Exploratory testing is an approach to software testing where testers actively explore the software to find defects and issues that may not have been identified during scripted testing. It is a type of ad hoc testing that involves simultaneous learning, test design, and test execution. Exploratory testing is not a replacement for scripted testing, but rather it complements it.
The goal of exploratory testing is to uncover issues that may not be documented in the requirements or specifications, such as usability or performance issues. It is a highly flexible and adaptable approach to testing that allows testers to use their intuition, experience, and creativity to identify defects. This approach is particularly useful when testing complex or unfamiliar systems, where scripted testing may not be sufficient.
Exploratory testing is often performed without a formal test plan or test cases. Instead, testers rely on their expertise and experience to identify areas of the system that are likely to be problematic. They may use a variety of techniques, such as boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning, and error guessing, to identify defects. Exploratory testing can also involve using the software in a real-world scenario to identify defects that may not be apparent in a scripted test.
One of the key benefits of exploratory testing is that it can uncover defects early in the development life cycle. This can save time and money by reducing the cost of fixing defects later in the development process. It can also improve the quality of the software by identifying defects that may be missed by scripted testing.
However, exploratory testing does have some limitations. It can be more time-consuming than scripted testing, as testers need to explore the software in more depth. It can also be more difficult to reproduce defects found during exploratory testing, as the testing is often unstructured and undocumented.
To perform exploratory testing effectively, testers need to have excellent analytical skills, creativity, and domain knowledge. They should have a good understanding of the software and its intended use, as well as a solid understanding of industry standards and best practices. Exploratory testing can be performed by manual testers or using automated testing tools that allow for ad hoc testing.