5 Mistakes When Using Manual Testing
Intro
Software testing is a critical step in building quality software. Manual inspection is one of the most popular techniques for software testing as it allows testers to analyze how the user interface behaves and what are the results of different values being inputted. Manual testing is a great way to learn the ins and outs of how the software works, but it’s not without its challenges. Making mistakes is inevitable, but there are specific errors that most beginners make when starting out. There are many different aspects that need to be taken care of before declaring a software product as ‘perfect’. However, there are certain mistakes that beginners often make, which are avoidable and can be easy to fix with a little guidance. While it may seem rudimentary to test a working program, there are many more sophisticated and subtle ways in which you can find flaws and vulnerabilities. One way to ensure this is by performing manual testing. While a lot of beginning testers make mistakes, it can be overcome with education and experience. In this article, we will look at five mistakes often made by new testers when they start their journey in the world of software testing.
What is manual testing?
Manual testing is a process in which a tester manually executes test cases without the use of any automation tools.
Manual testing can be time-consuming and tedious, especially if the test cases are long or there are many test cases to execute. It can also be error-prone, as it is easy for testers to make mistakes when manually entering data or following instructions.
Despite these drawbacks, manual testing remains an important part of the software testing process. It is often used as a first pass to check for basic functionality before automated tests are run. Manual testing can also be used to supplement automated tests, for example, by running exploratory tests or tests that are difficult to automate.
Overall, manual testing is a valuable but imperfect tool that has its place in the software testing process.
Mistake 1: Not Defining Expectations
One of the most common mistakes made during manual testing is not properly defining expectations. This can lead to testers either missing important details or, worse, spending time testing things that are not relevant.
Before starting any test, it is important to sit down with the development team and agree on what needs to be tested and what the expected outcomes are. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the testing is efficient and effective.
Another mistake that is often made is not having a clear understanding of the system under test. This can lead to testers making assumptions about how the system works which can lead to incorrect results. It is important to take the time to understand the system before starting any testing.
Finally, another mistake that is often made during manual testing is not keeping track of changes. This can lead to tests being run multiple times on the same build which is a waste of time and resources. It is important to have a process in place for tracking changes so that only new or changed functionality is tested.
Mistake 2: Not Understanding the Requirements
One of the most common mistakes made during manual testing is not taking the time to understand the requirements. The tester may rush through the test process without fully understanding what needs to be tested. This can lead to missed test cases and incorrect results.
To avoid this mistake, take the time to review the requirements thoroughly before starting the testing process. Make sure you understand what needs to be tested and why. This will help you create more comprehensive test cases and avoid missing anything important.
Mistake 3: Poorly Organizing Unit Tests and the Code to be Tested
One common mistake when using manual testing is to poorly organize unit tests and the code to be tested. This can lead to confusion and frustration when trying to debug or troubleshoot errors.
A good way to organize your unit tests is to create a separate file for each test. This will help to keep your tests well organized and make it easier to find the one you need when something goes wrong.
It is also important to keep the code to be tested well organized. This means creating clear and concise functions that are easy to follow. When the code is organized, it will be easier to test and find errors.
If you are struggling with organizing your unit tests, try using a tool like TestRail. This tool can help you to keep your tests well organized and run them more efficiently.
Mistake 4: Not Setting Boundaries for Steps in a Process
One of the most common mistakes when using manual testing is not setting boundaries for steps in a process. This can lead to testers spending too much time on a single step or forgetting to test important steps.
It is important to remember that manual testing is a time-consuming process. Testers should set realistic expectations for themselves and for the team. Otherwise, they will likely become frustrated and may even give up on the project.
Another mistake related to this is not documenting the steps in a process. This can make it difficult for other testers to follow along and may cause confusion. Documentation is an important part of any manual testing process and should not be overlooked.
Mistake 5: Making the Same Test Cases Over and Over
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when using manual testing is to keep making the same test cases over and over. This is a huge waste of time and it will eventually lead to boredom and burnout.
Instead of doing this, try to mix things up a bit. Create new test cases, or use different methods to test the same thing. This will keep you interested in your work and it will also help you find new bugs that you might have missed before.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there are a few common mistakes that can be made when using manual testing. By being aware of these mistakes, you can avoid them and improve your testing process.
One common mistake is not following a standard procedure. This can lead to inconsistencies and errors in your test results. It’s important to have a set procedure to follow so that everyone is on the same page.
Another mistake that’s often made is not keeping track of changes. This can make it difficult to retrace your steps and figure out what went wrong. It’s important to keep track of all the changes that are made so that you can easily go back and check what was changed and when.
Finally, another mistake that can be made is not having enough documentation. This can make it hard to understand what was done during the testing process. It’s important to have clear and concise documentation so that you can look back and understand what happened during the testing process.