When it comes to testing a particular software, it can be done in two ways – manually and automatically. So 'Which is better – manual testing and automated testing” has always been a hot topic to be debated on, over a cup of coffee or two. Let us discuss the pros and cons of both the types of software evaluation to come to a credible conclusion. May be that will stop this continuous discussion and settle the dust of war to some extent.
Before we start the comparison, let us at first define the two types of evaluation.
Manual Testing
This type of assessment involves evaluating a particular software manually, or in other words, without the use of any automatic tool or any type of script whatsoever. During this type of software debugging, the tester plays the role of the end user and evaluates the software to ascertain as well as identify any loophole, unanticipated behaviour or presence of any bug. The entire process of manual evaluation involves certain stages viz. Unit Testing, Integration Testing, System Testing and finally, User Acceptance Testing. Testers use various types of test plans, test cases, and/or test scenarios to evaluate the efficacy of a software before it is made live. This particular method of software appraisal also involves exploratory testing for exploring as well as identifying the errors or defects (if any).
Automated Testing
Automatic S/W debugging, also referred to as Test Automation, involves a process of S/W evaluation, wherein the tester writes down a script and uses any other S/W for evaluating a particular software. Automated evaluation is generally used for simulating certain scenarios that were performed repeatedly, quickly and at the same time, manually.
Besides regressive evaluation, automated evaluation also involves testing applications from perspective of load, performance as well as stress. Technically speaking, automatic evaluation improves accuracy, helps in more time as well as money savings, when compared to manual evaluation.
Now, let us discuss the pros and cons of manual and automated debugging.
Advantages of Manual Testing
- Manual appraisal is a fantastic option when a test case turns “twice a coding milestone'. In these cases, opting for automatic appraisals will result in unnecessary expenses.
- This type of evaluation would allow the tester to perform increased number of ad-hoc or random evaluation. This type of assessment would help in detection of more bugs as well as defects than automated debugging. The more time the tester spends in going through the features of the S/W, the greater will be the odds of identifying real user loopholes or bugs.
Disadvantages of Manual Testing
- Running S/W debugging manually can be at times, extremely time consuming
- Every time the software is modified, the tester has to go through the entire process, rerunning all the tests yet again. This after some time, can get extremely tiresome as well as mundane. This, at the end of the day also causes fatigue to creep into the back of the tester's mind, dropping the perfection level by a considerable extent.
Advantages of Automated Testing
- In case there is a need to run a series of tests repeatedly, automated debugging is the best choice.
- It helps the tester by providing the option of running automation against the codes that time and again changes. This helps to timely catch the regressions.
- This type of evaluation provides a tester the option of running automation in the mainstream scenarios for timely catching regressions.
- This mode of S/W evaluation also helps in relatively larger test matrix (different languages for different Operating System platforms). Another advantage of this type of evaluation is that they can be conducted on different machines simultaneously. Manual tests on the other hand, can be conducted sequentially.
Disadvantages of Automated Testing
- The expenses involved in automated testing is definitely more than manual debugging. Writing down test cases, configuring or writing automatic framework will invariably cost more than running manual evaluation.
- In spite of its number of benefits, one little problem with automatic testing is that it is unable to automate the visual references.
Let us discuss a few other deciding factors relating to automated and manual software testing.
- The tools that are used to determine what is to be automated. If there are any limitations in the tools, the tests are supposed to be manual.
- It is also to be decided if there is considerable ROI with automation. Again, it should be evaluated whether switching to automatic S/W evaluation will yield results that will justify the decision.
Since, majority of companies prefer automated software evaluation, let us discuss a few things about the same:
Things to Automate
Automating everything in a particular software package is virtually impossible. However, there are certain areas that can be automated to make certain transactions less cumbersome as well as faster. Generally, the areas of a package that is dealt by a large number of users (for e.g. Login Form, Registration Form) are automated, so that multiple number of users can have access to these areas simultaneously.
Besides, all the Graphic User Interface items, connections with various databases and field variations and the likes can be tested properly with the use of automated process rather than with manual process.
Time to automate
Automatic software evaluation can be conducted in the following situations:
- At the time of processing huge and critical projects
- During projects that need repetitive testing of the same areas
- When the objectives and requirements do not change that frequently and remain more or less constant.
- While accessing applications with multiple virtual users for load as well as performance appraisal
- While testing a stable software package
You can hire testers from top automation testing companies in India who can help you to test your projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.
We provide test automation services. If you would like to hire certified automation testers for your projects, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.
The software market is ever-expanding and with that it is being targeted by new applications launched by companies. This has made the development process more complicated and complex. The work of software developers has become consistently aimed towards the fixing of functions, mistakes, errors and bugs so that user experience can be improved. They also have to ensure the smooth performance of the software in varying environments so that it becomes successful. For this, effective techniques for software testing must be deployed by the companies so that effort, time and money can be saved. The size and nature of project determines the method adopted for software testing. But all in all the easy-to-use and flexible nature makes automated software testing extremely popular.
Benefits
Saving time- The testing process is actually sped up resulting in the shortening of the lifecycle of testing along with saving a lot of time. Scripts can be easily run in the night which gives you night shift and day shift. Moreover, you will be able to run scripts on multiple platforms as well as multiple machines at the same time. But the major advantage is the running of the scripts that is a hundred times faster when compared to manual tester. So no more deploying teams of professionals for testing and investing of more resources as well as time. This helps you to save both resources and time. In fact you can target many user interfaces simply by reusing the scripts.
More effective utilization of manpower- This evaluation helps you apply your time along with skills elsewhere. Automation allows for the execution of most regression as well as functional testing unattended. If compared with manual testing, manually just new feature validation can be carried out but automated evaluation may be used for regression as well. Other areas like security as well as performance can be showered with more attention if you can relegate the testing responsibilities.
Repeated testing easily conducted- Some specific tests have to be administered repeatedly sometimes, so that all bases can be covered. Since generally the projects have complex nature repeated testing manually results in a lot of effort to be put in there. In fact bugs along with glitches are hard to find in case of manual evaluation but in this once the tests are configured according to some parameters, the tests can be administered over and over again.
Cross-platform applications tested quickly- For applications to be successful each must be compatible with the major devices as well as operating systems. So cross-platform applications are developed by major companies these days. So a web application developed should run on web browser like Opera, Chrome, Firefox as well as Internet Explorer. To make sure all the functionality and features of it are supported by major operating systems along with web browsers the testing team must put in lots of efforts as well as time. However, automation of testing process ensures that the performance evaluation can be done easily.
Increasing coverage- With this kind of evaluation the coverage scope increases drastically. Same tests can be done on multiple configurations. With more configurations you can reap more benefits. Each and every feature of your application is covered by regression suites, even those which may have been tough to manually accomplish according to the size of your application. The identical automation code can be reused with just some minor modifications.
Precision along with accuracy- After a few rounds of manual evaluation, the entire process tends to get boring and attention span starts to wane, leading to mistakes. Using tools will lead to the same tests being performed perfectly as well as results being checked every time.
Utilization of tools cannot act as substitutes for testers themselves; rather they help the testers perform the job better. In fact, sometimes there can be no substitute for manual evaluation. But having a strategy for test automation outlines the parts which are perfect for manual evaluation and which are suited for automation. This helps you enjoy the benefits of both the worlds. You can hire testers from top automation testing companies in India who can help you build mobile apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.
We have a large team of certified automation testers. If you are looking forward to outsource automation testing services, please get in touch with us. We will be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.
Each enterprise can avail several advantages by automating its software testing efforts. As a more efficient and effective alternative to manual testing, test automation requires pre-scripted tests to be executed by software tools. These tools are further enable QA engineers to run several tests repeatedly and frequently to improve quality, while saving both time and cost. An organization also has option to choose from a wide variety of open source and test automation tools. At the same time, an enterprise can also consider building customized software testing tools according to its specific needs. Therefore, it becomes essential to evaluate the pros and cons of buying or building a software testing tools to take the decision that will increase efficiency, productivity and ROI.
Comparing Option to Build or Buy a Software Testing Tool
1. Complex Nature of the Application: The decision to buy or build test automation tools must be taken by keeping in mind the complex nature of the application. If the application has complex features, deals with large volumes of technical data, or uses a frequently changing UI, it cannot be evaluated effectively by the commercial tools. Most of the commercial products do not offer any off-the-shelf solution to submit and process a large amount of variable data. So an organization has to build customized tools to process the data effectively while evaluating the software application.
2. Agile Development Approach: An increasing number of enterprises are adopting Agile development to deliver high quality software within a very short span of time. But the Agile methods emphasize on changing the UI at rapid and frequent intervals. So the software testing applications must be customized to write and executed a large number of automated tests. Also, the automated test scripts need to run at a time to deliver accurate test data. In such scenarios, an organization can avail additional advantages by building the software testing tools.
3. Open Source Software Testing Tools: An enterprise can further consider using the open source software testing tools to avail a number of benefits. Along with being cost-efficient, the open source toolsets are also effective in reducing dependencies on specific toolsets or products, while promoting faster time-to-market. The QA engineers can further avail the assistance of the large open source community to customize the tool without any hassle. Regardless of your decision, you must consider using open source tools to get higher ROI.
4. Cost of Development: The budget of an organization will also affect its decision to buy or build a software testing tool. An enterprise has to deploy a team of developers to build a customized tool according to its specific needs. Similar to normal software development project, the testing tools development will also require planning, time, resources and funds. On the other hand, the commercial software testing tools can be procured without any hassle. As an enterprise has option to choose from a wide variety of testing tools, it can further evaluate the pros and cons of each commercial product according to its specific needs.
5. Option to Outsource QA Efforts: As an alternative to building or buying a software testing tool, an organization can consider outsourcing its software QA efforts. Along with bringing the QA cost down, the outsourcing will further enable the enterprise to hire experienced offshore QA engineers along with availing the advantages of customized test automation tools. Once the test strategy, test plan, and test cases to be automated are finalized, an organization can consider outsourcing the project to save time, money and efforts. At the same time, the QA service provider will ensure that the best tools are used to deliver the most effective test results.
While building or buying a software testing tool, you must decide the test cases that need to be automated. As the look and feel of an application cannot be evaluated accurately by the tools, interface testing must not be automated fully. So the test strategy must seamlessly integrate both manual and automated testing to achieve the predefined goals. You can hire folks from professional automation testing companies who have proven expertise of handling automation testing projects as well to help you execute the test strategy perfectly.
We provide automation testing services. If you would like to get your application tested by our certified automation testers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.
QA engineers often find it more challenging to test a mobile application in comparison to evaluating desktop and web application. In comparison to other applications, mobile apps also have a smaller footprint on the virtual machines. At the same time, the app needs to run flawlessly on a wide variety of mobile operating systems and devices. Along with the performance and efficiency of the app, the testing strategy also needs to consider its hardware configuration and screen size for different handheld devices. Therefore, more and more enterprises are automating mobile app testing process to avail a number of advantages. In addition to increasing productivity and efficiency, mobile application testing automation can further reduce the testing time and cost.
Top Five Advantages of Mobile Application Testing Automation
1) Reduces Testing Time and Cost: Most organizations automate application testing to save both time and cost. Unlike to conventional and manual testing methods, the test automation tools evaluate an app’s quality more rapidly and efficiently. The automated test scripts can be executed several times to identify all flaws, errors and bugs in the app. Also, the tools can evaluate each feature and functionality of the mobile application without requiring any additional time. Each enterprise has to initially invest in test automation tools and framework. But these tools can be used to evaluate mobile apps over a longer period of time, and thus get higher ROI.
2) Address Specific QA Challenges: Often QA engineers face many challenged when evaluating the quality of a mobile app. The look, feel, features and performance of the application also need to be tested for different handheld devices and operating systems. Some of the test automation tools allow QA engineers to test both native and hybrid apps without putting any extra time and effort. These tools further identify all flaws that affect the functioning of the mobile app on different operating systems.
3) Easy to Carry Out Several Tests: Unlike desktop and web applications, the mobile app must be tested by QA engineers more thoroughly. The testing professionals also have to run a variety of tests to evaluate the app’s quality and performance. Along with usability, interface, compatibility, services and low level resource testing, the QA engineers also have to run operational, performance and security testing. As they have option to choose from several test automation tools, the testing professionals can carry out the required tests without any manual effort or intervention.
4) Option to Use Open Source Test Automation Tools: Often an organization has to invest some amount of time, money and effort to automate its mobile application testing. Along with hiring skilled QA engineers, it also has to buy several test automation tools according to specific needs of the project. However, each enterprise has option to choose from a number of efficient test automation tools that are open source and free. The open source tools further reduce the overall cost of automating mobile application testing. Further, the test scripts and tools can be used across different application formats, in addition to being modified easily for future projects.
5) Avail Benefits of Mobile Cloud Computing Environment: Many reports have highlighted how the web-based mobile environment provided by Cloud computing is effective in reducing overall project development time and cost. The environment further enables QA engineers to deploy, test and automate a variety of mobile applications without any hassle. At the same time, the environment is effective in meeting quality requirements, while focusing on the common challenges faced by QA engineers. As the data and test are stored on the web, the QA engineers have further option to use more efficient scripting language, access live environment through modem and bypass the network. An organization can automate mobile app testing to avail the distinct advantages of the web-based mobile environment, while meeting the latest industry standards.
However, the mobile application testing automation strategy of an organization must identify the key QA challenges like variation in mobile operating systems and devices, selection of right test automation tools, and the latest trends and standards. The right mobile application testing automation plan can further get higher ROI to the enterprise in the long run.You can hire certified automation testers from top automation testing companies India who have proven expertise of handling automation testing projects as well to save you on the time and costs.
We provide automation testing services. If you would like to get your application tested by our certified automation testers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.
A constant increase is noted in the number of enterprises opting for automation testing. Each organization also has option to use a wide variety of tools and programs to effectuate its test planning, execution and analysis. Further, software testing can be automated either partially or fully to reduce the human efforts and intervention. At the same time, innovative automation testing tools can be used to set up a test environment, input the test data, and gather test results. Unlike conventional and manual testing methods, the test automation tools are effective in testing large scale projects where a huge amount of information is processed quickly and repeatedly. If you are yet to automate your software testing, it is a good idea to understand how automation testing will get you enhanced productivity, efficiency and ROI.
7 Amazing Benefits of Automation Testing
1) Saves Both Time and Cost: Each enterprise has to explore option to address the time constraints related to software testing. The QA engineers also have to put additional time and effort to manually evaluate all features of a large scale project. As automated testing is carried out by tools and programs, the testing time is reduced substantial. Further, regression testing can also be done without any hassle whenever any new feature is added to the application or code is changed. The reduction in the time and resourced required for regression testing also contribute towards reducing the overall project cost.
2) Easy to Implement: An organization can adopt automation testing without putting any extra effort. Once it defines its requirements, it becomes easier to design the test system and choose customized testing tools. Further, the scope of automation testing can be enhanced according to the characteristics and requirements of a specific project. Along with the volume, complexity and availability of information, the scope of testing can further be optimized according to frequency and repetitiveness of the test cases.
3) Facilitates Regression Testing: An organization can save both time and resources by automating repetitive tasks like regression testing. Normally, regression testing is carried out for each new release of an application, system or product. Also, regression testing is done whenever new features are introduced or existing features are changed. So the multiple releases of the application require the test cases to run several times. An organization can set up an automation testing environment to quickly execute regression testing on each release of the software application.
4) Optimize Software Quality: In comparison to manual testing methods, automation testing is more effective in improving testing quality. Along with testing a large volume of data within a shorter span of time, the testing tools are further effective in identifying all errors, bugs and flaws in an application. The detection and prevention of the defects can also be done without requiring any manual intervention. As the automated test cases can be executed repeatedly, it becomes easier for QA engineers to test all features and functionality of the application several times. At the same time, an organization can avail the advantages of automation testing to adopt test driven development approach without any hassle.
5) Enhanced Coverage: The QA engineers often require more time to test each feature and functionality of an application manually. But the automation testing tools make it easier for them to test each feature and functionality of the application simply by creating a test suite. The test suite can also be customized according to the size and requirements of the project. So it becomes easier for an enterprise to enhance the testing coverage without investing any addition time and resources.
6) Reuse and Maintain Test Cases: Each enterprise has to invest initially in customized automation testing tools and programs. But the initial investment will help it in reusing and maintaining the automated test scripts in the long run. The automated test scripts can be used to evaluate the features and performance of different versions of the same application, regardless of the changes in the user interface. Also, the scripts can be standardized to incorporate the changes required to test applications of similar nature.
7) Essential for Agile Development: Many organizations are adopting agile development methods to boost productivity and efficiency. But many experts have highlighted how complete testing automation is essential for adopting agile development. Also, agile development intends to change the test objects constantly, enterprises must choose the right testing tools to evaluate the functionality of the current sprint. So automation of component and unit testing, along with system and integration testing is essential to avail the advantages of agile development.
However, an organization must make and implement a comprehensive strategy to avail the advantages of automation testing. The test automation strategy also needs to be monitored and evaluated constantly to achieve preset objectives without investing any extra time and effort. You can hire certified automation testers from top automation testing companies who have proven expertise of handling automation testing projects as well to save you on the time and costs.
We provide automation testing services. If you would like to get your application tested by our certified automation testers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.
While developing a software, testing is an important part. Testing is often done manually which involves a person who sits in front of a computer to execute test steps carefully. A better alternative to this is automation testing which involves using automation tools for execution of testing. Some software enters test data into System Under Test and compares the actual as well as expected results and then detailed test reports are generated. Resources and money have to be invested in Test Automation but it is all worth it due to the benefits that is reaped from this.
Test automation is generally used in software during any or all of the following scenarios:
- Critical and large projects
- Projects requiring frequent testing out of same areas
- If the requirements do not change too frequently
- Time is available
- The software is stable during manual testing
- The application has to be accessed for performance as well as load with several virtual users.
During the cycles of development, software tests are often repeated so that quality can be ensured. With the modification of source codes, software tests have to be repeated on all hardware configurations and operating systems supporting it. It is time consuming as well as costly to repeat the tests manually. The advantage of automated testing is that once they are created numerous tests can be run as many times as you want without any additional costs. On top of that, compared to manual test they are quite faster as they reduce the running time to just hours from days.
Accuracy is greatly improved with this testing. In case of manual testing, even if the tester is very conscientious and precise, he is bound to make some mistake or the other when carrying out the process as it can be monotonous and cumbersome. The same steps are performed by automated tests every time and detailed results are also recorded. The area of coverage can be increased by using this type of testing. The scope and depth of tests are increased and in fact you do not have to avoid lengthy tests which can be run on multiple computers despite having different configurations.
Web application tests for hundreds of users is quite an impossible task even if the software departments are large; this scenario however, is not applicable for automated testing which simulate thousands at one go. When you adapt this method you have to form a test suite which after due course of time becomes out of date due to the change of working of existing features or introduction of some new functionality. When the out of date tests are run they will automatically fail which makes it necessary to fix test scripts which ensures that the scripts are always modern and up to date with special attention given to the maintenance of software quality.
Despite the change of interface, the software's different versions can reuse the tests, which makes it quite cost effective. A very important reason for adopting this testing method is that it is extremely reliable in results which ensures consistency as well as efficiency. A lot of time is saved from the point of view of both developer as well as tester which can be utilized for concentrating on other projects which may be more rewarding as well as challenging.
Although products of software development groups are always tested, there are always some defect or the other in the delivered software. Before the release of the product test engineers work hard to detect them but they always manage to linger and reappear. This factor is eliminated by test automation. However, the role of testers cannot be eliminated completely as not every feature can be tested like that; in some cases this testing is not suitable for all projects.
We provide automation web testing services. If you would like to hire automation testers from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.
Test automation is turning out to be a very popular and preferred procedure or activity these days. Effective automated testing guarantees better implementation of the different types of software programs. Consequently, increasing the usability of the test automation process has become a concern and it is for this reason that business entrepreneurs are actually looking for ways to maximize the utilization of the automated testing procedure.
Advantages of the Method
Prior to looking into the aspects of maximizing the utilization of test automation, let us consider some of the prominent benefits of the testing process. Automation tests lead to faster processes, which in turn, implies that larger amounts of data are tested in much less time. The quality is also improved to a significant extent. As the name suggests, automated testing is meant to cut down the manpower required in the accomplishment of certain objectives and therefore, it is highly preferred by industries. What's more, detection of different types of defects becomes much easier and hassle- free.
Maximizing Utilization and Increasing Profits
Automated tests bring about a whole range of benefits that include test cycles that are significantly accelerated, have a better coverage, almost facilitates accurate reporting and most importantly, much higher level of productivity.
A survey of certain enterprises that are in favour of this process reveals that the same has lowered down the cost of testing by not less than 30%. At the same time, the acceleration time to market has been increased by more than 50% and all this has been owing to the successful implementation of some of the best automation strategies.
Having said that, the failure to devise the right strategies or implementing them in the right direction leads not only to the project failure but also the failure in deriving the pre- calculated returns on investment from the process. This situation is extremely undesirable for any organization for this paves the way for neither any improved efficiencies nor a proper utilization of resources.
Considering this, it can be said that the way in which the procedure is utilized depends largely on the strategies that are put to use. Now, the creation of strategies can be carried out through the following steps:
- Building up a proper practical guide for the development of successful automation strategies. The guide must also contain information about the allocation of resources and spending of the budget.
- Organizing case studies that delineate the strategies to be applied in choosing the automation frameworks, the end to end scenarios, approaches to implementation as well as test data.
- Defining the metrics and determining the ways of capturing them to ensure that the strategies are actually working in the way these are supposed to work.
In the present years when the product life cycles are constantly on the rise and the cost pressures are restricted, the conventional approaches to testing proves to be rather ineffective. The urge to utilize test automation all the more has led to the framework driven tests. This particular procedure leads to much reduced testing cycle times, most importantly regressions. Both costs as well as efforts are reduced to a considerable extent. Iterative development is facilitated while the releases turn out to be much more frequent than earlier.
Several enterprises are experimenting with this framework- based process to determine if it actually implies the better utilization of test automation as a whole. The results have been positive enough to make them move in this direction with conviction. The better the process is implemented, the more productive will be the end results. The success rate of the accomplishment of the enterprise objectives will also increase. You can hire testers from top automation testing providers in India who can test your projects within allocated budgets and time schedules.
We provide software automation testing services. If you would like to get your application tested by our certified automation testers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.
This type of assessment involves evaluating a particular software manually, or in other words, without the use of any automatic tool or any type of script whatsoever. During this type of software debugging, the tester plays the role of the end user and evaluates the software to ascertain as well as identify any loophole, unanticipated behaviour or presence of any bug. The entire process of manual evaluation involves certain stages viz. Unit Testing, Integration Testing, System Testing and finally, User Acceptance Testing. Testers use various types of test plans, test cases, and/or test scenarios to evaluate the efficacy of a software before it is made live. This particular method of software appraisal also involves exploratory testing for exploring as well as identifying the errors or defects (if any).
