Exploratory testing is a common software testing method used to test software systems on the fly. Oftentimes, companies focus more on other types of testing. They do not give much thought to exploratory testing. Yet, exploratory testing is a great way to investigate systems. It allows the individual tester to have free rein. So what is exploratory testing and how will it benefit your testing process?
Exploratory testing is defined as a type of testing in which there are no test cases written, but rather the system is checked spontaneously. It is more focused on the thinking aspects, rather than following directions. It is a good test to conduct to discover, investigate, and learn about the product. It is the process of test design and execution all at once. It is not just random investigation but has the purpose of finding bugs. There are different structures within it and has a rigorous testing process. One of the best features of exploratory testing is that the actions you are currently taking will influence your next steps.
Each testing option has its pros and cons. Exploratory testing provides a lot of benefits to companies that implement it. Some of these benefits are as follows:
Like with every type of testing, there are some disadvantages associated with exploratory testing. The cons of exploratory testing are as follows:
This includes looking at the bugs and grouping them together based on previous projects. Looking at what is the root problem and being creative with new ideas to check the application are good starting points.
The purpose of the test charter is to explain the goal of the exploratory testing. There are three main points in the test charter:
1. What to test
2. How to test
3. What factors should be considered
This is needed to ensure that the tester has a time limit of the exploratory session.
This is where the testers will find and record any defects in the product. They will provide analysis and coverage of their testing session.
Testers will need to compile their results and evaluate them against the test charter. Analysis of these results occurs to decide if more testing needs to be done or the information can be released to the client.
Exploratory testing is a fantastic way to get high-quality software. This is possible because it pushes testers and the application outside of the scripted test cases and procedures. Exploratory testers can test the application in real-world situations allowing testers to understand the situations that real users might get into. We have compiled five techniques that help when conducting exploratory testing.
1. What is the product’s purpose? What is it meant to do?
2. What are the primary functions of this product?
3. What could be the potential issue areas? What might fail/crash/provide a bad user experience?
Really what this means is having a skilled tester conduct the exploratory testing. This type of testing can be challenging for some as it does not follow a script. You need to ensure that the tester is autonomous, skilled, creative, and can think strategically. They need to have strong observation skills and be able to improvise depending on what the application is showing. They also need to be holistic and great communicators.
This means setting up for the different stages of exploratory testing. The most important factors are the classification of bugs, creation of a test charter, and constructing a time box. There also needs to be a testing scope. A solid preparation before undergoing the test will help rationalize the testing method and the scope of the project.
Oftentimes in exploratory testing, testers will try and test the entire system all at once. This is usually not the aim of the test scope. Instead of focusing attention on testing everything, let exploratory testing be a way to test the system’s requirements. It can be conducted through intuitive and creative ways that focus on the system’s continuous improvement.
Creating a detailed bug report in exploratory testing can be difficult. Issues are often hard to replicate and tracing back your steps can be time-consuming. Testers need to focus on communication here. There needs to be a complete report on the idea behind the test, steps taken and how to reproduce them, the conditions of the test, the coverage of that test area, and the results and evaluations from that issue. By doing this, you will help others replicate the issue and solve it.
Finally, after examining the results and getting a debrief from the tester, clients can decide if more exploratory testing is needed or not. It is a great way to evaluate how the test went and if there are future issues that need to be addressed.
Exploratory testing is a great way to get high-quality software. Any software can benefit from it. Exploratory testing can unleash the potential of a tester. Here at Loop, we believe strongly in exploratory testing and have a team of experienced software testers that are creative and quick thinkers. We would love to help your team find the issues that are blocking strong product development.
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