Software testing ensures correct execution of valid inputs and elimination of incorrect inputs. Automated testing is efficient for large volumes of data and regression testing, while manual testing is time-consuming and costly. Automated testing requires human effort and is not suitable for rapidly changing features. A mix of manual and automated testing is often appropriate.
The software is tested to confirm that all valid inputs are interpreted and executed correctly, while incorrect inputs are eliminated. The tests also verify that results are generated efficiently and that large volumes of data can be handled smoothly. Tests can be performed manually or electronically. Automated software testing involves the use of specialized software to test code under development. Such tests benefit the software development process, when applied judiciously.
Manual testing depends on the meticulousness of the people performing the tests. Manual software testing is time-consuming and requires a significant relationship between testers and developers for most applications. This increases development costs. Also, manual testing has the limitation that large amounts of data or a large number of simultaneous users or inputs cannot be tested easily.
Automated software testing programmatically controls test execution and output evaluation. Testing software provides inputs, which correspond to different conditions, to the software being evaluated. For each set of conditions, the test software compares the actual results with the desired results and maintains statistics on the aggregate behavior of the target software. After a “run,” testing software typically provides summary results so people can quickly determine what to fix.
In automated software testing, the tedious tasks involved in testing, such as logging in or entering data such as postal addresses, are mechanized. Vast combinations of conditions can be tested in each ride. Because automated testing involves the use of computers and software, it also allows for the simulation of large input data loads or extremely fast inputs. Each run of a set of test conditions can be completed within hours. Therefore, automated testing is very useful for regression testing, which ensures that a new feature or bug fix hasn’t inadvertently broken previously working code.
Some recent development methodologies like Extreme Programming emphasize that testing is available before coding. Development methodologies emphasize that regression tests must be run several times a day to ensure correctness of the software during development. If the software team has to adhere to this methodology for any significant software, it becomes mandatory to use automated software testing.
The automation test software must be fed with the desired inputs and outputs. One way to do this is to store manual test conditions in the software. Another way is to write code to generate various conditions, within the acceptable limits of the software being tested. Therefore, the basis of automated software testing is definitely human effort. Automated testing software cannot go beyond this on its own.
Automated software testing comes at a significant cost in terms of software to acquire and usage. So whether to automate and which part of the test to automate are key decisions. Automated testing is not appropriate for features and environments that are expected to change significantly. In most applications, a mix of manual and automated testing is suitable.
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