"Manual testing" in software quality assurance refers to the process of manually executing test cases without the use of automated testing tools. Testers interact with the software application to identify potential defects or issues by following predefined test scenarios. Manual testing is particularly valuable for evaluating user experience, functionality, and usability, enabling testers to provide feedback based on human interaction. However, it can be time-consuming and prone to human error, which is why it complements automated testing strategies in software development. The goal of manual testing is to ensure that the software meets quality standards before release.