Software QA Outsourcing: Manual vs. Automated Testing
Manual testing
Manual testing consists in performing a documented procedure which describes a test execution method specifying the sequence of test run, and for each test – the list of parameters, which are input data, and a list of expected results at the output. Since the procedure is designed to be carried out by a man, in other words, manually, its description can, for the sake of brevity, contain some default values, focused on common sense, or reference links to the information stored in another document. Be aware, that software qa outsourcing services cover a wide range of tests based on differences in qa objectives and methods used.
Example of the procedure’s fragment
- Input three different integers.
- Start the test execution.
- Check whether the obtained result is compliant with the table information [link to the document 1] considering the amendments [link to document 2].
- Ensure clarity and correctness of the accompanying information.
In the given procedure, the tester uses two additional documents, as well as relies on his own understanding of what kind of supporting information is considered to be “clear and correct.” The procedural approach appears to be successful when the tester has a clear understanding of all points of the procedure. For example, the paragraph 1 of this procedure does not specify the range that the three integers are chosen from, and also does not additionally describe what numbers are considered as “different”. Usability testing companies know how to make any software app user friendly – they test it to identify usability issues causing the digital product to develop glitches.
Automated testing
The attempt to automate the abovementioned test leads to the creation of the script assigning the three specific integers to the product under test and redirecting the output to a file in order to carry out its analysis, as well as containing the specific value of the desired result, against which you compare the results obtained in the test run. Thus, all necessary information must be clearly described and provided in the text (script) of the test, and job will require more effort than manual approach. Also, additional effort and time are required for creation of the parser output (program that coordinates formats for presenting reference values of the lab where the test was done, and the test run results) and, possibly, creation of a storage base for the reference data statuses. Are you in a hurry to release your software app? Do you know that it needs to be obligatorily tested before going on sale?? Automation testing companies are here to reduce the number of test cycles and therefore speed up time to market.