How To Transition From Manual To Automation Testing in 5 steps

 



Introduction

Many manual testers with some experience aspire to switch to automation testing but often struggle with where to begin. Balancing learning automation alongside their current job can also be challenging.

Who is this Blog For?

  • Manual testers with no coding experience.
  • QA professionals looking to upskill.
  • Testers seeking career growth.

In this blog, you’ll discover how to start your journey into automation, which skills to prioritize, and the best learning resources. I was once a manual tester with zero coding experience, and today, I have gained expertise to build automation frameworks using Selenium and Java.

Why Should Manual Testers Learn Automation?

1. Growing Industry Demand

Companies are shifting towards automation to reduce manual efforts in regression testing, saving both time and costs. This transition creates a high demand for automation testers.

2. Higher Salary Opportunities

Automation testers generally earn more than manual testers as they provide more value by reducing testing time and increasing efficiency.

3. Increased Testing Efficiency

Automation frameworks execute repeated test cases faster than manual testing, improving test coverage and reliability.

Steps to Transition from Manual to Automation



  • Learn the basics of programming (Java or Python is preferred for Selenium).
  • Understand core testing principles.
  • Learn automation tools (start with Selenium).
  • Learn API Testing (Postman + Rest Assured).
  • Get familiar with Git and CI/CD.

1. Learn the Basics of a Programming Language

Recommended Languages: Java or Python

Java is widely used in automation testing, especially with Selenium. Here are key topics you should focus on:

Java Basics

  • Basic Syntax (class, methods, fields, etc.).
  • Primitive Data Types (int, char, boolean, double, etc.).
  • Variables (local, instance, static).
  • Operators (arithmetic, relational, logical, bitwise).

OOPs Concepts

  • Classes and Objects.
  • Encapsulation (access modifiers: private, public, protected, default).
  • Inheritance (super keyword, method overriding).
  • Polymorphism (method overloading and overriding).
  • Abstraction (abstract classes and interfaces).

Exception Handling

  • Types of exceptions (checked, unchecked, errors).
  • Try-Catch block.
  • Throw and Throws keywords.
  • Custom Exceptions

Collections Framework

  • List (ArrayList, LinkedList).
  • Set (HashSet, TreeSet).
  • Map (HashMap, TreeMap).
  • Iterating Collections (for-each, Iterator).
Recommended Youtube channel- CLICK HERE

2. Learn Core Testing Principles

Understanding Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC) is crucial before diving into automation.

Topic Details
Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Waterfall Model, V-Model, Agile Methodology.
Levels of Testing Unit Testing, Integration Testing, System Testing, UAT.
Types of Testing Functional, Regression, Smoke, Sanity, Exploratory, Performance, Security.
Test Planning and Execution Test Plan, Test Cases, Bug Life Cycle, Defect Reporting.

Recommended Source- CLICK HERE

3. Learn Automation Tools (Start with Selenium)

Selenium is the most widely used web automation tool. Below are key topics to master:

  • Locators Techniques (ID, Name, XPath, CSS Selector).
  • Synchronization (Implicit, Explicit, Fluent Waits).
  • Handling Child Windows & iFrames.
  • Automating Tables & Pagination.
  • Relative Locator (Selenium 4 Feature)
  • Maven Project Setup
  • Page Object Model (POM).
  • TestNG framework (Assertions, Listeners, Data Providers).
  • HTML Reports and Log generation
  • Excel data driven framework
  • File Upload/Download handling

I have followed below Udemy course to learn selenium. This course is really good for beginners as it is covered from basic to advance topics.

CHECKOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF UDEMY COURSE- CLICK HERE

How selenium works - Click to know

4. Learn API Testing (Postman + Rest Assured)

API testing is essential in automation. It helps verify backend services, ensuring data flows correctly.

Postman Topics

  • HTTP Methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH).
  • Request and Response Formats (JSON, XML).
  • Status Codes (200, 400, 401, 403, 404, 500).
  • Headers & Authentication (OAuth 2.0, API Keys, Bearer Tokens).
  • Query Parameters vs. Path Parameters.
  • Collections & Environments.
  • Postman Scripting (Pre-request & Test scripts using JavaScript).

Rest Assured (Java API Automation)

  • Setting up Rest Assured in a Maven project.
  • Sending GET, POST, PUT, DELETE requests.
  • Validating Response Status & Body.
  • Authentication handling.
  • Logging requests & responses.
  • Data-driven API testing.
Recommended Source- CLICK HERE

5. Learn Git & CI/CD (For Real-World Automation Projects)

Git (Version Control System)

  • Installing and Setting up GIT.
  • Basic Git commands (clone, commit, push, pull, branch, merge).
  • GitHub/GitLab usage for repository management.
  • Handling merge conflicts

CI/CD (Continuous Integration & Deployment)

CI/CD automates the testing and deployment process. Learn:

  • Jenkins (Basic setup, integrating with Selenium & Rest Assured).
  • GitHub Actions (Automating build & test execution).

Conclusion

Transitioning from manual to automation testing requires structured learning and consistent practice. Start with programming basics, core testing concepts, Selenium for web automation, API testing, and finally, Git and CI/CD to integrate automation into real-world projects. By following this roadmap, you’ll gain the skills needed to become a successful Automation QA Engineer.

If you find this guide helpful, share it with fellow testers and begin your automation journey today!

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