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How Can Specialists Use Both Automated and Manual Software Testing for Better Results?

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Written By Adeyemi Adetilewa

Even though there are many benefits associated with the automated testing process, there are still test cases where you will need to perform manual testing.

This shows that both manual and automated testing can be used for better results in a company. In most cases, the number of test cases that can be automated overweighs those that can be done manually.

Regarding differences between the two testing methods, human testers usually perform automated testing, while automated testing is mostly executed using different tools. This implies that there is relatively higher efficiency with the automated testing process than with the manual testing approach.

You will also achieve relatively large test coverage with automated testing than you can achieve with manual testing. Automation techniques in software testing lead to better reporting than when using human testers to execute different test cases.

In terms of time, you can save more time for other productive activities when using the automated testing approach than when using the manual testing process. Here are different ways you can use both automated and manual testing for better results in your company.

Automated testing

Automated testing

Automated and manual testing doesn’t mean you should simultaneously apply them to the same test. You have to assign every task a particular testing method that’s either under automation or manual approach.

There is no harm in using both of them in your company for different purposes. Here are tasks that you can carry out through the automated testing approach.

i). Data-driven tests

Data-driven test cases require multiple sets of data entries for the process to be effective. Here, you are trying to test different roles with disparate permissions.

This process can be done effectively through automated testing, as it will take a lot of time to manually test each part of the application. So, if you are dealing with applications that monitor several parameters, ensure that you stick to automated testing to achieve great results.

ii). Test cases with complexity

All test cases with complexities should be tested with the automated testing approach. It will be a waste of time to hire a pool of testers to write different scripts for the software product.

This will result in a loss of company resources, and you may never get the exact results you aimed for. So, stick to tools as they have higher precision and can handle complex test cases within the organization.

iii). Test case with multiple database updates

Automated testing should be applied if you are dealing with test cases with multiple database updates. To avoid multiple logins, you can automate the process by writing a script that will change the change login permissions.

This will save you a lot of time, and you will test each test case effectively because you have enough time to carry out the whole process.

iv). Test cases with several combinations

Test cases with several combinations are relatively difficult for the testers. Instead, you can use tools to automate different configurations to save time and limit the number of errors that may occur to your software product.

Imagine testing an application that connects with the hardware, and you must verify the hardware and software configurations installed on it.

Manual testing approach

Manual testing approach

The fact that you are applying both automated and manual testing practices means there are test cases you will have to execute entirely through the manual approach.

Each method for manual testing focuses on a particular question and is mainly meant for a unique purpose. Here are the different manual testing approach cases you should apply to your software product.

i). Cross-browser testing

The fact that each browser responds differently means that there will be no guarantee that the browser for the software application will look identical. This is why you should test your cross-browser functionalities manually.

It ensures a consistent experience across all the browsers for the different users. Through the manual approach, you will check the software application’s design, functionality, responsiveness, and accessibility.

ii). Acceptance testing

Bugs detection is the focus of most manual testing processes, but things are different with acceptance testing.

Here, you are testing how closely the application conforms to the users’ needs and expectations. This testing is usually performed when all bugs have been fixed.

By the time it is done, the software product should be ready for the market as this test gives a clear view of what the software application will look like in real life.

iii). Exploratory testing

Exploratory testing is done through the manual approach because it has minimal structure or guidelines that should be followed.

Here, you are not restricted to following your approach for the whole testing process. In this case, you are learning about the use of the application while exploring different ways you can improve the software product. This test case lacks formality in most cases.

Ways to use automated and manual testing for better results

Ways to use automated and manual testing for better results

Here are the different ways to use both automated and manual testing for better results in your company:

Automated testing approach

  • Data-driven tests.
  • Test cases with complexity.
  • Test case with multiple database updates.
  • Test cases with several combinations

Manual testing approach

  • Cross-browser testing.
  • Acceptance testing.
  • Exploratory testing

Automated and manual testing for the different test cases in your company can lead to better results. There are test cases that you will have to perform manually and others that you will have to automate.

Ensure that you choose which tasks to automate carefully, as this is the only way to achieve greater results.

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