Let us begin by knowing what is Automation Testing and What is Manual Testing. Then we shall move on to know the advantages of Automation over Manual.
First, in Automated Software Testing, testers write code/test scripts to automate test execution. Moreover, the testing process is done to validate the software. In simple words, automation tools are used to find defects in the software.
Secondly, in Manual Testing, unlike using automation tools, the software is tested manually to find any defects. The testing is done by QA analysts. To explain further, Manual Testing is performed to discover bugs in software under development.
Importantly, Automated Testing happens significantly faster, whereas manual testing is time consuming.
This article will exclusively focus on the implementation of Automation Testing and its productive advantages.
Areas or Scenarios Where Automation Testing is Preferred
Automation Testing is applicable in the following areas,
Regression Testing
Regression Testing is best suitable for automated testing because of frequent code changes and it is beyond human capacity to execute tests in a timely manner.
Load Testing
This testing is done to verify that the system/application will be capable to handle the expected number of transactions and to verify the system/application behaviour under both normal and peak load conditions.
Performance Testing
This testing determines or validates the speed, scalability, and/or stability characteristics of the system or application under test. Moreover, this performance testing is related to achieving response times, throughput, and resource-utilization levels that meet the performance objectives for the project or product.
List of Popular Automation Testing Tools
Well, talking about Automation Testing, you have to understandably know the tools that are used for doing Automation Testing. Well, we have numerous tools to implement test automation. Few of them are,
- Selenium
- Testim.io
- TestComplete
- QMetry Automation Studio
- Robot Framework
- Watir
- Ranorex
- SoapUI
- Katalon Studio
- HPE Unified Functional Testing
- TestCraft
- Squish
- TestCafe Studio
- Leapwork
- LambdaTest
- Mabl
- TestArchitect
- Functionize
- Automai AppVerify
- EggPlant
Comparison of Automation and Manual Testing on Different Parameters
The difference between Automation and Manual Testings can be well understood if talked on various parameters. Let’s look at them.
Time Taken for Testing
Automated Testing is faster than Manual approach.
Exploratory Testing
Random testing is not possible in Automation. But the same is possible in Manual Testing
Initial Investment and ROI
The initial investment in Automated Testing is higher but it is reciprocated with a higher Return on Investment (ROI). Whereas the initial investment in Manual Testing is low and the ROI is also considerably low.
Reliability
Automated Testing is reliable as it is done with tools and scripts. There is no occurrence of testing fatigue. On the other hand, Manual Testing may not be accurate as there are possibilities of human errors.
Investment
You have to invest in testing tools and for automation engineers, in Automation Testing. Whereas in Manual Testing investment is needed for human resources.
Test Report Visibility
All stakeholders can log in into the automation system and check the test execution results. Comparatively, Manual Tests are recorded in Excel or Word and test results may not be readily available.
Performance Testing
Performance Tests like Load Testing, Stress Testing, Spike Testing, etc. have to be tested by an automation tool compulsorily. Apparently, Performance Testing is not feasible manually.
Parallel Execution
It is possible to execute tests on different operating platforms parallelly in Automation Testing. This also reduces test execution time. Likewise, Manual Tests can be executed in parallel but there would be a need to increase your human resource that would ultimately prove costly.
Batch Testing
In Automation Testing, you can Batch multiple Test Scripts which is not possible in Manual Tests.
Set Up
Automation test requires less complex test execution set up. On the other hand, Manual Testing needs have a more straightforward test execution set up.
Engagement
In Automation Testing, engagement is executed with tools which will be accurate. Whereas, repetitive Manual Test execution can be error-prone.
Build Verification Testing
Automation Testing is useful for Build Verification Testing (BVT). On the other hand, executing Build Verification Testing is very difficult and time-consuming in Manual Testing.
Documentation
Automation Tests acts as a document that provides training value, especially for automated unit test cases. The advantage here is, a new developer can look into unit test cases and understand the code base quickly. On the other hand, Manual Test cases provide no training value.
DevOps
Automated Tests help in Build Verification Testing and are an integral part of DevOps cycle. Whereas Manual Testing defeats the automated build principle of DevOps.
Benefits Of Automated Testing
Let’s look into the advantages of Automation over Manual Testing.
Less Man Power
Automated testing reduces the time to run repetitive tests from days to just a few hours. Moreover, you don’t need to place a dedicated manual testing team to handle QA. Just one automated testing engineer will have you covered at all times.
Earlier Bug Identifications Without Impacting The Users
Automated Testing gives you more scope to identify even the smallest imperfections. Moreover, with Automation Testing, you can dig deeper into the applications core and efficiently review data tables, memory, and file contents and internal program states to check for the product’s performance as expected.
Furthermore, Automation Testing offers a larger test coverage compared to Manual Tests. It also allows faster deployment of new features due to the incredible speed and efficiency of the entire process.
Automated Testing is More Reliable
When you write a test and add it to the test suite that is performed on each deployment, the test just cannot be forgotten. On the other hand, a manual tester can simply forget to perform certain tests.
Faster Feedback
Automation Testing helps to better the communication among the coders, designers, product owners and rectifies potential glitches without any delay. Moreover, the efficiency of the development team is also increased.
Time Saving
Writing codes in Manual Testing is a long and winding process. Therefore, the requirement of fast bug-free delivery of apps is not fulfilled and the company faces a major loss. This is not so in Automation Testing.
Re-usability of Scripts
In Automation Testing the scripts can be reused with no or minimal changes in the script. Moreover, these scripts can be used multiple times even if there is a change in the OS version of the device. Furthermore, the scripts and steps are stored that aids in repeating the test without skipping or forgetting any step.
Higher Overall Test Coverage
With Automation Testing, more number of tests can be executed pertaining to an application. This leads to a higher coverage. Eventually, increased test coverage leads to testing more features and a higher quality of the application.
Faster Time to Market
Test Automation greatly reduces the time to market an application through facilitating constant execution of test cases.
Information Security
Automation solutions can help in creating, manipulating and protecting your test database. Furthermore, this allows you to re-use your data time and again.
Conclusion
Software testing is the most demanded job skill in the present IT world. Many young graduates opt to do a software testing course to fill this industrial skill gap. Most importantly, Automation Testing is most preferred among the software testing skill sets.
Automation helps in saving time and improving accuracy. Several industries have started following Agile Testing and DevOps methodologies. At this juncture, automating your testing process with renowned automated testing tools will be a wise choice to reap benefits.
Author Bio
Isaac John is a Content Manager at Zuan Education, an institution that provides hands-on Software Testing Training. The author is interested to write on the uses of newly developed software in various fields and their capacity to facilitate optimal productivity.