MANUAL TESTING is a type of Software Testing where Testers manually execute test cases without using any automation tools. Manual Testing is the most primitive of all testing types and helps find bugs in the software system.
Any new application must be manually tested before its testing can be automated. Manual Testing requires more effort but is necessary to check automation feasibility.
Manual Testing does not require knowledge of any testing tool.
One of the Software Testing Fundamental is "100% Automation is not possible".
Goal of Manual Testing : The key concept of manual testing is to ensure that the application is error free and it is working in conformance to the specified functional requirements.
Test Suites or cases, are designed during the testing phase and should have 100% test coverage.
It also makes sure that reported defects are fixed by developers and re-testing has been performed by testers on the fixed defects.
Basically, this testing checks the quality of the system and delivers bug-free product to the customer.
Types of Manual Testing:
Below given diagram depicts Manual Testing Types. In fact, any type of software testing type can be executed both manually as well using an automation tool.Black Box Testing
White Box Testing
Unit Testing
System Testing
Integration Testing
Acceptance Testing
How to perform Manual Testing
Read and understand the software project documentation/guides. Also, study the Application Under Test (AUT) if available.
Draft Test cases that cover all the requirements mentioned in the documentation.
Review and baseline the test cases with Team Lead, Client (as applicable)
Execute the test cases on the AUT
Report bugs.
Once bugs are fixed, again execute the failing test cases to verify they pass.
Myths of Manual Testing
Following are few common myths and facts related to testing:
Myth: Anyone can do manual testing
Fact: Testing requires many skill sets
Myth: Testing ensures 100% Defect free product
Fact: Testing attempts to find as many defects as possible. Identifying all possible defects is impossible.
Myth: Automated testing is more powerful than manual testing
Fact: 100% test automation cannot be done. Manual Testing is also essential.
Myth: Testing is easy
Fact: Testing can be extremely challenging. Testing an application for possible use cases with minimum test cases requires high analytical skills.
