Tosca Execution Modes: Manual vs. Automated

In the world of software testing, Tosca by Tricentis stands out as a robust test automation tool that supports both manual and automated testing. Understanding the execution modes of Tosca is essential for maximizing its efficiency, flexibility, and return on investment. Whether you're working in agile, DevOps, or traditional testing environments, knowing when to use Manual vs. Automated execution modes can significantly enhance your testing strategy.

This blog explores the key differences, use cases, and benefits of both execution modes in Tosca.


What Are Tosca Execution Modes?

Tosca allows you to execute test cases in two primary modes:

  • Manual Execution Mode
  • Automated Execution Mode

Each mode serves a specific purpose and can be used depending on the context, project requirements, and available resources.


Manual Execution Mode

Manual execution in Tosca means that the tester performs the test steps manually while Tosca guides and documents the process. It is useful when:

  • Automation is not feasible due to complexity or time constraints.
  • Testing must be done on platforms that don’t support automation (e.g., certain mobile apps, hardware interfaces).
  • Exploratory testing or user experience validation is required.


Features of Manual Mode:

  • Testers receive step-by-step instructions on what to perform.
  • Actual results are captured and compared with expected outcomes.
  • Screenshots or attachments can be added for evidence.
  • No scripting or automation knowledge required.


Use Cases:

  • Regression testing during early sprint phases.
  • User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
  • Ad-hoc or exploratory testing.
  • Low-frequency test cases.


Pros:

  • Simple and quick to execute.
  • Requires minimal setup.
  • Ideal for small teams or limited tools access.


Cons:

  • Time-consuming for large-scale testing.
  • Prone to human error.
  • Not scalable for CI/CD pipelines.


Automated Execution Mode

Automated execution in Tosca allows the system to run tests without human intervention using pre-built modules and automation scripts. This is the primary strength of Tosca and is ideal for regression, integration, and end-to-end testing.

Features of Automated Mode:

  • Uses Tosca’s model-based approach for scriptless automation.
  • Executes test steps automatically across multiple platforms (Web, Desktop, API, Mobile).
  • Can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines like Jenkins or Azure DevOps.
  • Supports data-driven and risk-based testing.

Use Cases:

  • Frequent regression testing.
  • Continuous Integration/Deployment (CI/CD) environments.
  • Testing across multiple environments or browsers.
  • Performance and load testing (with extensions).

Pros:

  • Fast and repeatable.
  • Scalable and efficient.
  • Reduces manual effort and human error.

Cons:

  • Requires initial investment in setup and test case modeling.
  • Might not handle unexpected UI changes well without maintenance.
  • Not ideal for highly dynamic or non-deterministic tests.


Choosing Between Manual and Automated Execution

Criteria                                Manual Mode               Automated Mode

Skill Requirement                  Low                       Medium to High

Speed                                Slower                         Faster

Scalability                           Limited                           High

Ideal For UAT,                          Exploratory              Regression, CI/CD

Maintenance                         Low                         Moderate to High

In many projects, a hybrid approach works best—start with manual tests for new features and gradually automate them once the UI stabilizes.


Conclusion

Tosca offers flexible execution modes to fit different testing scenarios. Manual execution provides a simple way to validate features without automation, while automated execution ensures speed, scalability, and integration with modern development pipelines. By understanding when and how to use each mode, QA teams can create a balanced, efficient testing strategy that delivers both quality and speed.

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Read More : Tosca Checkpoints and Verifications Explained


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