Manual testing is a testing process of testing the software by using human judgment and expertise to identify defects, errors, and gaps in functionality.
To improve the effectiveness of manual testing, manual testers can adopt new testing techniques to enhance their testing process.
Here are some of the new testing techniques that manual testers can use:
1.Session-Based Testing(SBT)
Session-Based Testing (SBT) is a testing technique that involves breaking the manual testing process into time-boxed sessions, with each session having a specific goal or objective.
SBT helps testers to focus their testing efforts and to manage their time effectively, prioritize their testing efforts, and improve the quality of their testing.
Here are some examples of how SBT can be used:
User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Session:
- A tester can define a session to test the software from an end-user perspective.
- The tester can focus on the critical functionalities and test the software in a real-world environment.
- The goal of this session is to ensure that the software meets the end-user requirements.
Regression Testing Session:
- In this session, a tester can define the test cases to be executed to verify that the software still works as expected after a change has been made.
- The tester can focus on the critical areas affected by the change and verify that the software has not regressed.
Integration Testing Session:
- In this session, a tester can define the test cases to test the integration of different modules or components of the software.
- The tester can focus on the critical interfaces and ensure that the software is integrated correctly.
Performance Testing Session:
- A tester can define a session to test the performance of the software.
- The tester can focus on the critical areas that impact the performance of the software, such as load testing or stress testing.
- The goal of this session is to identify any bottlenecks or performance issues in the software.
Security Testing Session:
- In this session, a tester can define the test cases to test the security of the software.
- The tester can focus on the critical areas that can be exploited by attackers and ensure that the software is secure.
2.Exploratory Testing:
Exploratory Testing is a testing technique that emphasizes creativity, learning, and adaptability in the testing process.
Unlike traditional scripted testing, exploratory testing involves designing, executing, and analyzing tests simultaneously, based on the tester’s intuition, expertise, and experience.
3.Risk-Based Testing:
Risk-Based Testing is a testing technique that involves identifying the potential risks associated with the software and prioritizing testing efforts based on those risks.
The goal of risk-based testing is to ensure that the most critical areas of the software are tested thoroughly, while minimizing testing efforts in areas that have a lower risk of failure.
Here are some examples of how risk-based testing can be used:
Based on Critical Functionality:
- In this approach, a tester can focus on the critical functionalities of the software that have a higher risk of failure.
- For example, if the software is a medical device, the tester can focus on the critical features that impact patient safety.
Based on Complex Functionality:
- A tester can focus on the complex functionalities of the software that have a higher risk of failure.
- For example, if the software is an e-commerce website, the tester can focus on the complex functionalities such as the checkout process or payment gateway integration.
Based on Previous Defects:
A tester can focus on the areas of the software that have had defects in the past. The tester can explore these areas thoroughly and ensure that the defects have been addressed.
Based on Security Risks:
- A tester can focus on the areas of the software that have a higher risk of being exploited by attackers.
- The tester can ensure that the software is secure and that there are no vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
4.Crowd Testing:
- This technique involves leveraging a group of people to test the software.
- Testers can crowdsource their testing to a group of people who have different backgrounds, devices, and locations.
- This approach can help to identify defects that may not have been found through traditional testing.
Some of the examples of crowd testing is as follows :
Mobile App Testing:
- A mobile app development company can leverage crowd testing to test their application on different devices, operating systems, and network conditions.
- The crowd testers can provide feedback on the app’s user experience, functionality, and performance.
Website Testing:
- A website development company can use crowd testing to test their website on different browsers, devices, and screen sizes.
- The crowd testers can provide feedback on the website’s design, functionality, and performance.
Game Testing:
- A game development company can leverage crowd testing to test their game on different platforms, devices, and network conditions.
- The crowd testers can provide feedback on the game’s playability, graphics, and sound.
5.Pair Testing:
- In this technique, two testers work together to test the software. One tester performs the testing, while the other reviews the test cases and provides feedback.
- This approach helps to identify more defects and also improves the overall quality of the test cases.
6.Mind Mapping:
- Mind mapping is a visual technique that helps testers to organize their testing process.
- Testers can use mind maps to create a hierarchical structure of test cases, identify areas that need more testing, and track their progress.
These are just a few examples of the new testing techniques that manual testers can adopt to enhance their testing process.
By staying up-to-date with the latest testing techniques, testers can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their testing efforts.