All you need to know about manual testing

Manual software testing is a process of software verification performed manually by experts. This means that no special automated tools are used.

Software is tested by test engineers who take the role of end-users, simulate situations according to test scenarios, and record the results. The task of manual testing of software is to identify any behavior that differs from what the user expects. This is an important stage of software quality assurance that aims at the thorough examination of the software code and detection of errors in the systems.

Manual testing can be performed as part of regression testing (testing of various changes), integration testing (interaction with other systems and software), and system functional testing.

Manual software functional testing

During manual functional testing different software functions are tested by test cases. The main purpose is to determine whether the developed software meets functional requirements, i.e. whether under certain conditions it is able to solve the tasks required by users.

Manual and automated software testing

Manual tests are mostly used for functional testing because they are easier to adapt to the purposes and tasks you need. Besides, manual testers can detect defects that weren’t intended, and see the things which could be not provided by the test scenarios. However, it is still more reasonable to use autotests on large and long projects, where there may be a lot of repetitive tests.

To automate tests, manual tests are developed first by manual qa testing services company, and then a special robot program, simulating the interaction between the software and the user, tests the correctness of the work, and fixes all inconsistencies. Automated tests are already performed without the involvement of manual test engineers and do not allow you to go beyond basic scenarios.

Key benefits of manual testing

Through manual testing, you can reduce the number of errors, ensure stable system operation, assess usability, and, as a result, get a better product that meets user expectations.

• A manual testing project can be launched quickly
• Manual testing allows you to make adjustments (change and update tests) as needed
• Manual testing fully simulates actual end-user use of the system
• Allows for user feedback, especially on one-time, short-lived projects
• Responsiveness
• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Human factor
• Feedback
• Manual testing is profitable

The main stages of manual software testing

1. Preparation

• Analysis of initial documents about the system (e.g. requirements specification, project specification, business requirements, functional requirements, etc.)
• Development and approval of the manual testing plan, test cases, terms, number of iterations, etc.
• Evaluation of possible risks, the definition of project boundaries

2. The main

• Execution of manual testing based on requirements specifications and according to test scenarios prepared in advance
• Fixing detected defects in the bug tracking system

3. Conclusive

• Development and approval of test reports
• Providing recommendations for software implementation, system improvement, etc. (upon request)

Manual testing tools

Because manual software testing is rather flexible, it allows the use of a large number of different tools.

Testing is usually managed in specialized systems like HP ALM, IBM Rational Quality Manager, MS Team Foundation Server, TestRail, TestLink, Jira, and Redmine.

For searching, converting, and comparing files, Notepad++, Intype or PSPad can be used. Among file managers, the most popular are Total Commander, trolCommander, Free Commander, and Far Manager. Among XML editors commonly used are Altova XML Spy, Xsemmel, and XMLPad.

Of the tools for creating screenshots, videos, screencasts, and animations (gif), we can highlight Snagit, ScreenHunter, Monosnap, Snipping Tool, GreenShot, Recordit, CamStudio, Jing, LICEcap, and Ashampoo Snap. Manual test engineers often use FastStone Image Viewer, ImageDupeless, and ImageDiscerner to compare images and other graphics files.

If you struggle to find a trustworthy professional, a good idea would be to go for a quality assurance staffing agency. They will find you the high-level professional you need.