Is Automation in Software Testing Reliable?

Automation in software testing is a subject of constant debate among software clients, developers, and testers. Purchasing customized software is costly. However, the real cost only comes during maintenance and updating. It is during these times when regular usage is putting the software to its limits. Reprogramming the software will require more time and money. That is why software testing is important before the company installs and implements it.There are two types of software testing that software developers use. There is the manual software testing and automated testing. Manual testing relies solely on direct human interaction. It may involve representatives from the client side or third party testers that are independent of the software company. Pure handworks complete each testing process, from verification to validation.Furthermore, the automated testing approach is not entirely free from any human interaction. However, the tasks of checking the program unit by unit is easier since the test automation software will prepare and automate the test cases. Thus, it lessens the need for human supervision, thereby reducing the cost of hiring human testers.Before implementing software test automation, the client must first set up the following requirements; comprehensive test cases, predicable or expected outcomes, dedicated testing environment, and competent and consistent resources. The most surprising thing about test automation is that it is expensive in terms of implementation. Although this technique requires fewer hands, the cost of programming the test automation software is relatively high.If the company plans to upgrade its testing department, the test automation approach is not a viable stand-alone testing option. There are ways though to make this approach cost-effective. The first thing the client needs to do is use an automation-testing handbook. Available in software institutes and vendors, this helpful resource will guide the client in choosing the best testing tool.Second, it is not best to choose test automation if the client will test the software once. It is not a worth-the-buck investment. Instead, go for manual testing. However, if there is a need to test a new software system repeatedly, then the company should go for test automation.Clients should ask the software vendor or the developer to come up with the best test cases. Concentrate more on the end-user side or practicality of the program, and not too much on technicalities.In addition to choosing test automation only during repetitive tests, it is also advisable to consider automation for easy, manageable, and straightforward test cases. Do not spend too much time and labor on simple test works.While most programmers see it as an effective choice, in reality, the record and playback method is a big software-testing nightmare. This option is too technical. In fact, it does not provide relevant results for your tests. However, this is a good option for proving client concept. Unless the client is confident that the software is perfect, he must do away with this method.Again, automation in software testing should not replace manual checking. Test automation is a way to make the tasks easier and faster, allowing the testers to focus more on complex tasks, rather than spend time on simple but tedious test works.