Top Tools Used for Manual Testing in 2023

In 2023, manual testing remains a crucial part of software development. It’s the process where testers manually run test cases without using any automated tools. This method helps ensure the application meets the specified requirements. Let’s explore some of the top tools used for manual testing this year.

Key Takeaways

• Selenium is widely used for web application testing due to its robust features and flexibility.
• TestLink is a popular test management tool that helps organize and manage test cases efficiently.
• LoadRunner is essential for performance testing, helping to simulate multiple users and measure system behavior.
• Bugzilla is a trusted bug tracking tool that helps teams report and track defects effectively.
• JMeter is a handy tool for load testing and performance measurement of web applications.

Selenium

Selenium is a widely-used open-source tool for automating web browsers. It’s popular because it’s free and supports many programming languages like Java, Python, and C#. This makes it a flexible choice for testers.

Selenium works on different operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Mac. It also supports various web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. This means you can test your web applications across multiple platforms easily.

Some key features of Selenium include:

• Selenium IDE: A simple tool for creating quick and reliable end-to-end tests.
• Selenium WebDriver: Helps in creating robust browser-based regression automation suites.
• Selenium Grid: Allows you to run tests on multiple machines, making it scalable.

Selenium is also great for exploratory testing and bug reproduction, making it a versatile tool for manual testers.

TestLink

TestLink is a powerful tool for managing complex software projects with many test cases. It allows you to create test plans and test cases, execute them, and record the results. TestLink is free and open-source, making it accessible to everyone.

With TestLink, you can create accounts for multiple users and assign different roles. This helps administrators manage and post new test cases easily. Testers can also generate test plans and reports using the tool.

Some key features of TestLink include:

• Creating and managing test plans and test cases
• Executing test cases and recording results
• Generating detailed reports in various formats like MS Excel and HTML5

TestLink has a large community, so if you ever get stuck or need advice, you can always turn to the forums for help. If you’re looking to migrate from TestLink to another tool, consider QA Touch for streamlined workflows and enhanced efficiency in software testing.

LoadRunner

LoadRunner is a powerful tool for performance testing under various load conditions. It helps identify performance bottlenecks by simulating thousands of users accessing your application simultaneously. This tool is perfect for stress testing, where the number of users is gradually increased, and endurance testing, which involves sustaining a load over a longer period.

Key Features

• Compatible with a wide range of development tools, technologies, and protocol stacks.
• Generates detailed performance test data.
• Lowers the cost of distributed load testing.
• Provides an operational tool for tracking deployments.

Pricing

LoadRunner’s pricing starts at $39 per month, making it an affordable option for many organizations.

Bugzilla

Bugzilla is a powerful open-source tool designed for tracking bugs. It’s widely used by many businesses to keep an eye on various issues in their applications. Bugzilla offers several advanced features that make it a favorite among developers.

Some of its key features include:

• Customized workflows
• Search and filtering
• Tracking every line of code associated with each bug
• Collaborative changes during manual testing

Bugzilla is free to use, making it an excellent choice for teams looking for a cost-effective solution. It also integrates well with other test case management tools like ALM and Quality Center, enhancing its utility in manual testing environments.

JMeter

JMeter is an open-source tool designed for performance testing of both static and dynamic resources, as well as web applications. It is entirely based on Java, making it versatile across different platforms like Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Key Features

• Platform-Agnostic: Works with JVMs on various operating systems.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to use and navigate.
• Versatile Load Testing: Can simulate loads on different servers.
• Advanced Test IDE: Simplifies building and debugging test plans.
• Data Parameterization: Supports variable parameterization and scripting in multiple languages.
• Multiple Report Formats: Export data into HTML, JSON, or XML.

JMeter is perfect for simulating heavy demands on servers, networks, or objects to evaluate overall performance under different conditions. It can also record test data from various applications and web browsers, making it a comprehensive tool for performance testing.

Jira

Jira is a popular manual testing tool that integrates directly with code development environments, making it ideal for developers. It is capable of tracking almost any kind of problem, not just those in the software sector. This makes it versatile and useful for various types of projects, including agile ones.

Key Features

• With Jira Query Language, you can quickly define filters with a single click.
• Construct custom workflows of any size, which is beneficial for software development, testing, and release.
• Install plug-and-play add-ons from The Atlassian Marketplace to accommodate a variety of scenarios.

Benefits

Jira provides numerous benefits for software teams. It helps users stay organized and track project statuses, easily assign tasks, prioritize bug fixes, and predict completion times. Additionally, it offers real-time performance analysis to ensure projects run smoothly.

UFT

UFT, or Unified Functional Testing, is a powerful tool for automated software testing. It supports over 200 enterprise applications and technologies, making it versatile for various testing needs. UFT enables testers to include checkpoints to ensure the application’s test results are as expected. This feature helps in verifying that the software behaves as intended.

One of the standout features of UFT is its support for AI-based machine learning and advanced OCR for object recognition. This makes it easier to identify and interact with different elements within the application, enhancing the accuracy of the tests.

UFT also provides a comprehensive executive summary report that compares actual versus expected outcomes. This report is invaluable for understanding the effectiveness of the tests and identifying areas that need improvement.

Key Features:

• Supports over 200 enterprise applications and technologies
• AI-based machine learning and advanced OCR for object recognition
• Checkpoints to verify test results
• Comprehensive executive summary report

Pricing:

• Contact Customer Support for Pricing
• Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

For more information, visit the UFT Overview.

ALM

ALM, or Application Lifecycle Management, is a top-notch tool widely used in the IT and application development sectors. It ensures quality and reduces risk with its powerful features. Developed by Mercury Interactive Corporation and now owned by HP, ALM has been providing high-quality services for years.

Features

• Reusable assets
• Automatic test execution
• Result gathering
• End-to-end traceability

These features make ALM a perfect choice for ensuring quality and reducing risk. The tool’s robust framework helps in establishing traceability throughout the testing process, which is crucial for a streamlined approach toward software excellence. Learn key testing strategies and techniques in ALM, including automated testing, CI, TDD, regression testing, performance testing, UAT, and exploratory testing.

ZAP

ZAP, short for Zed Attack Proxy, is a free and open-source web application security scanner. Developed by OWASP, it is designed for dynamic application security testing (DAST) on web applications. Written in Java, ZAP is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and OS X.

Some of ZAP’s key features include:

• A plugin-based architecture
• An online marketplace for new and updated features
• A simple-to-use GUI control panel

ZAP helps organizations stay ahead of malicious actors by using ethical penetration testing to find and fix weaknesses in web applications. This empowers users with the knowledge needed to strengthen their digital infrastructure for a more secure future.

Mantis

Mantis is a highly adaptable manual testing tool that lets users tailor it to their specific needs. It works on various operating systems, including Windows, iOS, and Android. Mantis ensures complete efficiency when tracking bugs or defects in any system.

Some key features of Mantis include:

• Free and open-source
• Quick setup, allowing users to start managing projects in minutes
• Access control based on user roles within a project
• Email notifications for updates, comments, and resolutions

With its plug-in capabilities, Mantis can extend its functionality, making it a versatile choice for many teams. For more details, you can check out the [list of top 18 bug tracking tools for software testing in 2024](title: 18 best bug tracking tools in software testing in 2024, snippet: here’s the list of top 18 bug tracking tools for software testing in 2024: browserstack test management; jira; bugzilla; monday.com; kualitee; zoho; trac …).

Conclusion

In 2023, manual testing tools continue to play a vital role in ensuring software quality. From bug tracking to performance testing, these tools help testers find and fix issues efficiently. As you choose the right tool for your needs, consider its features, ease of use, and compatibility with your existing systems. With the right tools, your testing process can be more effective and streamlined. Happy testing!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is manual testing?

Manual testing is when a person checks software by hand, running test cases without using automated tools. The tester acts like an end-user to see if the software works as expected.

Why is manual testing important?

Manual testing is crucial because it helps find bugs and issues that automated tests might miss. It ensures the software is user-friendly and meets all requirements.

What are some popular tools for manual testing?

Some popular tools for manual testing include Selenium, TestLink, LoadRunner, Bugzilla, JMeter, Jira, UFT, ALM, ZAP, and Mantis.

How do I choose the right manual testing tool?

To choose the right tool, consider factors like ease of use, compatibility with your system, features, and community support. It’s important to pick a tool that fits your specific needs.

Can manual testing be used for all types of software?

Yes, manual testing can be used for all types of software. However, it is especially useful for applications that require a lot of human interaction and user experience testing.

Is manual testing better than automated testing?

Manual testing and automated testing both have their advantages. Manual testing is better for finding user interface issues and for smaller projects. Automated testing is faster and more efficient for large projects and repetitive tasks.