The spelling of "manual test" uses the IPA phonetic transcription [ˈmænjuəl tɛst]. The first syllable "man" is pronounced with the vowel sound [æ] as in "cat". The second syllable "u" uses the [ju] diphthong as in "cute". The stress is on the second syllable. The last syllable "test" is pronounced with the short "e" sound [ɛ] as in "bed". Overall, the word is pronounced as "MAN-yoo-ul test". A manual test refers to a testing approach where testing is done by a human, rather than using automation.
Manual test refers to a software testing technique where the execution of test cases and procedures is carried out by a human tester, without the assistance of any automated testing tools or scripts. It involves the systematic and interactive process of verifying and validating the functionality, performance, and usability of a software application manually.
During a manual test, the tester carefully examines the software's features, functions, and user interface to identify any defects or issues that might affect its performance or user experience. The tester follows predefined test cases or procedures to verify whether the application functions as intended, behaves correctly based on various inputs, and meets the specified requirements. They may also perform ad-hoc testing to uncover additional defects not covered by the predefined test cases.
Manual testing provides testers with the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge and understanding of the application's behavior, enabling them to provide direct feedback on user experience, ease of use, and overall quality. It allows for the identification of defects that might be difficult to automate and understand the application's real-world usage scenarios.
Although manual testing is time-consuming and requires human effort, it is a crucial aspect of software testing that complements automated testing techniques. It ensures that software applications are thoroughly tested from a user's perspective, helping to enhance the quality, reliability, and user satisfaction of the software product.
The word "manual" comes from the Latin word "manualis", which means "of the hand" or "done by hand". It is derived from the Latin word "manus", meaning "hand".
The word "test" has various origins. It comes from the Latin word "testum", meaning "earthen pot" or "earthen vessel". In ancient Rome, such pots were often used for testing metals or examining liquids. The word later took on the meaning of examining or evaluating something to determine its quality or capability.
When combined, "manual test" refers to a hands-on or physical examination, evaluation, or trial of a product or process. In the context of software testing, a manual test refers to the process of executing test cases and scenarios by human testers, who manually interact with the software to identify defects, usability issues, or any other desired outcomes.