How software testing differs from manual testing?

Software testing is a broader term that encompasses various testing approaches, including manual testing and automated testing. Here are the key differences between software testing and manual testing:

1. Software Testing:

• Definition: Software testing refers to the overall process of evaluating a software application or system to ensure that it behaves as expected and meets specified requirements.
• Scope: Software testing includes both manual and automated testing methods. It involves the systematic validation and verification of different aspects of the software, such as functionality, performance, security, and usability.
• Approaches: Software testing can be performed manually, using human testers, or automated, using testing tools and scripts. Automated testing is a subset of software testing and involves using tools to execute test cases and verify expected outcomes.

2. Manual Testing:

• Definition: Manual testing is a testing approach where human testers execute test cases without the use of automation tools. Testers interact with the software as end-users to identify defects and ensure the application's functionality.
• Execution: In manual testing, testers manually perform test cases, entering input data, observing system behavior, and comparing actual outcomes against expected results.
• Exploratory Testing: Manual testing often includes exploratory testing, where testers explore the software to identify defects that may not be covered by predefined test cases.
• Usability Testing: Manual testing is particularly useful for usability testing, as human testers can assess the user interface, user experience, and overall usability of the software.

Key Differences:

• Automation:

  • Software Testing: Encompasses both manual and automated testing.
  • Manual Testing: Specifically refers to the manual execution of test cases without the use of automated tools.

• Execution Speed:

  • Software Testing: Automated tests are generally faster in execution compared to manual tests.
  • Manual Testing: Requires human intervention, making it relatively slower.

• Repetitive Tasks:

  • Software Testing: Automation is well-suited for repetitive and high-volume testing tasks.
  • Manual Testing: Can be time-consuming for repetitive tasks and may lead to fatigue and oversight.

• Exploratory Testing:

  • Software Testing: Encompasses both exploratory and scripted testing.
  • Manual Testing: Often involves exploratory testing to simulate real-world user interactions.

• Cost and Resources:

  • Software Testing: Automated testing may require an initial investment in tools and scripts but can be more cost-effective for regression testing.
  • Manual Testing: Generally requires more human resources and can be resource-intensive for repetitive testing tasks.

• Usability Testing:

  • Software Testing: Manual testing is often preferred for assessing usability and user experience.
  • Manual Testing: Well-suited for evaluating the software's user interface, design, and overall user-friendliness.

In practice, many testing efforts use a combination of manual and automated testing based on project requirements, timelines, and the nature of the testing tasks. The decision between manual and automated testing depends on factors such as the project's complexity, frequency of code changes, and the available resources.