How to Switch from Manual to Automation Testing?

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Ankush

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Sep 06, 2024

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Do you know that manual to automation transition is the new way to make your software iterations easier? Not only does it take less time to test multiple parameters, but helps you save resources.

I am going to explain to you more about the transition requirements and benefits of switching your career from manual testing to automation testing. This guide is a must if you are thinking about a career switch to software tester.

So, let me explain how to switch from manual to automation testing and make a better move for your career.

What is Manual Testing?

Manual testing is a process by virtue of which no automation tools are used to test a code. You need to manually check its features and identify the places where the code lacks or voids the functionalities.  

Earlier, I used to make the test cases for the code myself using manual testing. After making such test cases, I generated a report myself.

So, what were my responsibilities as a manual tester back then?

1.     Checking the essential features of an application.

2.     Execute different test cases.

3.     Identify the bugs and then suggest ways to remove them.

My mantra as a manual tester was to understand the end-user useability. I do agree with the fact a machine can never perform this useability task perfectly like a human.

What is Automation Testing?

Automation testing refers to taking help of tools that streamline running a code test without any human intervention.

From my professional experience, I have used automation testing multiple times to get information on what to debug.

Some of the features of automation testing to take note of are:

1. These tests are pre-scripted, and the reports are compared to predefined or expected results.

2. Automation testing also helps to identify the application's workings under real-life usage.

3. Please note that initially, a degree of human effort is required to create the predetermined test scripts.

Nowadays, many industry experts ask the common question as to how to switch from manual to automation testing.

Well, let us start with a few more core concepts before I answer this question.

Participating in an Automation Testing Course in Bangalore can significantly refine your preparation, providing you with key skills and insights that will strengthen your position as a candidate.

When Should Manual Testing and Automation Testing be Used?

Depending on several conditions, you may change the testing method for the platform. Some code functionalities need you to switch from manual to automation testing.

Some of the examples of automation and manual testing case scenarios are as follows:

1. When a Test is Repetitive: Automation testing is the best when the tests are repetitive or in several programs we identify similar bugs. A great example I can think of is the regression test, which must be conducted periodically.

The reason is to make sure that newly added code does not disrupt the existing functionality. A tester needs to save time in such circumstances using a proper automation testing course.

2. When Tests are Fundamental: Manual tests are relevant when the software is in its early phases of development. I suggest you go for such testing when you are going for exploratory testing.

In exploratory testing, there are no predefined test scenarios, and it helps identify the major flaws. These flaws are not easily addressed when you are using automated tests based on defined or pre-set test case scenarios.

There can be unidentified exceptions in the same code or one set of code may nullify the effects of other sets of codes, giving rise to functionality challenges.

Also Read: Tester vs Developer

Understanding the Need for Automation Testing

As per a recent study by AI Multiple Research, 55% of the companies use automated testing strategies for quality improvement. Automated Testing need may arise under multiple circumstances, and they are:

1. Addressing Repetitive Tasks: Whenever there are test cases that are run multiple times, automation saves you time and effort. I have been using automation tests whenever there were the same type of code functionalities. However, choose the right tools for your tasks like Selenium, WebDriver, Appium, Cypress, and Junit for Java Projects, etc.

2. Improves the Scale: A human operator can only run a test for 60 hours a week at large. There may still be errors in the report which they create. However, a computer can run itself 24 hours a day, for seven days, at the same accuracy level! It is going to run batch testing and generate accurate reports in parallel. This is important as there are not many test engineers, and they are costly resources.

3. Re-iterations of Tests Any Time: While a traditional approach relies on testing the deliverables after their completion, modern methods do not!

I have used automation tests while the code is in its development stage. Thus, running such a smoke test helps to streamline the testing process in the long run. You need not worry; the test runs based on the defined parameters and identifies bugs. It does not explore outside of the set exception limits.

As transitioning from the manual to automation testing helps create a detailed analysis of the reports regarding bugs, for multiple programs within a short span of time.

On the other hand, there are several limitations to manual testing, which makes it less relevant nowadays. 

4. The Limitations of Manual Testing: There are multiple limitations when using manual testing. They are:

a. Time-Consuming for Continuous Testing

Manual testing requires a lot of time! Complex software programs may even take more time than estimated, depending on the circumstances. Moreover, I would not choose this method personally as it consumes time to cover all test cases that a project might target.

As per the data in ERP Today, only 5% of the software developers conducts manual testing. Two thirds of the software companies deploy a testing method consisting of 75 (Manual):25(Automation).

The same reports also suggest that 14% of these companies are trying to remove manual testing entirely. So, from this trend I hope you can see how much restrictive manual testing may get!

b. Prone to Human Error

Manual tests are prone to human errors as a test engineer may miss some of the scenarios. Moreover, the individual may improperly execute the test.

In a large project, these mistakes are difficult to find but affect the downstream app or software development processes. From my experience, I would not suggest manual testing for any project blatantly.

c. The Expense of Manual Testing is Large

As I have previously said, manual testing is time-consuming and error-prone. However, the checks need experts who are expensive and utilize a lot of resources. In the long run, such heavy resource utilization may have negative effects for growth of businesses.

Thus, it is the perfect time for you to ask how to switch from manual to automation testing for more efficiency.

Also Read: Why Automation Testing

Benefits of Automation Testing over Manual Testing

Some of the key benefits of automation testing, as per my research for a career switch from manual tester to automation tester, are:

1. Developers see errors in a code faster when they use an automated testing process. The next step will be to fix the error in the code and then continue in development.

2. Human testers need to check every new addition to the features of the application. The automation test self-checks that implemented features do not return void with the previous features.

3. Automation tests are beneficial for large organizations that deliver the same type of projects to multiple clients.

It becomes lucrative for firms to preserve a greater share of profit by reducing manual testers and streamlining their workflow.

Also Read: Software Tester Salary

Why Move from Manual to Automation testing?

Many individuals and companies are nowadays thinking about how to switch from manual to automation testing. Some key efficiency points support moving from manual tester to automation tester for process improvement. They are:

a. They improve the overall testing efficiency

b. They increase the test coverage, and testers can check results for broader test categories.

c. Automation testing during the initial runs helps identify more bugs. Debugging steps can continue side by side in the development stage for a better result.

Therefore, it is always beneficial to use a streamlined and agile method of software development. Automation testing is a new way to solve complex and time-consuming challenges within a few seconds.

Also Read: Test Scenario

When is the Right Time to Switch from Manual Testing to Automation Testing

So, let me help you out by telling you the perfect time for you to opt for automation testing. The signs indicate a perfect time to move from manual to automation testing are:

1.Monotony in Testing: I will personally shift from manual testing to automation testing when there is a high volume of repetitive tasks. If, at this point you find yourself drowned under the same repetitive manual testing. Start thinking about how to shift from manual to automation testing, I have the answer. Set predefined test cases and expected test reports and then allow the tool to evaluate codes itself. A part of automation testing strategy, this works wonders to give you the best results within just a few seconds.

2. Shorter Cycles of Releases: In the fast-paced world, I faced many pressures to release new products or features. However, with the manual testing process, I would slow down. Here comes the role of automation testing, which helps me test a new feature quickly.

Also Read: Automation Testing Metrics

Can Manual Testers Do Automation Testing?

Yes, it will help if you are trying to move from being a manual tester to automation tester. I will suggest you recognize the new improvements in technology and learn accordingly.

Moreover, you must practice the latest software like Junit for Java projects. Practice multiple times to evaluate and develop proper test cases which are fundamental for automation testing.

Also Read: Latest Trends in Automation Testing

How to Switch from Manual to Automation Testing

If you are asking how to switch from manual to automation testing, then follow these:

1. Learn the automation tools Like Selenium, Cucumber etc... properly, and you may also enroll in an automation testing course.

2. Learn a programming language like Java, Python, C#, or JavaScript.

3. Understand automation frameworks like TestNG, JUnit, and Robot Framework.

4. Practice and collaborate with experts in the field.

5. Update your resume to get a suitable job if you are looking for some OJT (On-Job-Training) experience.

Following these steps will easily allow you to shift from manual tester to automation tester.

Also Read: How to Install JUnit in Eclipse

When Company Starts Shifting from Manual to Automation Testing

Companies of businesses start shifting from the manual to automatic testing whenever they find:

1. Lag in the workflow due to lots of testing processes which are not executed.

2. There is a high volume of clients with strict deadlines.

3. The workforce of the company can shift their working pattern from manual to automation testing.

4. If the company recently introduces any agile methods of working like Scrum or Kanban, chances are they will be introducing automation testing to help in their sprint phases.

In other words, whenever there is a necessity, the companies need to adapt themselves. Hence, when they face the rising pressure of deadlines, they move forward, addressing the question of how to switch from manual to automated testing.

Benefits of Switching from Automation Testing to Manual Testing

There are several benefits of switching from manual to automatic testing, appropriate for students:

Benefit in Term of Process: A common question that I have found arising is which is best manual or automation testing? The answer is simple: look for the benefit in terms of process!

If you are going for a complex or first-time project, then automation testing may not be ideal. However, automation becomes a necessity for repetitive tasks. Thus, think of it in a way to address your challenges using an appropriate methodology.

Learn the importance of Selenium Appium or designing and implementing test automation scripts. Use it to solve your challenges without wasting time using manual testing.

Benefit in Terms of Salary: Manual Tester to Automation Tester Generally, an automated tester with knowledge of coding earns more than a manual tester. Do not just ask about how to switch from manual to automation testing; start taking proactive steps!

For extra motivation, just know that as per PayScale reports, manual testers can earn up to $50,000 per annum on average in the USA. Same reports also indicate that an automated tester can earn up to $71637 per annum. So, what are you waiting for? Get enrolled in an automation testing training institute today! 

Also Read: Manual Testing vs Automation Testing

Conclusion

Nowadays, the trend is increasing towards a tester that knows automation testing. Many people are actively looking for how to switch from manual to automation testing. Well, it is easy with the right strategy and educational resources in the topic. It is suggested that you enroll in some automation testing course that gives you that initial push like StarAgile’sr Automation Testing Course. 

For more information, you may visit us for a detailed guide on automation and related study materials.

Also Read: How to Learn Automation Testing?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you convert a manual tester to an automation tester?

To convert a manual tester to an automation tester, learn the essential skills in programming. Get an idea of how an automation tester works and then gather resources to increase your knowledge. 

2. Which is better: manual or automation testing?

An automation tester is better for repetitive testing of similar codes. Manual testing is, on the other hand, better for first-time code development. If you are thinking about how to switch from manual to automation testing, get enrolled in our Automation Testing Course. .

3. Should I learn manual testing before automation testing?

It is generally the norm for converting to automatic testing from manual testing. It is better to develop the concept from manual testing and then go for automation testing. Without developing the base with manual testing, it is not recommended to think about how to switch from manual to automation testing.

4. Which is difficult, manual testing or automation testing?

Manual testing is simple to learn but difficult to execute when tests are repetitive. Automation tests are hard to learn, but they are more fruitful in batch tests to save time.

5. Which tester gets more salary, manual or automation?

Generally, an automation tester gets a higher salary owing to their knowledge and skills. Manual testers are also important, but it is better to have more skills by learning automation testing.

6. Does automation testing have a future?

Yes, the future of automation testing is unique, and it has a scope to implement cutting-edge AI technologies. Moreover, it is a future-proof career choice due to the increase in the adoption of automation testers. Start taking proactive steps for addressing how to switch manual to automation testing today!

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