What is manual testing?

Manual testing is a process in software development where testers manually execute test cases without using any automation tools. The purpose of manual testing is to ensure that an application behaves as expected by testing its various features, functionalities, and user interactions. Manual testing involves a tester taking on the role of an end user and manually going through a series of predetermined steps to validate different aspects of the software.

Key aspects of manual testing include:

1. Test Planning:

   • Testers plan the testing process by defining test objectives, scope, and strategies. They identify the features and functionalities to be tested and create test plans that outline the testing approach.

2. Test Case Design:

   • Testers design test cases based on requirements, specifications, and use cases. Test cases include step-by-step instructions, expected results, and criteria for determining whether a test case passes or fails.

3. Test Execution:

   • Testers execute test cases manually by interacting with the software through the user interface, APIs, or command-line interfaces. They follow the steps outlined in the test cases, inputting data, and validating the system's response.

4. Defect Logging:

   • Testers document any deviations from expected behavior as defects or issues. They provide detailed information about the problem, steps to reproduce it, and any additional context that helps developers understand and fix the issue.

5. Regression Testing:

   • Testers perform regression testing by re-executing previously executed test cases after changes have been made to the application. This helps ensure that new changes do not introduce unintended side effects or break existing functionality.

6. Exploratory Testing:

   • Testers conduct exploratory testing to discover defects that might not be covered by predefined test cases. This involves exploring the application, trying different inputs, and assessing its behavior.

7. Ad-hoc Testing:

   • Testers may perform ad-hoc testing, which involves spontaneous testing without predefined test cases. This type of testing helps identify issues that might not be captured in formal test documentation.

8. Usability Testing:

   • Testers evaluate the user interface and overall user experience to ensure that the application is user-friendly, intuitive, and meets usability standards.

9. Performance Testing:

   • While some aspects of performance testing can be automated, manual testing may involve assessing the system's responsiveness, load handling, and overall performance under different conditions.

Manual testing is often employed in the early stages of development and during exploratory or usability testing. It allows testers to use their creativity, intuition, and domain knowledge to identify potential issues. While automated testing is essential for repetitive and regression testing, manual testing remains a critical component of the testing process.