Hey Amitraj,
Great to see your interest in automation testing! It's a fascinating field that can open up numerous opportunities for you. Starting from zero in automation testing is indeed a prudent approach, and here's why:
Solid Foundation: Beginning from scratch ensures you build a strong foundation. You'll comprehend the core testing concepts, testing methodologies, and the software development life cycle (SDLC). This knowledge will be invaluable as you delve into automation.
Understanding the Ecosystem: Automation tools and frameworks are constantly evolving. By starting from the basics, you'll have a better grasp of the testing ecosystem, making it easier to adapt to new tools and technologies in the future.
Problem-Solving Skills: Learning manual testing first enhances your problem-solving abilities. It teaches you to think critically and identify defects efficiently, which is crucial when you automate test cases.
Now, regarding the time it takes to transition into automation testing, it varies from person to person. Since you have some programming knowledge, that's a significant advantage. I'd recommend dedicating a few months to learn the fundamentals of manual testing and then gradually move into automation.
My personal experience? I started with manual testing, and it laid a strong foundation for my automation career.