What experience do you have with testing automation tools and how do you determine when to use automation versus manual testing?

Experience with Testing Automation Tools and Decision-making between Automation and Manual Testing

My experience with testing automation tools includes proficient use of popular software such as Selenium, Katalon Studio, and TestComplete. I have successfully automated test cases for regression testing, functional testing, and performance testing using these tools.

When determining whether to use automation or manual testing, I follow a strategic approach. The decision is based on factors such as the criticality of the test case, the frequency of execution, and the scalability of the testing process. Typically, I opt for automation when:

1. The test case is repetitive and can be easily automated to save time and effort.
2. The test case requires testing across multiple configurations or environments, making automation more efficient.
3. The test case involves complex scenarios that are prone to human error during manual execution.

On the other hand, I resort to manual testing in scenarios where:

1. The test case is ad-hoc or exploratory, and automation may not be cost-effective.
2. The application under test is continuously evolving, making automation scripts difficult to maintain.
3. The initial setup cost of automation outweighs the benefits for a one-time test case.

By following a data-driven approach and considering the specific requirements of each test case, I ensure efficient and effective testing practices using the appropriate automation tools.