What is Build in Manual Testing?
In manual Testing, a “build” means a version of software or an application that is ready to be tested by testers. It includes a group of features or changes, along with bug fixes, prepared by developers for quality checking. When a new build is received, testers manually review it to identify errors or bugs before it is released to customers.
Overview of Built-in Manual Testing
A build is like the latest package of the software product that developers prepare after adding new features or fixing problems. This build is then sent for manual Testing, where human testers use the software carefully to find issues by following planned steps called test cases. Manual Testing helps ensure the build is working as expected, with no mistakes, providing a good user experience.
Testing is conducted on each build to verify new features, test existing functions, and ensure everything works together seamlessly. Testers also sometimes check how the software performs on different devices or browsers.
Manual Testing Process for a Build
Here is a short, step-by-step guide that testers use when they manually test a new build:
- Understanding Requirements:Â Testers first learn about the new features or changes included in the build by reading documents or discussing them with the team.
- Setting Up the Test Environment:Â The testing environment is prepared by installing the build on the correct devices or systems to ensure it matches the real user setup.
- Writing Test Cases:Â Detailed instructions for what to test and how to test it are created. These include steps, expected results, and specific conditions.
- Test Execution:Â Testers follow the test cases and use the build as real users would. They look for bugs or anything that doesn’t work as expected.
- Reporting Bugs:Â Any problems found are recorded with details like how to reproduce the bug, screenshots, and severity level.
- Retesting:Â Once developers have fixed the bugs, testers recheck the build to ensure that the issues are resolved.
- Final Test Summary:Â At the end of the Testing, a report is created to summarize the test results, including what was tested, bugs found, and the overall quality of the build.
Types of Testing in Manual Build Testing
During manual Testing of builds, different types of Testing can be performed depending on what needs to be checked. These include:
- Smoke Testing:Â Quick check to see if the main features of the build are working well enough for detailed Testing to begin.
- Sanity Testing:Â Focused check on specific parts after bug fixes to make sure the problems are really fixed.
- Regression Testing: Testing old features to make sure that new updates didn’t break anything or cause any problems.
- Functional Testing: Making sure that each feature functions as it should.
- Usability Testing: Making sure that the build is easy to use and works well from the user’s point of view.
- Compatibility Testing: Making sure the build works well on different devices, browsers, or operating systems.
- Exploratory Testing: Testers are free to look about the build and identify bugs that they didn’t expect without following set test cases.
Manual Testing Tools for Builds
Manual Testing mostly happens without automation tools, but several tools help testers organize and manage their work more efficiently:
- Test Case Management Tools:Â Tools like TestRail, TestLink, or SpiraTest help create, store, and track test cases clearly.
- Bug Tracking Tools:Â Tools such as JIRA or Bugzilla help report and track bugs until they are fixed.
- Cross-Browser Testing Tools:Â BrowserStack helps check how the build behaves on various web browsers and devices.
- Reporting Tools:Â Some tools provide detailed test reports and analytics, making it easier to understand build quality.
These tools do not automate the testing process; instead, they assist testers in documenting, tracking, and managing their manual testing efforts.
Best Practices for Manual Testing Builds
To make manual Testing successful and efficient, testers should follow these best practices:
- Understand the Requirements Clearly:Â Before Testing, know what the build should do exactly to check it properly.
- Prepare Detailed Test Cases:Â Write clear and complete steps to avoid missing any functionality.
- Test with Real User Scenarios:Â Act like an actual user while testing to catch real-world issues.
- Please keep Track of Bugs Thoroughly:Â Document bugs with step-by-step instructions and evidence to help developers fix them quickly.
- Retest Fixed Bugs:Â Always check again to confirm bugs are fixed and no new problems have appeared.
- Talk to each other often: Keep in touch with developers and other team members on a frequent basis to let them know about any problems or progress.
- Try out different settings: Test builds on a wider range of devices and browsers.
- Give priority Testing Based on Risk: Focus on the most important aspects that have the most effect on consumers.
