Software Testing QuestionHub #5 — Exploratory Testing

Exploratory testing is a type of software testing that is focused on exploring the application or system under test, rather than following a predetermined set of test cases.

What is exploratory testing

Exploratory testing is a type of software testing that is focused on exploring the application or system under test, rather than following a predetermined set of test cases. It is an iterative process that involves actively trying to find defects or issues by making observations, asking questions, and investigating unexpected results. The goal of exploratory testing is to find defects or problems that were not anticipated in the original test plan, and to increase the tester’s understanding of the system.

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During exploratory testing, the tester has the freedom to test the system in whatever way they think will be most effective. This may involve trying out different combinations of inputs, following different paths through the system, or testing the system in ways that are not specified in the original test plan. The tester is also encouraged to think critically and creatively about the system, and to look for ways to break it or to uncover hidden defects.

Exploratory testing is often used to find defects that are not caught by automated testing, to verify the functionality of new features, or to test the usability of a system. It is an effective way to uncover hidden defects, increase coverage, and improve understanding of the system. It can be used in combination with other testing techniques, such as scripted testing, to provide a more thorough evaluation of the system.

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How to perform exploratory testing

There are several steps you can follow to perform exploratory testing effectively:

1. Define the scope of the testing: Determine the boundaries of the system or feature that you will be testing. This will help you focus your testing efforts and ensure that you are not missing any important areas.
2. Identify the risks and priorities: Consider the potential risks and priorities associated with the system or feature under test. This will help you focus your testing on the most important areas and ensure that you are not missing any critical defects.
3. Develop a testing charter: A testing charter is a document that outlines the goals and objectives of the exploratory testing effort, as well as the methods and techniques that will be used. The charter should also include any constraints or assumptions that may impact the testing.
4. Explore the system: Start exploring the system and looking for defects or issues. Pay attention to any unexpected behavior or results, and investigate any potential problems. You may want to create a list of questions or issues to guide your testing efforts.
5. Document your findings: As you find defects or issues, be sure to document them thoroughly. This may involve taking screenshots, recording video, or creating detailed written descriptions.
6. Communicate your findings: Share your findings with the development team and other stakeholders. This will help ensure that any defects or issues are addressed in a timely manner.
7. Reflect on your testing: After you have completed your testing, take some time to reflect on your testing efforts. Consider what worked well and what could have been done differently. Use this information to inform your future testing efforts.

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How are error guessing and exploratory testing similar

Error guessing and exploratory testing are similar in that they both involve actively looking for defects or issues in the system under test. They are both focused on uncovering problems that are not necessarily anticipated in the original test plan.

In error guessing, the tester uses their knowledge and experience to anticipate potential defects or problems in the system. This may involve looking for known problem areas or trying out combinations of inputs that are likely to cause issues.

Exploratory testing is also focused on finding defects or issues that are not anticipated in the original test plan. However, it is more open-ended and involves a more iterative process of exploring the system and looking for unexpected results or behavior. The tester is encouraged to think critically and creatively about the system and to look for ways to break it or uncover hidden defects.

Both error guessing and exploratory testing can be effective ways to find defects or issues in a system, and they can be used in combination with other testing techniques to provide a more thorough evaluation of the system.

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Why exploratory testing

There are several reasons why exploratory testing can be beneficial:

1. It can find defects that are not caught by automated testing: Automated testing is useful for testing predictable and repeatable scenarios, but it may not catch defects that are more difficult to anticipate or that involve more complex interactions. Exploratory testing allows the tester to actively seek out defects or issues that may not have been identified in the original test plan.
2. It can increase coverage: Exploratory testing allows the tester to try out different combinations of inputs and follow different paths through the system, which can help increase the overall coverage of the testing effort.
3. It can improve understanding of the system: Exploratory testing can help the tester gain a deeper understanding of the system and how it works. This can be particularly useful when testing new or unfamiliar systems.
4. It can be efficient: Exploratory testing can be an efficient way to test a system, as it allows the tester to focus on areas that are most likely to have defects or issues.
5. It can be flexible: Exploratory testing is flexible and can be adapted to changing circumstances or new information that is discovered during the testing process.

Overall, exploratory testing is an effective way to find defects or issues that may not have been anticipated in the original test plan, increase coverage, and improve understanding of the system. It can be used in combination with other testing techniques to provide a more thorough evaluation of the system.

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Why exploratory testing is required for agile projects

Exploratory testing can be particularly useful in agile projects for a number of reasons:

1. Agile projects often involve rapid development and frequent changes, which can make it difficult to create comprehensive test plans. Exploratory testing allows the tester to be more flexible and adapt to changing circumstances or new information that is discovered during the testing process.
2. Agile projects place a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication. Exploratory testing can help facilitate communication between the development team and the testers, as it allows the testers to ask questions and share their findings in real-time.
3. Agile projects often rely on automated testing to ensure that changes to the code do not introduce new defects. However, automated testing may not catch all defects, particularly those that are more difficult to anticipate or that involve more complex interactions. Exploratory testing can help identify these defects and ensure that the system is of high quality.
4. Agile projects often involve short development cycles, which may not allow sufficient time for comprehensive testing. Exploratory testing can be an efficient way to test a system, as it allows the tester to focus on areas that are most likely to have defects or issues.

Overall, exploratory testing can be a valuable tool in agile projects, as it allows for flexibility, collaboration, and efficient testing in the face of rapid development and frequent changes.

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How is exploratory testing useful in gaming

Exploratory testing can be useful in gaming for several reasons:

1. Gaming applications often involve complex and dynamic environments, which can make it difficult to anticipate all possible scenarios and create comprehensive test cases. Exploratory testing allows the tester to actively seek out defects or issues that may not have been identified in the original test plan.
2. Gaming applications often have a large number of users, and it is important to ensure that they have a positive and enjoyable experience. Exploratory testing can help identify usability issues or problems that may not have been anticipated in the original test plan.
3. Gaming applications often involve a high level of interaction and immersion for the user. Exploratory testing can help identify defects or issues that may impact the user’s experience, such as bugs or performance issues.
4. Gaming applications may also involve in-app purchases or other types of monetization, which can make it important to ensure that they are functioning correctly. Exploratory testing can help identify defects or issues with these features.

Overall, exploratory testing can be an effective way to find defects or issues that may not have been anticipated in the original test plan, and to ensure that the gaming application is enjoyable and functional for the user.

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Is adhoc testing part of exploratory testing

Ad hoc testing is often considered a type of exploratory testing, as it involves testing the system without following a predetermined test plan or set of test cases. Ad hoc testing is often used as a quick and informal way to test a system, and it can be useful for finding defects or issues that were not anticipated in the original test plan.

However, ad hoc testing can be less structured and less systematic than exploratory testing, as it does not typically involve the same level of planning or documentation. Exploratory testing is a more formal and systematic approach to testing that involves developing a testing charter to guide the testing efforts, documenting findings, and communicating results to the development team and other stakeholders.

Overall, ad hoc testing can be considered a subset of exploratory testing, as it involves actively looking for defects or issues in the system without following a predetermined test plan. However, exploratory testing is a more formal and systematic approach that involves more planning and documentation.

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What are techniques of exploratory testing with example

There are several techniques that can be used in exploratory testing to help find defects or issues in the system under test:

1. Sessions-based testing: This technique involves dividing the testing effort into time-boxed sessions, during which the tester focuses on a specific aspect of the system. For example, the tester may focus on testing a particular feature or workflow during one session, and then move on to another area in the next session.
2. Checklist-based testing: This technique involves using a checklist of items to guide the testing efforts. The checklist may include items such as specific features or functionality to test, questions to ask, or issues to look for.
3. Exploratory testing charter: This technique involves creating a document that outlines the goals and objectives of the exploratory testing effort, as well as the methods and techniques that will be used. The charter may also include any constraints or assumptions that may impact the testing.
4. Mind mapping: This technique involves creating a visual representation of the system or feature under test, using nodes and branches to show the various components and how they are connected. This can help the tester identify areas to focus on and plan their testing efforts.
5. Hypothesis-driven testing: This technique involves formulating hypotheses about how the system should behave, and then testing the system to see if it behaves as expected. This can be an effective way to identify defects or issues that may not have been anticipated in the original test plan.

Overall, these are just a few examples of the techniques that can be used in exploratory testing. The specific techniques used may vary depending on the needs of the testing effort and the nature of the system being tested.

What are the best tools for exploratory testing

There are several tools that can be useful for conducting exploratory testing, including:

1. Defect tracking systems: These tools allow the tester to log and track defects or issues that are found during testing. They typically include features such as bug reporting, assignee tracking, and resolution tracking.
2. Test management tools: These tools allow the tester to plan, organize, and track the testing efforts. They may include features such as test case management, test execution tracking, and test results reporting.
3. Screenshot and screen recording tools: These tools allow the tester to capture images or video of the system under test, which can be useful for documenting defects or issues.
4. Session-based testing tools: These tools allow the tester to plan and track their testing sessions, and may include features such as time tracking and test objectives tracking.
5. Mind mapping tools: These tools allow the tester to create visual representations of the system or feature under test, using nodes and branches to show the various components and how they are connected.

Overall, the specific tools that are used for exploratory testing may depend on the needs of the testing effort and the preferences of the tester. It is often useful to use a combination of tools to support the various aspects of the testing process.

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Who perform exploratory testing fresher or experience

Both freshers (newly graduated or entry-level professionals) and experienced testers can perform exploratory testing. However, it may be easier for experienced testers to perform exploratory testing, as they have likely gained more knowledge and experience about the types of defects or issues to look for, and may have developed more effective testing techniques.

That being said, exploratory testing can be a great learning opportunity for freshers, as it allows them to gain hands-on experience with the system and to develop their skills and knowledge about testing.

It is important for both freshers and experienced testers to receive appropriate training and support when performing exploratory testing, to ensure that they have the necessary tools and techniques to effectively test the system.

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