Manual Testing

Manual Testing is testing that is conducted by human testers. Testing technology has not yet evolved to the point where it can outperform the thinking ability of the human brain. Using Exploratory Testing the human tester can analyze the results of tests performed and quickly develop new tests on the fly. This is simply not possible using automated testing.

Manual Testing can utilize both Structured Testing and Unstructured Testing. Exploratory Testing is an example of Unstructured Testing. Structured testing involves the execution of predefined documented Test Cases. These Test Cases contain Preconditions, Inputs, Steps, and Expected Results. Unstructured testing involves Exploratory Testing without the use of predefined document test cases. Exploratory Testing is simultaneous learning, test design, and test execution. The tester designs the test cases as they are performed and uses information gained from testing to design new and better tests.

Manual Testing is most effective method for User Interface Testing, User Acceptance Testing, and Usability Testing.User Interface Testing confirms that the interface conforms to accepted standards and to the design documents. Common tests include tab order, spelling mistakes, online Help, shortcut keys, misaligned objects, text formatting, etc. User Acceptance Testing is intended to challenge the software in relation to its satisfaction of user’s needs. Usability Testing assess the ease of use of an application or system. Usability may also be referred to as User Friendliness. Usability Testing may assess how long it takes a user to complete a desire task, how many mistakes the user makes, how much the user remembers about the system after periods of non-use, and the user’s emotional response to the system.

Other types of testing that are difficult to automate and that may be better suited to Manual Testing include Error Handling Testing, Installation Testing, and Security Testing. Error Handling Testing involves testing the programs error messages by intentionally making as many errors as possible. Installation Testing confirms that the installation program has installed the program correctly. This includes deploying the program on all supported installation configurations.Security Testing is testing how well the system protects against unauthorized access. Some examples of attempts to gain unauthorized to web sites or applications include Cookie Poisoning, URL Jumping, Session Hijacking, Cross-Site Scripting, and SQL injections.