In the dynamic landscape of software testing, two prominent methodologies—Ad-hoc and Exploratory Testing—stand out as versatile approaches to ensuring the quality and reliability of software products. While both methodologies share the common goal of identifying defects and improving software quality, they diverge in their approaches, strategies, and execution.
In this article, we are going to learn the difference between Ad-hoc and Exploratory Testing.
What is Ad-hoc testing?
AD – HOC Testing ( also called Monkey Testing / Gorilla Testing ). Testing the application randomly is called Ad-hoc testing. You might wonder why we emphasize that ad hoc tests are fundamentally one-off cases. To begin with, the one-off characteristic distinguishes ad hoc tests cleanly from the formal testing paradigms that place emphasis on re-executing tests, such as acceptance testing and regression testing.
The assertion that one-off tests are valuable flies in the face of conventional wisdom, which places such a premium on repeatability and test automation. Much of the software industry overemphasizes the design and rerunning of regression tests at the risk of failing to run enough new tests.
What is Exploratory testing?
It is the technique of "simultaneous learning, test design, and test execution." The technique is simple yet powerful. It is used by all the testers, formally or unknowingly, if they design testing cases. Although some call it identical to ad hoc testing, it is not the same because ad hoc testing is much sloppy and careless.
Unlike ad hoc testing, exploratory testing can be reproduced. Exploratory testing suggests formal meetings which can be recorded. It is more formal than ad hoc testing. It restricts pre-designed test cases and allows testers to use their intelligence, creativity, and mind. It is a balanced approach between scripted testing and ad hoc testing.
Difference between Ad-hoc and Exploratory Testing
Parameters
Ad-hoc Testing
Exploratory Testing
Definition
If you test software had not followed any procedures and documentation, then it is called ad-hoc-testing. It is also called informal testing.
A process of software testing with simultaneous learning, test design, and execution is called exploratory Testing
Documentation Availability
Ad-hoc testing doesn't have any documentation.
Exploratory testing has proper documentation for testing.
Target and Goals
Ad-hoc testing is random testing so there is no target and no goal can be set.
Exploratory testing we can set targets and goals.
Structured Documentation
Ad-hoc testing doesn't have structured documentation.
Exploratory testing is structured documentation.
Handling Bugs
Bugs cannot be handled properly and effectively.
Bugs can be handled properly, effectively, and efficiently.
Practical
Ad-hoc testing is very less practical testing used in industry.
Exploratory testing has good practical testing used in industry.
Knowledge requirement
The tester should have knowledge before testing any software.
The tester can test software without any knowledge.
Development cycle period
Ad-hoc testing is useful for a short development cycle or quick testing of software.
Exploratory testing is useful for complex software and testing based on user behavior and user experience.
Plan and structure
Ad-hoc testing doesn't have a predefined plan and structure.
Exploratory testing has a predefined plan and structure.
Where does ad-hoc testing fit in the testing cycle?
Ad hoc testing finds a place during the entire testing cycle. Early in the project, ad hoc testing provides breadth to testers’ understanding of your program, thus aiding in discovery. In the middle of a project, the data obtained helps set priorities and schedules. As a project nears the ship date, ad hoc testing can be used to examine defect fixes more rigorously, as described earlier.
What is the difference between exploratory testing and random testing?
Exploratory testing involves simultaneous test design and execution based on tester intuition, while random testing involves generating inputs randomly without specific test cases.
What is the difference between adhoc testing and monkey testing?
Adhoc testing is unstructured and undocumented, focusing on tester's intuition, while monkey testing involves random actions to identify system flaws.
What is the difference between exploratory and acceptance testing?
Exploratory testing focuses on discovering defects and improving software quality, while acceptance testing validates whether software meets specified requirements and user expectations.
Conclusion
In this article, we learn about the difference between Ad-hoc and Exploratory Testing. We also learn about Ad-hoc testing and also Exploratory testing. We concluded the article by discussing the definition, characteristics, and differences between them.
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