The Role of Manual QA in Modern Software Development: An Overview

Manual QA best practices for software quality assurance

Quality Assurance (QA): –

Quality Assurance (QA) plays a crucial role in preventing software defects or reducing their number of defects in software prior to delivery by ensuring that appropriate methods and processes are followed throughout the software development process. 

Here are some recommended practices for manual Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure higher software quality: 

• Understand the Requirements: –

  It is crucial to understand the intended purpose of the software. Therefore, it is essential to develop a comprehensive understanding of the project requirements. 

• Strategic Planning: –

  It is important to create a Test Plan which helps in organizing the work & cover all the areas. Also enables smooth guidance for all participating stakeholders and creates a smooth and efficient communication procedure. 

• Write and Review Test Cases: –

  Testers are required to develop detailed written test cases for the tests they will perform. To achieve this, they should utilize various efficient methods, such as Test Case Design Strategies, expected results to develop test cases smoothly. Furthermore, it is essential that these test cases are written in a manner that is easily understandable by individuals. 

• Early Integration: –

  Early-stage testing is crucial for ensuring that the software is error & bug free. This procedure ensures that software issues are identified fast and eliminated early which helps in enhancing user satisfaction. 

• End-to-End Test Coverage: –

  Manual testing is more than functionality testing because it encompasses the evaluation of various elements, including UI/UX design, performance, and security. 

• Real-Time Device Testing: –

  Conducting tests in real time environments, including scenarios with low battery levels, slow internet connections, network disruptions, and pop-up notifications, is essential for effectively managing errors. Additionally, performing tests on various actual devices enables to identify and fix problems quickly before the software is released to the market. 

• Report Bugs Timely & Clearly: –

  Timely reporting of bugs is a fundamental aspect of the manual testing process. This practice not only guarantees the identification of bugs but also help developers to fix the issues quickly if they are clear to understand easily. 

•  Document Test Results: –

  A detailed record of test outcomes is fundamental for tracking progress during manual testing. To achieve this, it is important to incorporate screenshots of bug resolutions and identified issues, a clear description of expected outcomes along with suggested solutions for eliminating the bugs. 

Role of manual testing in user experience evaluation

Manual testing is essential for analysing the user experience. Therefore, one of the most important stages of the software development process is user experience testing. It focuses on how people interact with an application or software. This kind of testing collects opinions and observations from actual users to evaluate the product’s overall usability, accessibility, and user happiness.  

These are its main points: – 

• Early and iterative testing: –

  Helps identify problems early on in the development process. Iterative testing should be carried out as the product evolves in order to constantly improve user experience. 

• Clear definitions of goals and objectives: –

  Concentrating on particular information, such as detecting usability problems, testing particular features, or evaluating the overall user experience. 

• Realistic testing environments: –

  Help provide actual scenarios such as network conditions, device types, and operating systems, as well as identify potential issues that users may face. 

• Feedback analysis and insight: –

  Assist organizations in exploring basic issues to reach higher levels of understanding. Convert observations into practical suggestions for designers and developers. 

• Accessibility testing: –

  Helps to ensure that the product is accessible to persons with disabilities. Follow accessibility guidelines to make the program more accessible. 

Differences between manual and automated testing methodologies 

Manual Testing

• In manual testing, the human tester runs the test cases and generates the test reports.
  
  

• Manual testing takes a lot of time. 
  
  

• Human resources are needed for manual testing. 
  
  

• To find errors in the developed software program, manual testing is done.
    

• Manual testing is helpful in creating user-friendly systems because it allows human observation.
   

• Manual testing does not allow for performance testing. 
  
  

• Programming knowledge is not required for manual testing.
    

• Adhoc testing, usability testing, and exploratory testing can all be done by manually.
  
  

• Exploratory testing can be conducted with manual testing.

Automation Testing

• In automation testing, the test cases are carried out by the software tools.
  
  

• Automation testing is more efficient than manual testing.
  
  

• This form of testing necessitates the use of automation tools and skilled person.
  
  

• It is fundamentally based on pre-written scripts that run automatically to assess actual outcomes against expected outcomes.
  
   
• Performance testing encompasses various types such as load testing, stress testing, and spike testing.
  
   
• A solid understanding of programming is essential for automation testing, as the utilization of tools demands trained professionals.
  
  
• Automated testing is particularly effective for regression testing, load testing, and performance testing.
   
  
  
• However, it is not feasible to perform exploratory testing in automated testing environments. 

Key skills required for effective manual QA professionals

To be an effective manual tester, one must have an in-depth knowledge of the testing process, an ability to identify and analyse errors, and strong interpersonal skills.  

Here are some pointers will help anyone become an effective manual tester: – 

• Understand the testing process: –

  A proficient manual tester should be proficient in the software development lifecycle and the way testing works into it. It also involves knowledge of the various types of testing, such as unit, integration, and acceptance testing, as well as how to design, perform, and document these types of tests. 

• Pay close attention to flaws: –

  A manual tester must be able to closely inspect a system or software program to spot any errors or possible issues. This requires close attention to detail and the capacity to think carefully about how the system should function. 

• Have the ability to communicate effectively: –

  Manual testing usually involves working with other team members, including developers, project managers, and business stakeholders. A manual tester must be able to communicate effectively and successfully with such employees to assure the testing process’s success. 

• Stay up to date with industry trends: –

  The field of software testing grows continuously, and a skilled manual tester must be ready and capable of staying up with the newest industry developments. 

• Continuously improve and learn new skills: –

  It’s important for a manual tester to constantly look for methods to enhance their abilities and expertise. This could involve pursuing new opportunities to work on difficult and complex testing projects, learning new testing tools and techniques, or enrolling in more training courses. Also, problem solving abilities, and interpersonal skills are all necessary for being a successful manual tester.