Automated vs. Manual Testing: When to Use Each Approach?

[Tushar Kashyap]

#109807

What factors influence your decision to choose automated testing over manual testing, and vice versa?

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[Aditi Bhavsar]

#109821

Hey,

As a quality analyst, the decision to choose automated testing over manual testing depends on several key factors:

Factors Favoring Automated Testing

1. Repetition and Consistency: Ideal for repetitive tasks like regression and smoke tests.
2. Speed: Executes tests faster, providing quicker feedback.
3. Coverage: Ensures extensive test coverage.
4. Scalability: Can handle large volumes of tests efficiently.
5. Long-term Cost Efficiency: Reduces labor costs over time.

Factors Favoring Manual Testing

1. Exploratory and Usability Testing: Best for evaluating UI/UX and uncovering unexpected issues.
2. Flexibility: More adaptable for ad-hoc testing and changing requirements.
3. Short-term Projects: More practical when the project lifecycle is short.
4. Early Development Stages: Useful when the application is still evolving.

Combined Approach

1. Automate repetitive and regression tests.
2. Use manual testing for exploratory, usability, and ad-hoc testing.
3. This hybrid strategy leverages the strengths of both approaches to ensure thorough and efficient testing.

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