What is exploratory testing?

Exploratory testing is a software testing approach where the individual tester learns and explores the software system without any assumptions and designs, and executes tests in an iterative fashion. Exploratory testing is widely advocated and practiced by the Agile proponents and emphasizes thinking, discovering, and investigating the system. This is in contrast to traditional scripted testing practices, where all test cases are designed first and then executed.

Exploratory testing deals with designing and executing test cases in parallel. In this methodology, the tester learns from the results of the tests, and with gained knowledge of the system, they design and execute further tests.

Why use exploratory testing?

The main idea behind exploratory testing is that scripted testing practices do not involve any thinking activity, test cases are executed and observed, and expected test results are compared. These scripted tests can be automated and are easier for the testers to execute. However, exploratory testing is a new mindset that suggests that automation has its limits, as it lacks human insight and intelligence. Automation cannot refine, collaborate, predict, or suggest anything to the software. On the other hand, exploratory testing emphasizes the learning experience of the tester as they explore the system with their cognitive skills.

Testers can follow user stories, highlight defects, suggest improvements with their understanding, and produce the testing document on the fly.

When to use exploratory testing

• If you have experienced testers on your team.
• If early testing is required.
• If functionalities to product are added on a rolling basis.

When NOT to use exploratory testing

• If you have inexperienced testers on your team.
• If the context of the project requires a more traditional workflow. The project has strict regulatory demands and performance requirements which can have legal consequences.
• If you have strict deadlines and timelines to meet.
• If the software system requires adequate coverage of tests.

How to perform exploratory testing

• Design heuristics and measures for the test cases.
• Create and execute test cases in parallel.
• Evolve test cases based on your learning of the system.
• Take an intuitive and skilled approach to the testing process instead of relying on automated scripts.
• Leverage techniques such as Boundary-value analysis and Equivalence Class Partitioning to your testing methodology.