Types of Manual Software Testing

Manual software testing refers to the process of manually executing test cases or test scenarios on the software application under test. In this approach, a human tester interacts with the application and verifies its behaviour and functionality against the expected requirements or specifications. There are different types of manual software testing, such as functional, usability, UAT, and many more.

In this article, we will learn about different types of manual software testing. But before we start, let's review the list of topics that we will cover.

Table of Contents

• Types of Manual Software Testing
  • Performance Testing
  • Stress Testing
  • Load Testing
  • Recovery Testing
  • Reliability Testing
  • Installation Testing
  • Portability Testing
  • Compliance Testing
  • Configuration Testing
  • Accessibility Testing
  • Interoperability Testing
  • Globalization Testing
  • Backup and Recovery Testing
  • Documentation Testing
  • Error Handling Testing
  • Development Testing
  • Beta Testing
  • Alpha Testing
  • Smoke Testing
  • Sanity Testing
  • Regression Testing

Types of Manual Software Testing

There are various types of manual testing, each with different purpose, advantages, and disadvantages. Some of the most widely used ones are: Functional testing, Usability testing, Exploratory testing, Ad-hoc testing, UAT testing, Compatibility testing, Localization testing, and security Testing.

There are other types as well. And we will be dicussing each one of those, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Performance Testing

Performance testing checks the software's performance characteristics, like - response time, throughput, and resource utilization, under various load conditions.

Three advantages of performance testing are:

• Identifies performance bottlenecks and optimization opportunities
• Ensures the application meets performance requirements and user expectations
• Helps plan for adequate system resources and capacity

Three disadvantages of performance testing are:

• Requires specialized tools and testing environments
• It can be complex and time-consuming for large-scale applications
• It may not accurately simulate real-world usage patterns

You can read the article Performance Testing – All That You Need To Know for more information.

Must Explore: Performance / Load Testing with Jmeter by Koenig Solutions

Stress Testing

This type of manual testing involves evaluating the software's behaviour and stability under extreme or abnormal conditions, such as high load, limited resources, or unexpected inputs.

Three advantages of stress testing are:

• Identifies potential system failures or crashes under extreme conditions
• Helps improve the software's reliability and fault tolerance
• Provides insights into the application's limits and breaking points

Three disadvantages of stress testing are:

• It can be resource-intensive and time-consuming
• It may not accurately simulate real-world stress scenarios
• Requires specialized tools and testing environments

You can read the article Stress Testing: What is it? How to perform it? for more information.

Must Explore: Software Testing Course by Croma Campus

Load Testing

In this type of manual testing, the tester examines the software's performance and behaviour under various simulated user load conditions, such as concurrent users or transactions.

Three advantages of load testing are:

• Helps identify performance bottlenecks and scalability issues
• Ensures the application can handle expected user loads
• Provides insights into resource requirements and capacity planning

Three disadvantages of load testing are:

• Requires specialized tools and testing environments
• It can be complex and time-consuming for large-scale applications
• It may not accurately simulate real-world usage patterns

You can read the article Load Testing – All That You Need To Know for more information.

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Recovery Testing

In this manual testing type, the tester evaluates the software's ability to recover from failures, crashes, or unexpected situations, such as power outages or system errors.

Three advantages of recovery testing are:

• Ensures data integrity and system consistency after failures
• Validates backup and recovery mechanisms
• Helps improve the application's reliability and fault tolerance

Three disadvantages of recovery testing are:

• It can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
• It may not cover all possible failure scenarios
• Requires specialized testing environments and tools

You can read the article What Is Recovery Testing In Software Testing? for more information.

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Reliability Testing

Reliability testing examines the software's ability to function consistently and without failures over an extended period of time or under specific conditions.

Three advantages of reliability testing are:

• Helps identify potential software defects or weaknesses
• Ensures the application meets reliability requirements
• Improves user confidence and satisfaction

Three disadvantages of reliability testing are:

• It can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
• It may not accurately simulate real-world usage patterns
• Requires specialized testing environments and tools

Must Explore: Reliability Testing Online Courses & Certifications

Installation Testing

This type of manual testing verifies whether the software application can be successfully installed on various target environments, such as operating systems, hardware configurations, and software dependencies.

Three advantages of installation testing are:

• Ensures compatibility with different systems and configurations
• Identifies installation issues early in the testing process
• Helps create comprehensive installation guides and documentation

Three disadvantages of installation testing are:

• It can be time-consuming and resource-intensive for complex applications
• May not catch all installation-related issues in real-world scenarios
• Requires access to various hardware and software configurations

Must Explore: Software Installation Online Courses & Certifications

Portability Testing

This testing assesses the software's ability to function correctly when transferred or ported from one environment to another, such as different operating systems, hardware platforms, or software configurations.

Three advantages of portability testing are:

• Ensures the application's compatibility across diverse environments
• Increases the application's reach and potential user base
• Identifies potential porting issues early in the development cycle

Three disadvantages of portability testing are:

• Requires access to various hardware and software configurations
• It can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
• It may not cover all possible porting scenarios

Compliance Testing

This type of manual testing verifies whether the software adheres to specific industry standards, regulations, or legal requirements, such as security, privacy, or accessibility guidelines or not.

Three advantages of compliance testing are:

• Ensures the application meets necessary regulatory or legal requirements
• Helps mitigate potential legal or financial risks
• Increases customer trust and confidence

Three disadvantages of compliance testing are:

• Requires in-depth knowledge of relevant standards and regulations
• It can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
• It may need to be updated as standards or regulations change

Configuration Testing

Configuration testing assesses the software's behaviour and compatibility with various hardware, software, and network configurations, such as - different operating systems, browsers, or database versions.

Three advantages of configuration testing are:

• Ensures the application works correctly across diverse configurations
• Identifies potential compatibility issues early in the development cycle
• Helps improve the application's portability and reach

Three disadvantages of configuration testing are:

• Requires access to various hardware and software configurations
• Can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
• It may not cover all possible configuration scenarios

Must Explore: Software Configuration Management Online Courses & Certifications

Accessibility Testing

In this, the tester evaluates the software's usability and accessibility for users with disabilities, such as visual, auditory, or mobility impairments.

Three advantages of accessibility testing are:

• Ensures compliance with accessibility standards and regulations
• Improves the application's usability for users with disabilities
• Expands the potential user base and market reach

Three disadvantages of accessibility testing are:

• Requires specialized knowledge of accessibility guidelines and assistive technologies
• Can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
• It may not cover all possible accessibility scenarios

Must Explore: Accessibility Testing Online Courses & Certifications

Interoperability Testing

Interoperability testing assesses the software's ability to interact and exchange data with other systems, applications, or components, following defined standards or protocols.

Three advantages of interoperability testing are:

• Ensures seamless integration and communication between systems
• Identifies potential compatibility issues early in the development cycle
• Helps improve the application's flexibility and scalability

Three disadvantages of interoperability testing are:

• Requires access to various systems and integration points
• It can be complex and time-consuming
• It may not cover all possible integration scenarios

Globalization Testing

It is one of the most important types of manual software testing techniques. In this, the tester evaluates the software's ability to function correctly in different cultural and linguistic environments, such as - support for various languages, date/time formats, and locale-specific rules.

Three advantages of globalization testing are:

• Ensures the application meets the needs of a global user base
• Helps identify potential localization issues early in the development cycle
• Improves the application's reach and market potential

Three disadvantages of globalization testing are:

• Requires specialized knowledge of different cultures and locales
• Can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
• It may not cover all possible cultural and linguistic scenarios

Backup and Recovery Testing

Backup and recovery testing assesses the software's ability to create and restore backups, as well as recover data and system state after failures or disasters.

Three advantages of backup and recovery testing are:

• Ensures data integrity and system consistency after failures or disasters
• Validates backup and recovery mechanisms
• Helps improve the application's reliability and fault tolerance

Three disadvantages of backup and recovery testing are:

• Can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
• It may not cover all possible failure or disaster scenarios
• Requires specialized testing environments and tools

You can read the article What Is Recovery Testing In Software Testing? for more information.

Documentation Testing

Documentation testing evaluates the accuracy, completeness, and usability of software documentation, such as user manuals, installation guides, and technical specifications.

Three advantages of documentation testing are:

• Ensures accurate and precise documentation for users and stakeholders
• It helps identify gaps or inconsistencies in the documentation
• Improves user experience and support processes

Three disadvantages of documentation testing are:

• Can be time-consuming and repetitive
• It may require subject matter expertise in various domains
• Effectiveness depends on the quality and consistency of the documentation

Must Explore: Qa Testing Documentation Online Courses & Certifications

Error Handling Testing

It is one of the most important types of manual software testing techniques. In this, the tester evaluates the software's ability to detect, handle, and recover from various error conditions, such as invalid inputs, exceptions, or system failures.

Three advantages of error handling testing are:

• Ensures the application handles errors gracefully and provides appropriate feedback
• Helps improve the application's robustness and reliability
• Enhances user experience by preventing unexpected behaviour or crashes

Three disadvantages of error handling testing are:

• Can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
• It may not cover all possible error scenarios
• Requires specialized testing techniques and tools

Development Testing

Development testing, also known as unit testing or component testing, involves testing individual software components or modules during the development phase to ensure they function as expected and meet the specified requirements.

Three advantages of development testing are:

• Helps identify and fix defects early in the development cycle
• Improves code quality and maintainability
• Facilitates continuous integration and delivery processes

Three disadvantages of development testing are:

• It may not cover integration or system-level issues
• It can be time-consuming and require additional effort from developers
• Effectiveness depends on the quality and coverage of the test cases

Beta Testing

It is also one of the most important types of manual software testing techniques. In this, a near-final version of the software is provided to a limited group of external users or customers to provide feedback and report issues before the final release.

Three advantages of beta testing are:

• Helps identify issues in real-world usage scenarios
• Provides valuable feedback from potential users or customers
• Helps improve the application's usability and user experience

Three disadvantages of beta testing are:

• May not catch all issues or defects before the final release
• Requires careful management of the beta testing process
• Depends on the quality and commitment of the beta testers

Explore the Beta testing with real- life examples article for more information.

Alpha Testing

In this type of manual testing, the tester examines an early version of the software within the development team or organization before releasing it for beta testing or external users.

Three advantages of alpha testing are:

• Helps identify and fix critical issues early in the development cycle
• Provides an opportunity for internal stakeholders to evaluate the software
• Allows for iterative refinement and improvement before broader testing

Three disadvantages of alpha testing are:

• It may not accurately reflect real-world usage scenarios
• Effectiveness depends on the expertise and diligence of the internal testers
• This can be biased due to the testers' familiarity with the software

Explore the Alpha Testing: Real-life example article for more information.

Smoke Testing

Smoke testing is a subset of testing that involves executing a basic set of test cases to ensure the software's core functionality is working correctly before proceeding with more extensive testing.

Three advantages of smoke testing are:

• Helps identify critical issues or showstoppers early in the testing process
• Provides a quick assessment of the software's basic functionality
• Saves time and resources by avoiding unnecessary testing if critical issues are found

Three disadvantages of smoke testing are:

• It may not cover all aspects of the software's functionality
• Effectiveness depends on the quality and coverage of the smoke test cases
• It can be time-consuming if smoke testing is not planned correctly and automated

Explore the What is Smoke Testing? article for more information.

Sanity Testing

It is also one of the most important types of manual software testing techniques. In this, the tester executes a subset of test cases to ensure the software functions correctly after a specific change, such as a bug fix or minor enhancement.

Three advantages of sanity testing are:

• Helps verify that changes do not impact critical functionality
• Provides a quick assessment of the software's stability after a change
• Saves time and resources by focusing on targeted testing

Three disadvantages of Sanity Testing:

• It may not cover all aspects of the software's functionality
• Effectiveness depends on the quality and coverage of the sanity test cases
• It can be time-consuming if not properly planned and automated

Explore the All that you need to know about Sanity Testing article for more information.

Regression Testing

It is also one of the most essential types of manual software testing techniques. In this, the tester re-executes previously executed test cases to ensure that existing functionality is not affected by changes or new features introduced in the software.

Three advantages of regression testing are:

• Helps identify unintended side effects or regressions caused by changes
• Ensures the software's stability and reliability over time
• Increases confidence in the quality of the software

Three disadvantages of regression testing are:

• Can be time-consuming and resource-intensive for large applications
• Requires maintaining and updating a comprehensive test suite
• Effectiveness depends on the quality and coverage of the test cases

Explore the Regression Testing – All That You Need To Know article for more information.

Conclusion

Manual software testing is an important part of the software development lifecycle. It ensures the quality, reliability, and functionality of applications. And as there are various types of manual software testing techniques available, testers must thoroughly understand each technique and its appropriate use cases.

Several comprehensive courses are available online for those interested in pursuing a career in manual software testing or enhancing their existing skills. Some of the best courses and certifications are Software Testing : Learn Manual/QA Testing + ISTQB CTFL Help by Udemy,  Manual Testing (Testing Tools) and Manual Testing Training by QualityThought, Manual Testing Certification Training by Croma Campus, and Manual and Automation Testing by KodNest.