Manual testing is a software testing process where testers manually execute test cases without automation tools. It involves checking software functionality to identify bugs, usability issues, and ensure the application behaves as expected. Testers follow test plans and document results to verify that software meets requirements.

This approach is essential for identifying user experience issues and validating complex scenarios that automation might miss. Manual testing is often used in the early stages of development or for applications with frequent changes, as it allows flexibility and human insight into real-world usage.