Testing is essential in software development. It is because it helps guarantee the final product's dependability and quality. It involves designing tests, executing them, and learning all at once. This makes it possible to adapt to changing requirements. It emphasizes investigation, finding critical problems, and raising the software's quality.
In this article, we will learn three types of Exploratory testing. Also, we will look at their advantages and disadvantages.
What is Exploratory Testing?
Exploratory Testing is the technique of simultaneous learning, test design, and test execution. This 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 different 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.
When to Use Exploratory Testing?
Exploratory Testing can be used in the following scenarios
Testing new software or features.
Dealing with complex or critical functionality.
Validating user experience.
Addressing ad hoc testing needs.
Bug hunting and defect investigation.
Focusing on continuous improvement.
Conducting dedicated exploratory test sessions.
Exploratory testing complements scripted testing by uncovering defects, enhancing user experience, and improving overall software quality.
Why should we use Exploratory Testing?
The following are some key justifications for including exploratory testing in the procedure.
It aids the tester in locating significant differences fast, assisting in the development of the program. It is to satisfy end users' real-world needs.
In contrast to the procedural framework of scripted testing, it is structured.
It is not a technique but rather an approach. The current course of action dictates the subsequent course of action.
It is quite manageable and teachable.
Exploratory testing is quite helpful on its own. Still, combined with other testing techniques, it becomes a potent tool for improving the program's quality. This is done by helping to understand the application better and create better functional tests.
Types of Exploratory Testing
Exploratory testing can be divided into three parts.
Freestyle Exploratory Testing
Scenario-Based Exploratory Testing
Strategy-Based Exploratory Testing
Freestyle Exploratory Testing
Through Freestyle exploratory testing, we can mimic user scenarios and engage with the system differently.
It allows testers to think while concentrating on important details and edge or critical cases.
Freestyle exploratory testing adds a human touch and reveals unforeseen issues, while scripted testing ensures consistency.
This strategy is to produce a higher-quality product. Also, strike a balance between scripted and exploratory testing.
Scenario-Based Exploratory Testing
A dynamic approach that focuses on testing software by simulating real-world scenarios.It is called scenario-based exploratory testing.
Testers can learn how the software behaves. Also, they can find potential problems by immersing themselves in these scenarios.
This method offers flexibility, adaptability, and creativity through which testers can find bugs, usability issues, and edge cases that might go unnoticed.
It enhances the testing process by providing a client-focused perspective and upgrading the quality and reliability of the software.
Strategy-Based Exploratory Testing
Important features of Strategy-Based Exploratory Testing are as follows:
A dynamic testing method called "strategy-based exploratory testing" highlights the use of predetermined strategies.Also objectives are to direct the investigation and assessment of software.
Testers create a methodical and structured plan to guide their testing efforts that considers risk, functionality, and user expectations.
This strategy allows testers to find serious bugs and evaluate the system's behavior in various scenarios. Also, it confirms the overall software quality.
Strategy-based exploratory testing enables testers to allocate their resources.
It gives relevance to their testing tasks and achieves comprehensive and focused test coverage.
You need to understand the issues you want to find (bugs).
Decide what aspects of the software you want to explore.
Step 2) Create a Test Charter:
Make a plan or outline of what you will test and the areas you will focus on.
Make the goals and scope of your testing session.
Step 3) Time Box:
Set a time limit for your testing session so you don't spend too much time on one task.
Stick to this time to ensure efficient testing.
Step 4) Review Results:
After testing, review and document the bugs you found.
Check if they match the predefined bug classifications.
Step 5) Debriefing:
Sharing your findings with others during a team meeting is essential.
It helps everyone understand the application better and advances future testing.
Advantages of Exploratory Testing
Let’s see some advantages of exploratory testing.
Testers will begin testing the system immediately with little time in the time-consuming preparation processes. It is because no pre-planning is required. As exploratory testing requires less preparation. The test engineer may discover a serious bug earlier if they use it.
Critical or large issues will be discovered early. It is because the tester will first focus on the system's main functionalities as they are tested live. More bugs are found during the investigation process than through standard testing.
This testing includes all testing kinds and a wide range of situations and circumstances.
Stimulates intuition and creativity.
New ideas are being generated while tests are being run.
The testers' knowledge, instruction, and experience in exploratory testing are used to test the software.
Disadvantages of Exploratory Testing
Let’s see some disadvantages of exploratory testing.
As testers test the system and look for faults, it can be challenging to remember all the steps they took. Additionally, it is feasible for the tester to overlook a certain functionality or circumstance. So we can say that is difficult to trace the test.
A coverage metric is needed to measure how much of the application has been tested, which is a significant drawback.
Especially for new testers, there will be less time to become comfortable with the new program. A tester may need help to become familiar with the application if the system operations are crucial. This could concern young or unskilled testers, who might need help identifying as many bugs as anticipated.
What are the limitations of exploratory testing?
The limitations of exploratory testing are:
Exploratory testing needs to be well-documented because there are no fixed test cases.
It can take more time than other testing methods.
Some parts of the software may need to be tested.
The results can vary depending on the skills and knowledge of the testers.
It is hard to measure the progress and show test results clearly.
Tests are not easily repeatable, and checking if a bug is fixed correctly may be difficult.
Frequently asked questions
Who performs exploratory testing?
Software testers perform exploratory testing to discover the application without predefined test cases. It allows for a more flexible and creative approach to finding defects.
Is exploratory testing manual or automatic?
Exploratory testing is manual, where human testers explore the software without predefined scripts or test cases. It is not automatic.
Why exploratory testing in Agile?
Exploratory testing in Agile because it supports the iterative nature of development, providing rapid feedback, adapting to changes, and encouraging collaboration for effective bug detection.
Is exploratory testing black box testing?
Yes, exploratory testing is a form of black box testing, where testers evaluate the software without having access to its internal code or structure.
Conclusion
In this article, we learned about exploratory testing and its types. We had also seen the advantages and disadvantages of exploratory testing. Along with that, we discussed the reasons for using exploratory testing.
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