Automated vs. Manual mobile app testing: Which is better?

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Written By Berry Mathew

Software testing is one of the most critical aspects of the software development cycle. It ensures that the application is bug-free and meets the users’ requirements. But, as we all know, the entire testing process is very time-consuming and can be highly daunting for test engineers. To make the entire testing process cost-effective and less arduous, testers have developed two types of mobile app testing process-Automated Testing and Manual Testing.

The question arises which type of testing is better? Here, we will go through the significant differences between the two types of testing and discuss which kind is better in a particular scenario.

Manual Testing

Manual Testing is a crucial aspect of app testing online, as it is a process in which the mobile applications are tested manually. In this process, most testers follow a step-by-step approach to test various software functionalities.

Advantages of Manual Testing:

Cost-Effective: Manual testing is a cost-effective method compared to automated testing, as it doesn’t require any special hardware or software.

Human Intuition: Manual testing allows testers to use their intuition and experience to detect errors that may not be apparent through automated testing.

Flexibility: Manual testing is more flexible than automated testing, as it can be performed at any stage of the development process.

Disadvantages of Manual Testing:

Time-Consuming: Manual testing is a time-consuming process, especially when dealing with large applications.

Human Error: Manual testing is prone to errors, as testers may miss bugs during the testing process due to oversight or fatigue.

Repetitive: Manual testing can become tedious and repetitive, leading to errors and reduced productivity.

To make manual testing more effective, testers should follow a well-planned testing process, document test cases, and use testing tools that can automate repetitive tasks. This can help reduce errors and ensure that the application is thoroughly tested.

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Automated Testing

In automated testing, various tools are used to write scripts and execute test cases. It is an excellent way to increase the execution speed and effectiveness of an online app testing process. Besides, it is more economical than manual testing and helps to find bugs easily in a mobile application. It can be done on several tools like Selenium, Appium, and pCloudy.

Advantages of Automated Testing:

Fast Testing: Automated Testing is much quicker as it can perform test cases multiple times in a short period, reducing the overall testing time.

Accurate: Automated testing produces more accurate results and reduces the risk of human error, ensuring that all bugs are detected and addressed.

Cost-effective: Automated testing may seem expensive at first, but it’s a budget-friendly method in the long run because it detects bugs at an early stage of mobile app development.

Disadvantages of Automated Testing:

Expensive: Automated testing requires a specific type of hardware and software to run test cases, making it more costly than manual testing.

Technical Expertise: Automated Testing needs technical expertise to develop test scripts and maintain a testing environment. Without technical expertise, automated testing may not be as effective.

Less Scope: This type of testing cannot completely replace manual testing as it cannot detect errors that require human intuition, such as usability issues, design problems, and other subtle issues that require human judgment.

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Here is a table that points out the critical differences between the two:

Criteria Automated Testing Manual Testing
Investment Requires a high initial investment in hardware and software Lower investment as it does not require special tools or software
Reliability More reliable as it uses specific tools to run tests Not as accurate and prone to human error
Test Reports All stakeholders can easily check test results through the automation system Test results may not be readily available to all stakeholders
Setup Requires a complex setup with multiple tools and frameworks Requires a simple setup with no special tools or frameworks
Deadlines No risk of missing deadlines as automated tests can run continuously High chance of missing deadlines as manual testing is a time-consuming process

Which Type of Testing is better?

When it comes to testing an Android app online, the question of whether manual or automated testing is better depends on several factors. These include the complexity of the application, the size of the team, and the testing budget. In some cases, a combination of both types of testing may be appropriate.

Manual testing is best suited for small applications that do not require frequent updates. It is also useful when testers need to rely on human intuition to identify errors. For organizations with limited budgets that want an error-free application, manual testing can be an efficient testing process.

In contrast, automated testing is a better fit for complex applications that require frequent updates and testing. While it may require a higher initial investment, it can be more cost-effective in the long run as it reduces the need for manual testing. Automated testing is also a better approach for applications that require regression testing.

In conclusion, the best testing method for an Android app depends on various factors, including the size, complexity, and budget of the project. A combination of both manual and automated testing may also be appropriate in some cases

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between manual and automated testing depends on various factors such as the application’s complexity, team size, and budget. While manual testing can be time-consuming and expensive, it is still useful in certain situations. Automated testing, on the other hand, is more efficient for complex applications that require frequent updates and testing.

One of the effective platforms for mobile app testing is pCloudy, which provides access to a vast range of devices for testing, thus reducing the testing time. The platform also offers testing tools and robust frameworks for efficient test execution, making it a valuable tool for testing teams looking to improve their mobile app testing process and develop high-quality applications. Ultimately, choosing the right testing process is crucial to ensure the success of the mobile application.