The Complete Guide To Exploratory Testing For Beginners

What is Exploratory Testing?

Exploratory testing is a software test where test cases are not planned in anticipation, rather testers track flying systems. We may note down the idea about what to test before the execution of the test,  as the focus of exploratory testing is more on testing as a cognitive activity.

Exploratory testing is extensively used in agile models and is all about discovery, investigation, and learning. It highlights the personal freedom and efficiency of individual testers. Under scripted testing design test cases, first-hand letters continue with test execution. Conversely, exploratory testing is a modern age process of test design and execution, all done simultaneously.

Scripted test execution is a customary and none thinking activity where the stars perform test steps and analyze actual results with expected results. We can automate such test execution actively as it doesn't require any cognitive skills. The current trend in software testing is pushing for automation. Exploratory testing could be a new way of thinking as automation has its limits.

Session-based Exploratory Testing

While performing exploratory testing, it becomes difficult for us to put into words how much they have tested on what basis. It is difficult for testers to quantify the work and the time spent. Nevertheless, we need to provide metrics, estimates, and progress reports to the team lead and the manager in every project. As the saying goes, if we can't qualify it, we cannot manage it.

Session-based testing is a time-based approach to perform this test that helps manage and track. A dedicated time box testing session is included with no interference from email, phone, messages, etc.

Approach: Testing tasks are divided into two sessions. Following are the elements of session-based testing (SBT):

• Mission: Mission shouts the purpose of the session to provide the focus for the tester. It also includes a session time duration.
• Charter: The scope of the testing is included. It is a schedule that details the goals required to be completed during the session.

Difference Between Scripted and Exploratory Testing

More About Exploratory Testing

1. It is not random testing, but it is ad hoc testing to find bugs.
2. It is structured and accurate.
3. The cognitive structure as compared to the procedural structure of scripted testing. This type of structure comes from charter, time boxing, etc.
4. Is highly sympathetic and flexible.
5. It isn't a technique but an approach of what actions and perform next is governed by what we are doing currently.

How to do Exploratory Testing?

The method of how exploratory testing is done step by step and is also known as session-based test management (SBTM cycle):

Bug taxonomy development (classification)

1. Categorize common fault types found in previous projects
2. Analyze the issue or defect root cause diagnosis
3. Search for risk and build ideas for application testing.

Charter Testing

1. The Charter of Test should propose
   • What should we test?
   • how to measure it How
   • What should be looked at?
2. Test ideas are the beginning of the tests
3. The testing charter helps to decide how we should use the framework

 Time Box

1. This method comprises a couple of testers who work together in 90 minutes
2. During this 90 minutes session, there should be no time disrupted
3. You can extend or reduce the timebox to 45 minutes
4. This session encourages testers to respond to the system answer and to plan for the right result

 Review Results

1. Deficiency assessment
2. Learn from the test
3. Coverage areas analysis

Debriefing

1. Compilation of the output results
2. Report the accuracy with the charter
3. Check whether any increased testing is required

 For example, we must do the following during exploratory execution:

1. The research mission should be very obvious.
2. Please remember the tests, why they have to be reviewed, and the quality evaluation.
3. Follow-up of questions and questions posed during testing.
4. Better to match testers with efficient tests.
5. The more we test, the better the case for the required scenarios.

The following text must be read and monitored:

Test Coverage - If we took notice of test cases coverage and improved software quality

Risks - What risks should be protected, and all of which are important?

Test Running Log — Test Running records

Questions / Questions - Take notes on the machine question and problems

In less time, intelligent exploratory testing detects more errors.

Also read: Exploratory Testing in QA

Pros and Cons of Exploratory Testing

Now that you know what is exploratory testing and how it is done, let's discuss the pros and cons.  

Pros

1. This test is useful if documentation is not accessible or partially available
2. The research method helps to identify more flaws than regular testing.
3. Uncover vulnerabilities that other test methods typically neglect
4. Helps the creativity of test testers by running more and more test cases, which ultimately increases efficiency
5. This test drill includes all specifications and the smallest portion of the application
6. This test encompasses all test forms and covers different scenarios and cases
7. Fosters intuition and imagination
8. New ideas produced during testing

Cons

1. This test relies solely on the testing abilities
2. Limited by the tester's field experience
3. Not enough for long running time

Challenges of Exploratory Testing

There are many obstacles to the testing process, and those are stated below:

1. The app or software framework is a challenge to learn
2. Failure replication is hard
3. It could be difficult to determine what tools should be used
4. It could be difficult to identify the best test cases to perform
5. It is a challenge to report the test results because there are no scripts or cases in the report that can be compared to the real results
6. It isn't easy to document all events when executing
7. Don't know when to finish testing as there are certain test cases to do in exploratory testing.

When to Use Exploratory Testing?

Exploratory testing can be used extensively when:

1. The testing team has witnessed testers
2. Iteration is essential early
3. A vital application is available
4. The team included new testers

Conclusion

Exploratory work is carried out in software engineering to address script test limitations. The Test Case Suite helps improve. It fosters learning and adjustment.

Also read: Exploratory Testing in Agile