Manual vs. Automated QA in Software Engineering

What Is Automated Testing?

Software quality assurance is a field in the technology industry designed to ensure software products continue to deliver good user experiences at launch and over time.

A software QA specialist helps create, run, and implement manual and automated tests for different pieces of software. Depending on the complexity of the process, software testing can include one person or an entire team of QA professionals.

In the world of software QA, specialists utilize both manual and automated tests.

What Is Automated Testing?

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Automated testing on a piece of software is handled by previously created test scripts and performed without human intervention or interaction (once the test has been created). These test scripts can be written in different programming languages, including Java and Python. When an automated test is performed, it looks for errors and abnormalities in the software, spitting out either positive or negative results for review.

What Is Manual Testing?

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Manual testing on a piece of software is taken care of from start to finish by a QA specialist with no need for scripts. Test scenarios can be planned out and completed step by step by a member of the team who knows the expected outcome and can log errors and other bugs. When a manual test is performed, a process is in place for evaluating the piece of software according to a set of specific guidelines.

Pros and Cons of Automated Tests

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When comparing automated and manual tests, it may seem like automated testing should always be used, but the truth is each type has pros and cons. Automated testing is faster once test scripts have been written, can cover more of a software product’s code and expected behavior, and does not require as much time or focused effort from a software QA specialist. However, automated tests also require ongoing maintenance, updates, and script creation, which requires coding. More complex software testing may also not be possible or practical in an automated fashion.

Pros and Cons of Manual Tests

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Manual testing can help software QA specialists focus on specific parts of a piece of software and address errors and abnormalities in real-time. Complex and one-off tasks can be tested without the need for spending time automating scripts that will never be used again. However, manual testing also takes a lot of time and effort, software coverage can be limited, and it can be repetitive if no automated tests are ever performed.

How Can You Become a Software QA?

You can learn practical software QA skills at Devmountain in just a few months, allowing you to pursue a career in the field quicker than you may have originally thought. If you are interested in technology, want to transition into a new line of work, and have the dedication to see a bootcamp course through to the end, check out Devmountian’s Software QA program.

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