developers have working hours, and that’s the only time when they can perform tasks. But computers can work 24/7, and the only thing they need is electricity. Thanks to that, you can run more tests in a shorter time frame.
- Maximum test accuracy. Engineers have the task of adjusting all parameters in automated testing. As long as they handle that well, there’s no risk of error in the testing process. All results you’ll get are 100% reliable, making this the ideal test for business-critical checks.
- You can automate a wide range of tests. For example, it’s possible to automate testing processes for single units or perform integration tests to see how units work together. Smoke, regression, and functional system tests can be automated, and A/B and other acceptance checks.
- It enables better collaboration between different departments. Automated testing tools can sort extensive data into simple reports accessible immediately. Anyone with access to the base can read these reports, simplifying collaboration within the team.
Automated Testing Cons
- The upfront investment is significant. You’ll need to pay for a premium test automation tool. The good news is that ongoing testing costs are the way to save money in the long run.
- It’s not always the solution. For example, if you have a unit of feature evolving or changing constantly, it won’t be possible to automate the testing process. Additionally, if you only need a one-time test, it’s probably faster to do it manually.
An Overview of Manual Testing
Manual tests require a human to perform them, usually a quality assurance expert. Depending on the analysis, the testing team could consist of one or multiple persons. They typically work from the perspective of the user. That involves checking links, pressing buttons to see if they work, etc. The main idea is to discover bugs and optimize the experience for the end-user.
Manual Testing Pros
- Suitable for exploratory tests. You might not be certain which bugs to look for. If there are no set parameters, but you need to see if everything works well, you need an exploratory test. A computer can’t handle that task, so you need to do it manually.
- A better choice for optimizing user experience. These tests are necessary if you want to learn whether the software is intuitive and serves users well. The good news is you can hire pretty much anyone to perform them.
- Your only option when the outcome changes frequently. If the correct output is subject to frequent changes, manual tests are better.
Manual Testing Cons
- The possibility of human error. It’s hard to keep focus for extensive periods, so manual tests come with a high risk of a mistake.
- Testers can only check one scenario at a time. That makes the process significantly slower compared to automated tests. Manual testing isn’t an intelligent pick for large-volume testing.
- No option of reusing them. Even if you need to repeat the same test, that only means your personnel will spend an equal amount of time checking the same things.
Final Thoughts – Which Is Better?
Software companies can benefit from investing in automated tests. It might seem like an unnecessary expense, but this tool offers incredible cost savings in the long run. You’ll use test automation in multiple projects. Once you set the tool, you can repeat the same group of tests without limitations. It saves time and frees up your engineers to work on other product areas.
Some estimations claim you save up to four times in expenses spent on testing per hour. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should give up on manual tests since they are necessary for some situations. But in today’s high-tech times, test automation can significantly contribute to software development.
