Software Testing can be done in both Automation and Manual testing method, however which testing method to adapt totally depends on the what are the requirements of the project, what is the budget of the project, and which testing method will be best suited for that particular project.

Let’s get into the details of the two testing methodologies to understand which one to adapt in which situation

What defines an Automated Testing ?

Automated testing is the process in which a software (tool) is used to run tests that perform repeated and predefined actions, comparing the expected and actual outcomes of the application under test.

Pros of Automated Testing:

1. Runs tests quickly and effectively

No wonder Tools can be faster in Test execution than human users.Although the test design process in automation testing may take more time than in manual testing the former still has an advantage over manual testing.Testers only have to generate test scripts using test tool and script features . Test tools can execute the test scripts either one by one or a series of scripts simultaneously. Test Scripts can be reused on different versions of software. Test scripts can also be repeated with multiple sets of test data without user interaction.

2. Can be cost effective

Automation tools are expensive but they save your money in the long run. They not only do more than a human can in a given span of time but they also find defects quicker than humans. This allows QA team to react more quickly by saving both precious time and money.

Cons of Automated Testing:

1. Tools have limitations

While an automated test debugs your system quickly,saves time and money there are also some limitations to it. Automated tools cannot test for visual considerations like image colour or font size. Changes in these can only be detected by manual testing, this implies that not all testing can be done with automatic tools.

2. Automated checks can fail due to many factors.

If the application under test repeatedly fails due to some issues (except for genuine bugs), they automated checks can raise false alarms. Also automated tests can fails even when a minor UI change is implemented, or there are network issues which are may not be concerned to the application under test, but do affect the automated checks,or even a service is running down.

What defines Manual Testing ?

Manual Testing is a process in which manually testing is carried out on the application by testers in order to find flaws and defects .Manual testing requires a human (Tester) to act like a end user of the application and test all the features of the application to ensure the application behaves accordingly.

Pros of Manual Testing:

• Manual testing is cost-efficient for tests that run only for a few times.

• Manual testing of UIs is most effectively done by humans.

• Only a human tester can test a software’s UX properly.

Cons of Manual Testing:

• Manual testing does not support Load testing and performance testing.

• Running test cases manually is very time consuming job.

• In Manual testing, Regression Test cases are time consuming.