The argument between manual and automated testing is a long-standing one in the software testing field. Veteran expert Art Trevethan discusses the benefits of both approaches. This article delves into the seamless integration of both automated and manual testing into an all-inclusive test plan, guaranteeing maximum efficacy and efficiency.

The Difficulty of Planning Tests

Writing a test strategy for a commercial application can be likened to trying to climb a mountain, boil the ocean, or devour an elephant. A team of five testers must manually execute and record the findings of hundreds or even thousands of test cases, with a case count ranging from 2,000 to 10,000. The product release date is drawing near, raising the question, "How can this enormous task be managed effectively?"

The graph shows that automated testing has an initial cost, but that the cost per test lowers with an increase in test cases and builds. The answer is to seamlessly combine automated and manual testing into a single test strategy.

The coexistence of automated and manual testing

Realizing that not every component of a test plan can be carried out solely by automated means is the first step. The difficult part is figuring out which parts are better suited for automation and which belong in the domain of manual testing.

Let's face it: automation is not a panacea. About 20 percent of test cases should be automated to set reasonable expectations. Despite its seeming smallness, this proportion has a big influence on how effective the testing procedure is as a whole.

Selecting Automated Elements

It's critical to choose which 20% of tasks to automate. Pay particular attention to test cases that are heavily utilized, have a big effect on customer satisfaction, and take up a lot of the test team's time. These are the tedious, repeating test cases that can save a significant amount of time and money if automated.

Advantages of a 20% Automation

There are real benefits to automating some test cases, such as cost savings and meeting test schedules in advance. The team can enhance productivity by finishing test cases faster by automating repetitive operations. These time reductions can have a significant financial impact, comparable to the addition of a tester to the team without the related expense.

Selecting Appropriate Automation Tools

For success, choosing the right automation tools is essential. Seek for tools that are compatible with emerging technologies, have a user-friendly Integrated Development Environment (IDE), and provide good support. Other important elements to think about are support for data-driven testing and an object abstraction layer.

Resolving Automation-Related Concerns

Trevethan reassures, acknowledging worries that automation tools would not be as intelligent as the human team or might not be able to handle the complexity of some applications. While automation can't fully replace human testing in manual testing in terms of depth, it is rather good at tackling monotonous work, freeing up the human team to concentrate on more difficult and important problems.

The Function of Human Examination

By using technology, the remaining 70–80% of tests that need to be run by hand can be completed more quickly. The amount of time needed for manual testing can be decreased by using automation to help with test case generation and speedy replay of manual tests.

It's Never Too Early to Begin

In summary, adopting a well-rounded testing strategy that incorporates both automated and manual techniques turns out to be a wise decision. Achievable goals, task automation, and harnessing the power of both automated and manual testing lead to increased productivity, lower expenses, and eventually, successful product launches. The main lesson is to begin incorporating automation into your test strategy now in order to have a more efficient and productive testing procedure tomorrow.