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Manual Functional Testing

Manual Functional Testing is the process of manually verifying that each feature of an application works according to the specified functional requirements, without using automation tools.

It answers: “Does the application do what it is supposed to do?”

1. Definition

Manual Functional Testing is the process of manually verifying that each feature of an application works according to the specified functional requirements, without using automation tools.

It answers: “Does the application do what it is supposed to do?”

2. Purpose of Manual Functional Testing

  • Validate functional requirements
  • Ensure business rules are correctly implemented
  • Identify functional defects
  • Confirm expected system behavior
  • Support release readiness

3. Scope of Manual Functional Testing

Manual functional testing includes:

  • Feature-level testing
  • Business rule validation
  • Positive and negative scenarios
  • Boundary and edge cases
  • End-user workflow validation

4. Manual Tester’s Role

  • Understand requirements and acceptance criteria
  • Design test scenarios and test cases
  • Prepare test data
  • Execute test cases manually
  • Report defects with clear steps and evidence
  • Re-test fixes and perform regression

5. Types of Manual Functional Testing

5.1 Smoke Testing

Quick validation of critical functionality to ensure the build is testable.

5.2 Sanity Testing

Focused testing of specific functionality after minor changes.

5.3 Regression Testing

Re-testing existing functionality to ensure new changes haven’t introduced defects.

5.4 Re-Testing

Testing the same test cases again after defect fixes.

5.5 Exploratory Testing

Simultaneous learning, test design, and execution.

5.6 Ad-hoc Testing

Unstructured testing without predefined test cases.

6. Functional Test Case Design

Functional test cases should include:

  • Test case ID
  • Test description
  • Preconditions
  • Test steps
  • Expected result
  • Actual result
  • Status

7. Real-Time Example

Login feature functional testing:

  • Valid username and password
  • Invalid username
  • Invalid password
  • Empty fields
  • Password rules
  • Error messages

8. Entry & Exit Criteria (Functional Testing)

Entry Criteria

  • Functional requirements approved
  • Test cases prepared
  • Test environment ready

Exit Criteria

  • All planned test cases executed
  • Critical defects fixed
  • Test summary completed

9. Common Functional Defects

  • Missing validations
  • Incorrect business logic
  • Incorrect navigation
  • Broken workflows
  • Data not saved properly

10. Common Mistakes

  • Testing only happy paths
  • Ignoring negative scenarios
  • Poor test data
  • Incomplete defect reports

11. Interview-Ready Answers

Short answer:

Manual functional testing verifies that software functionality works as per specified requirements without using automation tools.

Detailed answer:

Manual functional testing involves manually executing test cases to validate features, business rules, and user workflows against functional requirements.

12. Key Takeaway

Manual Functional Testing ensures the core purpose of the application is fulfilled correctly.