Find out how to choose the most suitable type of testing for a specific project from our overview of main differences between manual and automated testing
Manual testing is a part of testing process at the stage of quality control (QA) during software development. It is performed by a tester without using automation tools to check the program or site by modeling the user’s actions. It’s like a kind of interaction between a professional tester and software to find the bugs. Thus, during manual testing, it is possible to receive feedback, which is impossible with automated testing. A tester can compare an expected result with a real one and give recommendations.
Automated testing plays an important role in checking applications with a large number of functions. It is supposed to use a special software (apart from the tested one) to control the tests and compare the expected actual result of the program’s work.
The area where a script is preferable to a human is tests with precise measurements. For example, checking the exact color of some elements, measuring the location of elements with pixel accuracy, measuring the time of animation to milliseconds, and so on.
The main difference between manual and automatic testing refers to a question ‘how the checks are being carried out?’. In case of manual testing, it involves a specialist participation to perform the tests. As for automatic testing, the tool, script and code are used.
The table below shows the main differences between manual and automatic testing.
Testing Specification | Manual | Automation |
Description and Performance | Test cases are run by a QA specialist by hand and applying a software. | The test is conducted by automation tools and code. |
Test Time and Effort | Labor intensive and less efficient. Need more time to carry out a series of tests. | More tests in a shorter period of time with a higher effectiveness. Completed series of testing within record period. |
Reliability | Not accurate due to a human factor. | Credible method as it is carried out only by automated tools and codes. |
Cost | More expensive as it requires involvement of professionals to perform the tests. | Saving costs in a long run, as once a software is incorporated, it functions over a long period of time. |
Approach | Helpful when one or two tests are required. | Best choice for repeated tests. |
Highly loaded projects from any industry also require automated testing. Manual testing is ideal for small business websites, personal websites, and other small web projects.
Manual and automatic testing covers two large areas. Some of these tests are better suited for manual testing, and some — for automated testing.
How do you know which test is best for your request? What helps you make the right decision? In order to solve this dilemma, we recommend that you create a short checklist. You can use the list below. The answers can be “Yes” or “No”.
Question | Manual | Automated |
Do you need repeated testing? | No | Yes |
Is your app at the development stage? | Yes | No |
Do you need to test the app load and its possibilities? | No | Yes |
Is it a short-term project? | Yes | No |
Do you need to test UI | UX (colors, text, fonts, sizes, pictures, front and background colors, design)? | Yes | No |
After you finish this questionnaire, compare the number of “Yes” answers for each method. Testing with the most positive answers will definitely be the one you need.