What does manual testing involve?

Manual testing involves the process of evaluating software to ensure it meets the specified requirements and functions correctly. This method relies on human testers who perform test cases without the use of automated tools. They engage directly with the application to identify any defects or usability issues that may arise during its use, thereby ensuring that all functionalities align with the intended performance and user expectations.

This is significant because manual testing allows for more exploratory testing and nuanced feedback, which automated testing may not capture as effectively. The human element is critical for assessing aspects such as user experience, where subjective judgement plays a crucial role.

In contrast, other options describe methodologies that do not fit within the manual testing paradigm. Automating tests or deploying code without human oversight directly contradicts the hands-on and interactive nature of manual testing. Thus, focusing on verifying requirements together with overall functionality is what makes this option the correct answer.