Manual Comparison
Manual comparison is a testing and validation technique where a human tester or developer directly inspects, analyzes, or verifies data, code, or outputs without relying on automated tools. It involves side-by-side examination of items such as code changes, test results, or datasets to identify differences, errors, or inconsistencies. This method is often used in software development, quality assurance, and data analysis to ensure accuracy and correctness.
Developers should use manual comparison when dealing with complex, ambiguous, or context-sensitive scenarios where automated tools may fail, such as verifying UI/UX changes, reviewing code for logical errors, or validating small datasets. It is crucial in code reviews, debugging, and acceptance testing to catch subtle issues that automated tests might miss, ensuring higher quality and reliability in software projects.