We all know what software testing is. It’s the process that tests whether the software works as expected and with quality. There are hundreds of software apps that we use every day and, they all go through various testing processes before reaching us. Nowadays, the widely used and more productive testing method used for user flow is end-to-end testing.
In an overall testing process, testers do unit tests to test small components of an app, like an API endpoint or a single function. Then, integration testing follows to check whether multiple units work well when put together. Even then, they do not test the whole of the app, as insights on how it works for an end-user remain uncertain. The technique which covers it all is end-to-end testing, which simulates an actual user action while using an app. It helps in testing all possible user interactions of the app in testing.
In common practice, testers perform end-to-end testing after the completion of functional testing and system testing. System testing comes after the integration testing of an app. End-to-end testing mainly tests user experiences like the one given below.
Similarly, accessing an email account, filing a form, or completing a bank transaction are examples of user experiences. End-to-end testing is a must in all these workflows. The end-to-end tests can be manual or automated.
First, create user functions for the application. The steps below will help make the process seamless.
Depending on user functions, create appropriate conditions. Follow these steps while doing so.
The goal in both automated and manual testing methods remain the same. The difference is in the involvement of humans in performing a complete testing program. The main differences between the two testing methods are in the table below.
| Comparison Factor | Manual Testing | Automated Testing |
| ROI | Though initial investments are low, it demands prolonged employee hours which reduces performance efficiency and speed | Though initial investments are comparatively high, it offers significant ROI as testing processes scale and matures |
| Accuracy | Produce numerous human errors which results in poor test quality | As tests run automatically, test accuracy is guaranteed how much time a test is repeated |
| Deployment | Requires least efforts to deploy and does not requires new infrastructures. It’s also comparatively easy to learn | Setting up is complex and requires frequent knowledge updating on latest technologies. The learning curve is also challenging |
| Test efficiency | Is time-consuming with comparatively less efficiency | Performs more testing in less time with greater efficiency |
| Test coverage | Though enables better simulations, it comparatively offers less test coverage | Ensures greater test coverage |
Though automated testing is mostly ahead, manual testing is the preferred method for end-to-end testing as it tests external interfaces well. It is challenging with automation due to its innate nature of process complexity. With manual testing, it’s also easier to simulate a production environment.
The world is better today because of many impressive apps. They have significantly changed our lives, making everyday activities easier and convenient. End-to-end testing is at the forefront of making these apps functional, compliant, and efficient. It’s the best technology in testing an entire application by exactly imitating real-world users and bring out the best.