Manually testing is a traditional way of software testing in which a tester tests the application without taking support of any automation tool. The tester ensures that the application behaves as per the requirements and specifications. Sometimes the tester has to test the code. S/he may even have to look at the application from the point of view of the end users and identify defects. Manually software testing is not difficult but it can be a tedious job. Therefore, manual testing requires good planning.

Whether it is automation testing or manual testing the expectation from both the testing methodology is the same. i.e . to maximize the number of defects that can be found in the application. Every customer would like to purchase a software that is bug free. Without rigorous testing it is not possible to produce an error free software. Whether the application is small or big it should be tested thoroughly. This means the stress on manual testers is more in a scenario where the application is complex.

Planning is very essential for effective manual testing. Manual testing must be carried out by following a systematic approach. It is necessary to create a good test plan and then write detailed test cases that cover every aspect of this application. The testers must carry out every test in the order in which they have been assigned. It is necessary to prepare a report in which all the findings of various testers have been logged. This report helps in the analyzing software health.

Waterfall model was the traditional way of carrying out manual software testing. Manual testing can be broadly classified into two types:  (1) Black Box Testing and (2) White Box Testing. In black box testing the application is only tested for its behavior. That is a tester prepares a set of data and checks if the application is behaving as per the specifications and if it is producing the desired output for the given input. In case of White Box testing the tester should be aware of the coding processes. S/he should be able to scan the code, check the logic and see if all the coding standards have been applied as per the company’s standard.

If the application is tested by running the software it is called Dynamic testing and if it is tested for code, syntax error, logic etc without running the application then it is called Static testing.

Manual testing can be implemented on big and small projects, sometimes manual testing uncovers hidden errors that an automation tool would never be able to handle. Automation tools come with many features but cannot beat the intelligence of a human mind. A manual tester is always more flexible than an automated software testing tool. Manual testers can understand the priority of the project and can perform testing in ad-hoc manner or by playing with an application from the point of view of the end user. These techniques help in uncovering major defects in the system and this is something that we can never expect from an automation tool.

Manual testing has always been the most important aspect of software testing. The most common requirement for testing jobs posted by various IT companies and testing companies is that of manual testing. Manual testing will always be in great demand for software testing in Ireland. Software recruitment agencies in Ireland will always have some great testing jobs for manual testers.