What is Manual Testing?
Manual testing is a software testing process where test cases are executed manually by testers without the use of automation tools. The tester interacts with the application, verifying its functionality, usability, and behavior against the expected results. This type of testing involves checking for bugs, inconsistencies, or issues in the software by performing tasks such as data entry, navigation, and feature testing. It requires critical thinking and attention to detail, to ensure the product meets quality standards. Manual testing is essential for scenarios where automation may not be feasible or cost-effective, and for testing user experiences and interface designs.
Working Procedure of Manual Testing
The working procedure of manual testing involves several key steps as listed below.
Requirement Analysis
The initial phase of manual testing involves reviewing and understanding the software or system's requirements. Testers review the requirements document, user stories, and other project artifacts to understand the application's functionality, features, and expected behavior. The goal is to clearly understand the application’s intended purpose and how it should perform. Any ambiguity or inconsistency in the requirements is identified, and the test team may collaborate with stakeholders to clarify these aspects. This phase is crucial for creating relevant test cases that will accurately verify the software’s functionality. To gain a deeper understanding of Selenium, Sign up today at the Selenium Course in Bangalore.
Test Plan Creation
Once the requirements are understood, the next step is to create a comprehensive test plan. A test plan outlines the strategy, approach, scope, objectives, and resources required for the testing schedule, and the tools that may be used. Additionally, it defines the roles and responsibilities of the testing team, the entry and exit criteria for testing, and the test deliverables. A well-drafted test plan ensures that testing is organized, efficient, and aligned with project goals.
Test Case Creation
A test case is a set of conditions or variables under which a tester will determine if the software application behaves as expected. After the test plan is created the next phase is to write detailed test cases based on the requirements. A test case should include the following elements:
- Test Case ID: A unique identifier for the test case.
- Test Description: A summary of what the test is verifying.
- Test Data: Input the data needed for the test.
- Expected Results: The anticipated outcome of the test.
- Actual Results: The actual result after execution.
- Pass/Fail Criteria: Whether the test passes or fails based on the results.
Test cases are designed to cover positive, negative, and edge cases to ensure comprehensive testing. Clear and well-documented test cases help testers execute the tests effectively and consistently.
Test Case Execution
Once the test cases are ready the testers begin to execute them manually. In this phase, the tester follows the predefined steps outlined in the test cases and interacts with the application under test to verify its functionality. The tester carefully observes the system’s behavior, compares it with the expected results, and documents any deviations or defects. Each test case is marked as a pass or fail based on whether the application behaves as expected. Testers may also perform exploratory testing to uncover unexpected bugs by exploring the software in a free-form manner. Learn the skills sought by top employers and embark on your journey at the Selenium Course in Marathahalli.
Defect Logging
During test execution, if any defects (bugs or issues) are found, they are logged in a defect tracking system. Defect logging involves documenting the issue in detail, including:
- Defect ID: A unique identifier for the defect.
- Summary: A brief description of the issue.
- Steps to Reproduce: The specific steps needed to replicate the defect.
- Severity and Priority: The level of impact the defect has on the application.
- Environment: Details about the system or platform where the defect was observed.
- Expected vs. Actual Results: The difference between what was expected and what occurred. This information is shared with the development team so they can investigate and resolve the issue.
Detect Fix and Re-Verification
After the defects are logged, the development team works on fixing them. Once the defects are resolved, the testing team re-executes the relevant test cases to ensure the issues have been properly addressed. This process is known as re-verification or regression testing. The purpose is to ensure that the defect has been fixed and that the fix has not caused any new issues. If any new defects are found during this phase, the cycle of defect logging, fixing, and re-verification continues until the software is stable and all critical defects are resolved.
Manual testing involves systematically checking software for defects by executing test cases without automation tools. The process typically includes planning, designing test cases, executing tests, and reporting defects. While time-consuming, it helps identify issues that automated tests may miss, ensuring software quality and usability. Manual testing is essential for critical, complex, or exploratory testing scenarios. Master Selenium and elevate your skills, sign up now at the Training Institute in Bangalore.