Exploratory Testing

"Exploratory testing" – as the name suggests, is a simultaneous learning, test design, and test execution process. We can say that in this testing test planning, analysis, design and test execution, are all done together and instantly.

Exploratory testing involves concurrent test case design and test execution of an application or system under test. The tester will create or write down a test idea to give direction, and explore the system while testing to further create critical, practical and useful tests for the successful testing of an application.

This requires minimal planning. Testers continuously make a decision on her next step of action. It completely depends upon the tester’s thought process.

Pair Based Exploratory Testing

Pair Testing is an approach in which two people test the same thing/feature of the application at the same time by sharing a PC. They continuously share their thoughts and ideas. During this testing, one person takes charge of the keyboard whereas the other person suggests test cases and takes note.

It is always helpful to have a good communication between the partners so that both are aware of what is being done and why. A pair in which strength of the testers mutually complements their weakness is considered as a strong grouping.

Such pairing benefits both the parties and each can learn something from their partner. It is also a good way to train new resources by pairing them with experienced resources.

Exploratory Testing Techniques

It is a simple technique which allows a tester to use his imagination and think of himself as a tourist exploring a city he visits. Here an application to test is the city and the testers are the tourists. It is very difficult to explore the entire city unless you have a lot of time and money in your hand, so a tourist needs to have a plan with a certain goal in mind.

Difference between Exploratory Testing and Ad-hoc Testing

Do not confuse ET with Ad-hoc testing.

• Ad-hoc testing refers to a process of unscripted, unplanned and impromptu defect searching whereas exploratory testing is a thoughtful methodology to Ad-hoc testing.
• Ad-hoc testing is a hit and trial method of finding a bug whereas ET is not. In ET approach, a tester learns about the system as they explore and eventually evolve the tests using the acquired knowledge.
• Ad-hoc testing is an unstructured activity whereas ET is somewhat a structured activity.

Exploratory Automated Testing (EAT)

Exploratory Automated Testing is a method that helps a tester in streamlining bug reporting & reproduction, snapshots gathering and in preparation of future regression suit. It’s a process that combines automation testing with Exploratory testing.

Agile Exploratory Testing

Even if you have not worked in an agile environment, I am sure you must have read or heard about it because of its growing popularity. Agile methodology has short sprints and tight deadlines which gives a team couple of weeks to finish planning, estimation, development, coding, testing, and release.

Exploratory testing becomes handy in such tight deadlines because in this testing approach emphasis is on the quick and useful result. Once you have understood the requirement, you can start testing based on your experience and knowledge.

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