Different Types of Manual Software Testing

Manual software testing remains an essential part of the software development process, especially in scenarios where automation tools cannot efficiently handle certain tasks. While automated testing has made significant strides, manual testing allows testers to perform subjective evaluations, understand complex requirements, and catch issues that automated tests might miss. 

The following blog explores the different types of manual software testing, discusses their significance, and explains their benefits in the context of modern software development.

What is Manual Software Testing?

Manual software testing is the process of manually checking software for defects without the use of automated testing tools or scripts. This involves a tester executing the test cases and scenarios manually, simulating how end users would interact with the application. Manual testing is typically used for functional testing, usability, and exploratory testing, where human observation is crucial. 

Testers follow predefined scenarios or explore the application to identify defects, ensuring that the software meets the specified requirements. It requires an in-depth understanding of the application and its environment to ensure that all possible use cases are tested. While it can be time-consuming, it plays a crucial role in the early stages of software development when a product is still evolving.

Now that we have defined manual software testing, let’s explore why this testing method is still critical in modern software development.

Why is Manual Software Testing Important?

Manual software testing plays an essential role in the development process, especially in complex or user-centric scenarios where automation may fall short. While automated tests are fast and efficient for repetitive tasks, manual testing offers unique advantages, providing flexibility, insights, and a deeper understanding of the software's context. Below are some key reasons why manual testing is crucial for software development:

1. Identification of Issues Automated Tests Might Miss

Manual testing helps uncover issues that automated tests may overlook, especially when testing user interfaces, interactions, and complex behaviors that require human intuition.

2. Flexibility to Adapt to Changes

Manual testing offers the flexibility to adjust to frequent changes in requirements, new features, or evolving user needs, something that automated tests may struggle to keep up with without constant updates.

3. Insights into Usability and User Experience

Testers can provide valuable insights into the software’s usability, accessibility, and user interface consistency, ensuring the product is intuitive and user-friendly.

While manual testing provides invaluable insights, automated testing can help accelerate other parts of the process. Sahi Pro’s Automatic Waits feature ensures your automated tests run smoothly by handling dynamic page loads, making your entire testing process faster and more reliable.

4. Ideal for Testing New or Updated Features

When new features or updates are introduced, manual testing is often more effective, as the unpredictability of these changes can make automation less reliable in these dynamic scenarios.

Automating regression testing, however, can ensure that existing functionalities remain intact. Sahi Pro’s Parallel & Distributed Playback helps you execute tests on multiple machines at once, speeding up the testing process and ensuring your updates don’t break existing functionality.

5. Human Judgment for Complex Testing Scenarios

Manual testing is essential for exploratory testing, where testers use their creativity and critical thinking to identify potential issues that automated scripts might not be able to predict.

With an understanding of its importance, let's now explore the key benefits of manual software testing in the development process.

Benefits of Manual Software Testing

Manual software testing provides several advantages, such as flexibility in testing dynamic features and providing valuable insights into the user experience. Some of the benefits are listed below:

1. Flexibility and Creativity

Manual testing allows for more flexibility, as testers can apply their creativity to explore different scenarios that may not be covered by automated scripts. This approach is particularly valuable when testing complex user interactions or unpredictable behaviors that require human judgment.

2. Usability and User Experience Insights

Manual testing provides insights into the usability of the application, as human testers can identify issues related to user interface design, navigation, and accessibility. This ensures that the application is user-friendly and meets the end-user’s expectations.

3. Cost-Effective for Small Projects

Manual testing is often more cost-effective for small-scale projects or one-off features that do not justify the overhead of automation. It allows for thorough testing without requiring the initial investment in automation tools or script creation.

4. Adaptability to Frequent Changes

In fast-evolving environments, manual testing can quickly adapt to changes in the software without needing to rewrite or update test scripts, as would be necessary with automated testing. This makes it ideal for dynamic projects with frequent updates or changes.

However, automated testing can also be made adaptive through Sahi Pro’s Automatic Waits feature, which eliminates the need for hard waits and ensures stable tests even in the face of fluctuating page loads.

5. Better for Complex Testing Scenarios

Manual testing is essential for scenarios that require intuition, such as exploratory testing, where the tester must think critically about how the software might behave under various conditions. This method uncovers issues that automated testing might miss, especially in new or untested features.

But even in complex scenarios, Sahi Pro’s Object Spy & Recorder ensures accurate identification of dynamic elements, making automation both stable and reliable.

Having understood the benefits, let’s look at the different types of manual software testing used in the industry.

Types of Manual Software Testing

Manual software testing includes various techniques to ensure comprehensive coverage of application behavior and performance. The following list explores different types of manual testing, each with its definition, scenarios, steps, and expected outcomes.

1. Black Box Testing

Black box testing is a method where the tester focuses on verifying the functionality of the application without any knowledge of its internal workings. The primary goal is to validate the software’s functionality based on the inputs provided and to ensure the correct outputs are returned. 

This testing approach is entirely based on user requirements and specifications, making it essential for validating the end-user experience. Functional and non-functional testing, as well as all testing levels, are included in black box testing techniques.

• Functional Testing: This tests whether the software functions as intended without focusing on its internal structure. For example, testing a login screen to ensure the correct credentials lead to successful access.
• Non-Functional Testing: This checks the software’s performance and other non-functional aspects such as speed, scalability, and usability. For instance, testing how long it takes for a page to load after a user logs in.

Example:

Testing a login page where the tester does not know the underlying code, only interacting with the user interface (UI) to input credentials and receive access.

Steps:

1. Provide valid and invalid login credentials (e.g., correct username and password, incorrect password).
2. Submit the form and observe the system's response.
3. Verify that correct credentials allow access, and incorrect ones show an appropriate error message.

Outcome:

The expected outcome is that valid credentials grant access to the system, and invalid credentials show an error message, ensuring proper access control.

2. White Box Testing

White box testing, also known as clear box testing, involves testing the internal workings of an application. Testers are required to have knowledge of the code, and their focus is on the internal logic, code structure, and flow. This type of testing helps identify issues like untested paths, security flaws, and code optimizations.

Example:

Testing a function that calculates a discount by reviewing the underlying code to ensure it handles various discount scenarios.

Steps:

1. Review the source code and identify the functions or methods that handle the discount logic.
2. Run tests that target specific code paths, such as ensuring discounts are correctly calculated for different price ranges.
3. Analyze coverage to ensure all branches and conditions are tested.

Outcome:

The code should behave as expected under different input conditions, and the test confirms that all logical paths in the code are covered.

3. Grey Box Testing

Grey box testing is a combination of black box and white box testing, where testers have partial knowledge of the internal system but do not have access to the entire code. This approach allows testers to test the functionality while being aware of how the software operates internally. Grey box testing is useful for finding issues related to both functionality and system design.

Example:

Testing an API that interacts with both the user interface and a database, where the tester understands the flow but doesn’t have full access to the code.

Steps:

1. Understand the internal workings of the API based on documentation or design specs.
2. Test the functionality by interacting with the API from the user interface and observing the responses.
3. Check if any functional issues arise that may be related to the internal data flow.

Outcome:

The application should function correctly from the user’s perspective, and any discrepancies between the UI and the internal systems are identified.

4. Exploratory Testing

Exploratory testing is an approach where the tester actively explores the application without predefined test cases, using their knowledge and intuition to find defects. It allows for creativity and flexibility, especially when testing complex applications with unexpected behaviors. Exploratory testing is valuable for uncovering issues that formal testing might overlook.

Example:

Testing a new feature where the tester interacts with the UI to try different combinations of inputs without any predefined test cases.

Steps:

• Begin by testing the application’s functionality with common inputs.
• Explore the application by trying unusual or edge case inputs to discover potential issues.
• Document any bugs or unexpected behavior found during the testing process.

Outcome:

The goal is to identify any unanticipated issues in the system by exploring the features in real-world scenarios, helping ensure the robustness of the application.

5. Usability Testing

Usability testing evaluates how user-friendly and intuitive an application is. It focuses on the overall user experience and helps identify areas where the software may be difficult to navigate or use. This type of testing is crucial for ensuring that users can easily interact with the application without encountering significant hurdles.

Example:

Testing a new mobile app where users perform tasks like signing up, browsing content, and completing a purchase to see if the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.

Steps:

• Observe and record users’ interactions with the app, noting any confusion or difficulty.
• Collect feedback on the design, flow, and clarity of instructions.
• Analyze how quickly users can complete tasks and where they experience friction.

Outcome:

The application should be easy to navigate, and any issues related to the user experience should be identified and addressed for a smoother interface.

6. User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) is a crucial phase where end-users test the software to verify it meets their expectations and business requirements. Unlike functional or system testing, UAT focuses on validating whether the product is ready for real-world use, from a user's perspective. It ensures the software functions in a way that is both intuitive and effective for the target audience.

Example:

Testing a new online shopping platform where a group of real users tests the process of browsing products, adding items to the cart, and completing a purchase to ensure the system is user-friendly and meets their expectations.

Steps:

1. End-users test critical functionalities such as login, product selection, and checkout.
2. Users check if the software works smoothly with real-world scenarios, ensuring it is intuitive and easy to use.
3. Collect feedback from users about their experience and identify any issues related to usability, navigation, or functionality.

Outcome:

UAT ensures the software meets the user's needs, leading to higher customer satisfaction and fewer post-release defects. It also helps in uncovering potential usability issues that could otherwise go unnoticed in previous stages of testing.

7. Regression Testing

Regression testing involves testing previously tested functionalities to ensure that recent code changes have not introduced new defects. It is essential after software updates or feature additions, as it helps maintain the stability of the system over time. Regression testing ensures that existing functionality continues to work as expected after changes.

Example:

After a new payment gateway integration, regression testing is performed to ensure that previous payment methods still work as expected.

Steps:

1. Identify the features and functions that could be affected by the recent changes.
2. Re-run the existing test cases and confirm that the old functionality works as expected.
3. Ensure that no defects have been introduced into the previously working features.

Outcome:

The application should function as it did before the changes, with no new defects affecting the existing features.

8. Acceptance Testing

Acceptance testing validates whether the software meets business requirements and is ready for deployment. It typically involves the client or end-users to confirm the application’s functionality and alignment with the agreed-upon specifications. This testing ensures that the product is acceptable to stakeholders before release. Types of acceptance testing include:

• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): UAT involves end-users validating the software to ensure it meets their needs and expectations. This is crucial for ensuring the software is suitable for its intended audience.
• Business Acceptance Testing (BAT): BAT checks if the software aligns with business requirements and objectives, typically conducted by business stakeholders.

Example:

Performing user acceptance testing (UAT) for a newly developed CRM system to confirm that it meets the business needs.

Steps:

1. Verify if all business requirements are met through the software.
2. Involve the client or end-users in validating critical features.
3. Get confirmation from stakeholders that the software meets their expectations and is ready for release.

Outcome:

The application should meet business goals, with stakeholders providing final approval for deployment.

9. Compatibility Testing

Compatibility testing ensures that the application works correctly across different platforms, devices, operating systems, and browsers. This type of testing is vital to confirm that the application offers a consistent user experience regardless of the environment in which it’s used.

Example:

Testing a web application to ensure it functions correctly across multiple browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, as well as on various operating systems.

Steps:

1. Test the application on different devices, browsers, and OS versions.
2. Validate the UI, functionality, and performance across these platforms.
3. Ensure that the app functions the same way across all tested configurations.

Outcome:

The application should work consistently across all devices and platforms, providing a smooth user experience.

10. Performance Testing

Performance testing is used to evaluate how well an application performs under different conditions, such as high load or traffic. This testing ensures that the application remains stable and responsive, even during peak usage.

Example:

Testing an e-commerce site during a sales event to ensure it can handle thousands of simultaneous users without crashing.

Steps:

1. Simulate heavy traffic or stress conditions to assess how the system handles load.
2. Measure response times, throughput, and resource usage under load.
3. Identify and address any performance bottlenecks or issues that affect scalability.

Outcome:

The application should perform well under high traffic, ensuring a smooth user experience without performance degradation.

Now that we’ve covered the types of manual testing, let's look at how to perform manual testing effectively in your development cycle.

How to Perform Manual Testing?

Performing manual testing involves a few simple steps, such as creating test cases, executing them manually, and documenting results. The tester should follow a structured approach, like test case design and documentation, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the software. Key steps to perform manual software testing include:

1. Understand the Requirements

Review the project documents and user stories to gain a clear understanding of the software's goals. This ensures that the testing process aligns with the business objectives. Knowing the requirements helps testers identify critical areas to focus on during testing.

2. Create Test Plan and Test Cases

Create a detailed test plan that outlines the strategy, objectives, and scope of testing. Develop specific test cases that cover various scenarios, ensuring thorough testing. Test cases should be clear and detailed, serving as a roadmap for execution.

3. Prepare Test Environment

Set up the testing environment to match real-world usage, including hardware, software, and network configurations. Ensure the test environment mirrors the production environment for accurate results. This helps avoid discrepancies during testing and ensures reliable outcomes.

4. Execute Test Cases

Execute the test cases by interacting with the software and observing its behavior. Track any deviations or failures from expected results and document them for further analysis. This step ensures that all functionalities are properly validated before moving to the next phase.

5. Document Test Results

After testing, document the results clearly, noting whether tests passed or failed. Include details such as error messages and steps to reproduce any defects found. Proper documentation helps developers address issues effectively and provides a reference for future testing.

6. Report Defects

Log any defects found during testing, providing clear information on the severity and steps to reproduce the issue. Defects should be reported using a bug tracking tool to ensure they are addressed promptly. This helps maintain software quality and ensures issues are resolved before release.

7. Verify Defect Fixes

After defects are fixed, retest the affected areas to ensure the issues are resolved. Verify that the fixes don’t introduce new problems, ensuring the software remains stable. This step ensures comprehensive resolution and that the software functions as expected after the fix.

8. Retest and Regression Testing

Retest the fixed areas to confirm no new issues were introduced. Perform regression testing to ensure that existing functionality is unaffected by the changes. This process helps maintain the stability of the software as updates are made.

9. Final Review and Sign-off

Conduct a final review to ensure all test cases have been executed and all issues addressed. If everything is in order, the team can give the software a final sign-off, confirming it’s ready for release. This ensures that all requirements have been met before deployment.

10. Continuous Feedback for Improvement

Provide feedback on the testing process to identify areas for improvement. Continuous feedback helps refine the testing strategy and ensures better results in future projects. This collaborative approach leads to ongoing improvement in software quality.

Now that we know the steps involved in manual testing, let’s compare it with automated testing and see how both methods work together.

Manual Testing vs Automated Testing

Manual testing relies on human intervention to test software and is best suited for complex scenarios, while automated testing uses tools to perform predefined test cases and is efficient for repetitive tasks. Both types of testing are essential in the software development lifecycle. Here's a table comparing manual testing and automated testing:

For those looking to boost efficiency and accuracy in testing, automated testing can significantly ease your process. Sahi Pro’s automated testing features allow you to quickly execute tests and gain reliable results, saving time and resources.

Now that we understand the differences between manual and automated testing, let’s explore whether automated testing can eventually replace manual testing.

Can Automated Software Testing Replace Manual Testing?

While automated testing has become more popular for repetitive and large-scale testing tasks, it cannot fully replace manual testing. Manual testing excels in scenarios where human judgment and creativity are required, such as usability or ad-hoc testing. 

It’s also crucial for exploring new features or verifying that applications meet business requirements before deployment. Ultimately, the best approach is a hybrid one, using both manual and automated testing to ensure software quality.

To enhance your automated testing process and accelerate regression testing, Sahi Pro’s Parallel & Distributed Playback allows you to run tests efficiently across multiple machines simultaneously, providing faster feedback and improving test scalability.

Conclusion

Manual software testing continues to play a critical role in the development process, especially for testing new features, user experience, and complex use cases. While automated testing has its advantages, manual testing provides flexibility and a human touch that is crucial for ensuring software works as intended. 

By understanding and utilizing various types of manual testing, teams can better identify defects and improve the overall quality of their software. Integrating manual testing with automated testing provides a balanced approach, maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process. 

Start using Sahi Pro to implement automated testing, ensuring faster, more reliable testing processes and software releases. Its automated testing features ensure comprehensive test coverage, minimizing the risk of defects in production.

Maximize software testing efficiency today!

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