Manual Testing Techniques Every QA Should Know

_ Manual Testing Techniques Every QA Should Know

What is manual testing in software?

Manual testing is the process in software development where testers execute test cases manually, without the use of automation tools. It is a practical approach that aims to ensure that a software application works as expected by simulating real user behavior.

Why is manual testing important?

Manual testing is important to identify bugs and issues that may be missed by automated tools, such as: User experience issues and visual inconsistencies. Testers can use their intuition, creativity, and analytical skills to explore the application in ways that automation cannot replicate.

How does manual testing work?

How does manual testing work?

1. Understand the requirements: Testers review the software requirements to understand what the application is supposed to do.

2. Write Test Cases: Testers write detailed instructions to verify whether the application works correctly under specific conditions.

3. Run Tests: Manually interact with the software by entering data, clicking buttons, and navigating screens as described in the test cases.

4. Record Bugs: If a problem is found, the tester documents it with detailed information so that the developer can fix it.

Key Manual Testing Techniques for Quality Assurance

Manual testing plays a key role in ensuring software quality as it uncovers issues that may be missed by automated tools. Below are some important techniques that every tester should know to deliver reliable, high-performing applications:

1.Exploratory Testing

This technique involves discovering unexpected behavior in an application. Testers explore the software without predefined test cases and use their intuition and creativity to find hidden bugs. 

Best Used For: Identifying incomplete requirements or edge cases. 

2.Black Box Testing

Testers evaluate the functionality of an application without knowing the internal code or structure. They focus only on the inputs and expected outputs. 

Best used to: Validate requirements and ensure that the application works as intended. 

3.White Box Testing

Also known as structural testing, this technique looks at the internal logic and structure of the code. It requires knowledge of the application’s codebase. 

Best used for: Checking code logic, paths, and security vulnerabilities. 

4.Smoke Testing

These are simple tests to ensure that critical application functionality works after a build or update. 

Best used: Before performing detailed testing to ensure stability. 

5.Regression Testing

Rerunning previously executed test cases to ensure that new code changes have not adversely affected existing functionality. 

Best used: After making fixes, updates, or adding new features. 

6.Usability Testing

Evaluates how easy and intuitive the software is to use for the end user. This includes evaluating the layout, navigation, and overall user experience. 

Best Used for: Improving customer satisfaction and user retention. 

7.Boundary Value Analysis (BVA)

This technique focuses on testing the edges of the input area. For example, if a field accepts numbers from 1 to 100, the limits tested include 0, 1, 100, and 101. 

Best Uses: Validating input fields and preventing range-related errors. 

8.Equivalent Partitioning

When similar application behavior is expected, divide the input data into equal partitions. A test case is created for each partition to reduce redundancy. 

Best use: Reduce the number of test cases while maintaining coverage. 

9.Ad Hoc Testing

These informal tests are performed without a structured plan or documentation. They must rely on the tester’s experience to find critical errors. 

Best used for: When time is limited or to find additional errors after formal testing. 

10.Compatibility Testing

Ensure that applications run smoothly on a variety of devices, browsers, operating systems, and network environments. 

Best For: Delivering consistent performance to a diverse user base. 

Comprehensive Manual Testing Techniques Every QA Should Master

Manual testing is the foundation of software quality assurance, allowing testers to evaluate applications in ways that cannot be reproduced by automated tools. By mastering the following techniques, QA professionals can ensure that software meets user expectations and delivers high performance. 

1.Exploratory Testing 

In Exploratory Testing, software is examined without predefined test cases. Testers use their creativity, intuition, and experience to find problems. 

Why it’s important: It helps find edge cases and defects that aren’t covered in formal test plans. 

2.Functional Testing

This technique verifies whether the software’s features and functions meet specified requirements. 

Focus Areas: 

  • User interactions
  • Expected results
  • Component integration

Why it’s important: Ensures that your application works as intended under normal usage. 

3.Regression Testing

Regression testing ensures that new updates and fixes don’t negatively impact existing functionality. 

Best Practices: 

  • Retest critical workflows
  • Focus on areas of frequent code changes

Why it’s important: Maintains software stability after updates. 

4.Usability Testing

Usability testing evaluates an application’s user interface (UI) and overall user experience (UX). 

Key checks: 

  • Intuitive navigation
  • Accessibility for diverse user groups
  • Responsive design

Why it’s important: Increases customer satisfaction through a user-friendly experience. 

5.Black-Box Testing

This method tests the functionality of an application without looking at the internal code or structure of the application. 

What it does: 

  • Input/output validation
  • System behavior under specific conditions

Why it’s important: Simulates a user’s perspective to ensure functional accuracy. 

6.White Box Testing

White Box Testing analyzes the internal logic and structure of code. 

Common Scenarios: 

  • Testing individual code paths
  • Identifying security vulnerabilities

Why it’s important: Ensures code quality and optimizes performance. 

7.Boundary Value Analysis (BVA)

BVA tests the limits of an input range. For example, if a field accepts numbers from 1 to 100, values ​​such as 0, 1, 99, 100, etc. are tested. 

Why this is important: Prevents boundary-related defects and ensures robustness. 

8.Equivalence Partitioning

This technique splits input data into groups (partitions) that are expected to have similar behavior. 

Example: Testing form field validity, invalidity, and edge cases. 

Why it’s important: Reduces redundant test cases while maintaining coverage. 

9.Ad Hoc Testing

Ad Hoc testing is informal and based on the tester’s intuition and understanding of the application. 

When to use it: 

  • After a formal testing cycle
  • To quickly identify hidden problems

Why it’s important: Provides an extra level of defect detection. 

10.Compatibility Testing

This ensures that your application works consistently across different platforms: 

  • Browsers
  • Operating Systems
  • Devices

Why it’s important: Provides a seamless experience for a diverse user base. 

11.Smoke Testing

Smoke testing checks the most important functionality of the software after a new build. 

Why this is important: It ensures system stability before proceeding to extensive testing. 

12.Performance Testing

Although usually automated, manual performance testing can uncover usability bottlenecks by simulating real-world scenarios. 

Why it’s important: Identifies performance issues under a variety of conditions. 

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Key Manual Testing Strategies for Effective Software Testing 

Manual testing plays a key role in ensuring software quality by simulating real-world scenarios and uncovering issues that may be missed by automated tools. Here are some key strategies that every QA professional should use for effective software testing: 

1.Understand the Requirements Thoroughly 

Before you begin, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the software requirements. Analyze the functional and non-functional specifications to identify critical test areas. 

Why it’s important: Helps you focus testing efforts to meet user expectations and business requirements. 

2.Prioritize Test Cases

Categorize test cases based on their importance and impact to the software. 

Best Practices: 

  • Focus on high-risk areas first.
  • Prioritize frequently used features.

Why it’s important: Ensures that critical functionality is tested early and thoroughly. 

3.Use a systematic approach

Follow a structured test plan to systematically cover all functionality and scenarios. 

Steps involved: 

  • Create detailed test cases.
  • Execute tests in a predefined order.

Why it’s important: Reduces the chances of missing important test scenarios. 

4.Use Exploratory Testing

Combine creativity and experience to explore the application outside of predefined test cases. 

When to use it: 

  • To uncover hidden errors.
  • In areas with limited documentation.

Why it’s important: Helps uncover edge cases and usability issues. 

5.Perform Cross-Platform Testing

Test your software on different devices, operating systems, and browsers to ensure compatibility. 

Key Areas: 

  • Responsiveness
  • Performance in different environments

Why it’s important: Provide a consistent experience for all users. 

6.Integrate Regression Testing

After making changes or updates, retest existing functionality to ensure everything works correctly. 

Best Practices: 

  • Focus on areas affected by recent changes.
  • Reuse previous test cases for efficiency.

Why it’s important: Maintains software stability over time. 

7.Validating User Experience 

Evaluate the intuitiveness, accessibility, and design consistency of your software’s UI and UX. 

Key focus areas: 

  • Ease of navigation
  • Visual alignment
  • Clarity of error messages

Why it’s important: Ensures that your software is user-friendly and accessible. 

8.Testing Limits

Focus on testing the edges of input ranges (maximum, minimum, out-of-range values, etc.) 

Why it’s important: Prevents issues caused by input validation errors. 

9.Document Everything

Keep detailed records of test cases, results, and defects found during testing. 

Why this is important: Eases communication with developers and ensures repeatability. 

10.Perform Smoke and Sanity Tests

  • Smoke Testing: Ensures the stability of a new build before running more detailed tests.
  • Sanity Testing: Focuses on a specific feature or bug fix to verify functionality.

Why this is important: Saves time by identifying serious issues early. 

11.Collaborate with Stakeholders

Work closely with developers, designers, and product owners to align testing efforts with project goals. 

Why this is important: Drives a shared understanding and results in a higher quality deliverable. 

12.Leverage Test Data

Use actual or close-to-actual information for the duration of trying out to simulate real person scenarios. 

Why It`s Important: Improves the accuracy and relevance of trying out results. 

Why Clear and Concise Bug Reports Are Crucial for Developers

Bug reviews are critical equipment in software program development. They bridge the space among testers and builders, making sure that troubles are identified, understood, and resolved efficiently. Here`s why clean and concise malicious program reviews are so important: 

1.Saves Time and Effort

A well-written malicious program document gives builders with the precise statistics they want to discover and fasten the problem. 

Benefits: 

  • Reduces back-and-forth conversation.
  • Speeds up the debugging process.

2.Prevents Miscommunication

Ambiguous or incomplete reviews can result in misunderstandings approximately the issue, ensuing in wasted attempt or wrong fixes. 

Clear Reports Should Include: 

  • Steps to breed the malicious program.
  • Expected and real results.
  • Screenshots or logs, if applicable.

3.Facilitates Prioritization

Precise malicious program reviews assist builders and challenge managers compare the severity and effect of the issue. 

Why It Matters: 

  • Critical insects may be addressed first.
  • Ensures green aid allocation.

4.Enhances Collaboration

A concise document fosters smoother conversation among QA teams, builders, and different stakeholders. 

Key Details to Include: 

  • Bug summary.
  • Environment information (e.g., browser, OS, device).
  • Reproducibility rate.

5.Improves Product Quality

When builders surely apprehend troubles, they could offer greater powerful fixes. 

Outcome: 

  • Reduced danger of introducing new insects.
  • A polished and dependable product.

How to Improve Your Bug Reporting Skills for Better Communication

How to Improve Your Bug Reporting Skills for Better CommunicationEffective malicious program reporting is a critical talent for any QA professional. A well-documented malicious program document now no longer handiest saves time however additionally strengthens collaboration among testers and builders. Here are a few recommendations to decorate your malicious program reporting talents for higher conversation: 

1.Be Clear and Concise

Avoid indistinct descriptions. Use simple, direct language to give an explanation for the issue. 

Example: Instead of saying “The button doesn`t work,” say “The publish button does now no longer cause the shape submission whilst clicked.” 

2.Reproduce the Bug

Ensure the malicious program may be continuously reproduced. Provide step by step commands so builders can mirror the issue. 

Include: 

  • Exact moves main to the malicious program.
  • Test surroundings information like OS, browser, and app version.

3. Focus at the Details

Provide all essential statistics approximately the issue. Include: 

  • Bug Summary: A quick however descriptive title (e.g., “Login fails with legitimate credentials on Chrome 115”).
  • Actual vs. Expected Behavior: Clearly kingdom what took place as opposed to what have to have took place.
  • Attachments: Add screenshots, videos, or logs to offer visible context.

4.Prioritize Accuracy

Ensure your document is factually correct. Double-test steps and observations earlier than filing the malicious program. Avoid assumptions. 

5.Classify and Prioritize Bugs

Use classes like severity (e.g., critical, major, minor) and type (e.g., UI, functionality, performance) to assist builders prioritize fixes. 

6.Stay Professional

Maintain a neutral, professional tone. Your goal is to improve the product, not criticize the work of others.  

7.Learn from Feedback

Pay attention to developer feedback on your bug report. This will help you identify areas that need improvement in your reporting style. 

8.Use a Template

Adopting a standard bug reporting format ensures consistency. A good template will include: 

  • Title
  • Description
  • Steps to reproduce
  • Expected and actual results
  • Environment details
  • Attachments

Tips for writing actionable bug reports that developers will value

Tips for writing actionable bug reports that developers will value

Clear, actionable bug reports are invaluable to developers as they help them solve problems efficiently and improve their software. Here are some practical tips to ensure your bug report is accepted and effective: 


1. Use a descriptive title : Your title should provide a concise but detailed summary of the bug. 

Example: Instead of “Page Error” write “Clicking the Contact Us button on the home page results in a 404 error.” 

2. Provide clear steps to reproduce the problem: You should list the exact steps needed to reproduce the problem. 

Example: 

  1. Open the app on your mobile device.
  2. Go to your Profile page.
  3. Click the Edit button.
  4. Verify that the app crashes.

3. Highlight expected vs. actual behavior: State clearly what you expected and what happened instead. 

Example: 

  • Expected behavior: When you click the Submit button, the form is saved.
  • Actual behavior: When you click the Submit button, no action is performed.

4. Provide context: Add relevant details to help developers understand the environment: 

  • Device/browser (e.g. iPhone 14, Safari 16.5)
  • Operating system – e.g. Windows 11, Android 13 –
  • App or software version (e.g. v1.2.3)

5. Attach supporting evidence: Include screenshots, screen recordings, logs, or stack traces to provide visual or technical context. Annotate images to highlight issues as needed. 

6.Be objective and neutral: Avoid personal opinions and blame. Stick to objective observations and focus on the problem. 

7.Categorize and Prioritize Bugs: Help developers prioritize by specifying bugs: 

  • Severity: Critical, Major, Minor, or Cosmetic.
  • Type: User Interface, Functional, Performance, etc.

8. Use Standardized Templates: Adopt a consistent bug reporting format so developers can quickly grasp the details. 

Sample template: 

  • Title
  • Description
  • Steps to reproduce
  • Expected results
  • Actual results
  • Environment
  • Attachments

9. Test before reporting: Reproduce the bug several times to make sure it’s a recurring error and not a one-off issue. 

10. Keep it concise: Avoid unnecessary details that can burden your report. Stick to the relevant facts to maintain clarity and focus. 

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Conclusion

Even with automation becoming popular, manual testing remains a big part of software quality testing. It allows testers to be flexible, creative, and look at software from a user’s point of view. Exploratory testing helps find hidden issues, and usability checks make sure the software is simple and easy to use. Manual testing and automation work well together, creating a testing process that helps deliver software that is reliable, easy to use, and ready for the market. 

Related Topics

Cleared Doubts: FAQs

Manual testing is when a tester checks software functionality by manually executing test cases without using automation tools. For example, if you’re testing a login page, you’d enter a username and password yourself to see if it works properly.

Manual testing is vital because:

  • It helps catch bugs or usability issues that automated tests might miss.
  • It allows testers to experience the application the way real users will. For example, if a button is misplaced or hard to click, a human tester can identify the issue, while automation might overlook it.

Here are the key types: 

  • Black-Box Testing: Testing the software without looking at the code. 
  • White-Box Testing: Testing the internal structure or code. 
  • Exploratory Testing: Exploring the software without predefined steps. 
  • Acceptance Testing: Ensuring the software meets user requirements. 

Black-box testing focuses on inputs and outputs without knowing the code. 

For example: 

  • Input: Enter “1234” in a password field. 
  • Expected Output: Login is denied because passwords must be at least 6 characters. 

White-box testing looks at the internal structure or code of the application. It’s like checking the engine of a car to ensure all components are working as expected.

Example: Verifying a function in the code returns the correct result for given inputs.

Exploratory testing is unscripted testing where the tester explores the application to find unexpected issues. 

For example, you might open random pages on a website, interact with forms, or intentionally input wrong data to see how the app behaves.

A test scenario is a high-level idea of what to test.

Example: Verify the login functionality of the application.

Regression testing ensures that recent code changes haven’t broken existing features. 

Example: If a developer fixes a bug in the payment page, regression testing would check the payment page and other connected features like the cart. 

UAT is where real users test the application to ensure it meets their needs. For example, before launching an e-commerce app, potential users test to confirm they can search, add items to the cart, and pay easily.

UAT is where real users test the application to ensure it meets their needs. For example, before launching an e-commerce app, potential users test to confirm they can search, add items to the cart, and pay easily.

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