What are the key differences between manual testing and automation testing?

Manual testing and automation testing are two essential approaches in software quality assurance. Manual testing involves testers executing test cases manually, simulating user interactions without using scripts or automation tools. This method is suitable for exploratory, usability, and ad-hoc testing but can be time-consuming and error-prone. On the other hand, automation testing uses tools and scripts to perform tests, ensuring faster execution and consistency. It is ideal for repetitive tasks, regression testing, and large-scale projects, but it requires an initial investment in tools and setup. The key difference lies in execution speed, scalability, and reliability in repetitive tasks.