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The Dark Side of Automation: When Manual Testing Shines
Automation often takes center stage in testing, offering speed, accuracy, and the promise of doing more in less time.
But like any tool, it has its limitations — its dark side.
There are scenarios where automation falters and manual testing steps in as the unsung hero. Let’s explore the other side of the automation coin and highlight when manual testing truly shines.
1. Unstable Requirements: The Automation Nemesis
Imagine automating a test suite for a castle being built on quicksand.
Automation relies on stability, and when requirements frequently change, maintaining automated scripts becomes a daunting task. Each change demands updates, rework, and endless debugging.
Why manual testing wins: Manual testers can pivot quickly, adapting to changes without the overhead of modifying scripts. This agility makes manual testing indispensable in volatile environments.
2. Human Intuition: Automation’s Blind Spot
Automation is phenomenal at following predefined instructions but lacks gut instinct.