Over 500 new apps are uploaded to app stores worldwide every minute, and approximately 252,000 new websites are created every day. Despite these enormous numbers, very few applications function flawlessly on initial launch.
The software testing industry is flourishing and presents great career opportunities because of this. And if you’re interested in a career in software testing, you face an important decision: should you start with manual testing or automation testing?
Software testing involves a systematic process of checking computer programs and apps for errors. Testers examine the software closely before it’s released. They test every function and look for bugs and other issues.
The demand for qualified software testers is increasing. According to 6figr, an experienced software tester in India can take home an average of ₹22.4 lakhs, based on the data reported by 3031 profiles.
In manual testing, the software or the app is tested by a human. The tester clicks through the application, tries out different functions, and looks for issues. It’s like a thorough spring cleaning for software.
Sometimes glitches and bugs escape the machine’s eye and are only identifiable by humans. If it looks weird or simply does not feel right, an experienced manual tester will catch it instantly. Usability testing relies heavily on this intuitive approach.
A person need not code or be tech-savvy to pursue manual testing. It is a perfect entry-level job for people who are switching careers. They can work on testing straight away and acquire further knowledge later.
Manual testers sometimes vary their testing approaches if they come across something unusual during the process. Such flexibility is paramount in exploratory testing, where the tester is intentionally not following predefined steps.
It can take a lot of time and human labour to carry out manual testing, particularly for large apps. These tests are repeated over and over again. This can feel tedious and repetitive.
A manual tester can only perform a limited number of tests. With complex systems with many functions, this quickly reaches its limits.
Automation testing takes the help of special tools or software programs to perform tests automatically. The tester writes the script once, and the software automatically runs the tests, even through the night or over the weekend.
Automated tests run much faster than manual tests. What a manual tester can do in an hour, an automated tester accomplishes in a couple of minutes. According to Testilo, 72% of successful businesses benefit from test automation in their deployment process.
A machine won’t make a careless mistake or get tired anyway. Thus, automated tests always run the same course and provide dependable results. This is of utmost importance in regression tests that check whether new alterations have broken old functions.
Automation testers get paid much more than manual testers. According to PayScale, in India, automation test engineers carry an average salary of ₹5,82,661 per annum. Whereas just below entry-level automation testers make around ₹3,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 annually, experienced persons can command much higher salaries. Manual testers earn less in comparison.
You may have to learn an overwhelming amount of programming languages like Python, Java or JavaScript. This can feel like a never-ending process.
High Initial Investment
Automation testing tools can be expensive, and creating the first scripts takes a long time. Some tests simply can’t be automated.
Start with manual testing if…
Start directly with automation testing if…
The best approach combines both. Start with manual testing to understand the basics and then expand your skills to include automation testing. This step-by-step approach will give you:
Digitalisation is advancing relentlessly. Every new program, every app, and every website must be tested. NASSCOM expects $300 billion in revenue growth for the IT sector in India in 2026. Software testing is a recession-proof profession with excellent future prospects.
Being a software tester means that you can work in nearly any industry: banking, insurance, automotive, games, e-commerce, or the medical field. It is this variety that makes being a tester exciting and gives it many avenues for development.
Many testing jobs offer a flexible work schedule and the ability to work from home. In 2024, a Bitkom study found that 78% of IT professionals can work from home at least sometimes.
You don’t necessarily need a computer science degree. Many successful testers are career changers from other backgrounds. Practical skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are more important.
Start with free online resources. The Google Testing Blog offers valuable insights into modern testing practices. The Software Testing Help Portal is also an excellent resource for beginners.
Test websites and apps in your free time. Document bugs and suggested improvements. This collection will later become part of your portfolio.
Invest in professional courses and certifications. InterSmart Edutech offers software testing courses in Kochi. The International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) offers recognised certifications for testing professionals.
Join testing communities and connect with other professionals. Platforms like XING and LinkedIn are ideal for networking in the industry.
Manual or automated? Each strategy has advantages over the other. For beginners, deciding on a career path means starting with manual testing and understanding the basics, thus progressively working toward automated testing.
Testing is a stable, well-paying job which will have lucrative prospects in the near future. The industry is still growing, and highly trained professionals are still scarce. Be it testing or digital marketing, InterSmart EduTech will provide you with professional software testing training in Kochi and personal support.
The digital future needs people like you who are willing to learn and develop. Contact InterSmart EduTech and start your career in IT today.
