Exploratory testing is a method in software testing that highlights the freedom and responsibility of testers to design their tests as they go along. It’s known for its flexibility, allowing testers to modify their strategies based on what they find and learn during the testing itself.
This approach enables testers to interact with the software more directly and dynamically, aiming to find flaws through their own creativity and intuition. Studies show that exploratory testing can uncover up to 30% more bugs than traditional testing methods in the same timeframe.
Exploratory Testing vs Test Cases or Scripted Testing
The main difference between exploratory testing and test cases or scripted testing is how they are approached and carried out. Test cases are detailed plans of conditions and expected results, created before testing starts. They follow a set path to check specific parts of the software.
On the other hand, exploratory testing is unscripted and flexible, with testers making decisions as they proceed. While test cases cover known issues, exploratory testing is great at finding new issues by examining and interacting with the software in real time.
Industry surveys indicate that exploratory testing speeds up issue detection by up to 25% compared to traditional test case methods
The examples below show the distinct differences between these two methods, highlighting exploratory testing’s flexibility compared to the structured nature of test cases.
Scenario 1: Testing a New Feature
Test Cases Approach
A test plan is made before testing a new feature, listing specific scenarios to test. If the feature is a new search function in an app, test cases could include various search terms and checking how the results are displayed. These tests are done exactly as planned, without considering any new findings during the testing.
Exploratory Testing Approach
A tester starts using the new search feature without a fixed plan. By experimenting, they find unexpected behaviour with certain inputs not covered by the original test cases. This leads them to explore more unusual cases, finding problems that weren’t expected.
Scenario 2: Responding to Customer Feedback
Test Cases Approach
After getting customer feedback about a malfunctioning feature, the team checks if their test cases already cover this bug. They might redo some tests to see if they can replicate the problem. If not, new test cases need to be created and approved before further testing.
Exploratory Testing Approach
Using the feedback as a guide, a tester begins to check the feature, trying to mimic the customer’s experience. They test different inputs and scenarios to find the problem, quickly identifying and documenting the issue without needing new test cases.
Scenario 3: Regression Testing
Test Cases Approach
For regression testing, a set of test cases is used to ensure new changes haven’t caused any problems. These tests are done systematically, and any differences from what’s expected are noted as regressions.
Exploratory Testing Approach
An exploratory tester uses their knowledge of the app and recent updates to lead their testing. They focus on parts likely affected by the updates, using various methods to check the app’s stability. This can reveal minor regressions not directly covered by existing tests.
Is All Exploratory Testing Agile?
Not every exploratory test is Agile, but it fits well with Agile principles such as flexibility, teamwork, and quick reactions to change. Though it can be used in different development methods, its spontaneous and repeatable nature is especially useful in Agile settings, where quick iterations and constant feedback are important.
Agile teams using exploratory testing report a 20% increase in project delivery speed.
Benefits of Agile Exploratory Testing
Agile Exploratory Testing is vital in Agile development, fitting the method’s flexible and evolving nature. It allows testers to immediately use their insight and analytical skills, helping maintain software quality through fast-paced development phases.
We’ll now discuss the clear and extensive advantages of this approach, showing how it makes testing more effective and significantly improves software quality.
Immediate Benefits of Agile Exploratory Testing:
- Quick Feedback: It enables fast discovery and reporting of problems, leading to quicker feedback.
- Flexibility: Testers can shift focus based on new insights, useful for testing updates or changes.
- Efficiency: Focusing on key areas and intuitive insights helps find major faults quickly.
Agile Exploratory Testing Wider Benefits:
- Deeper Understanding: Testers get a thorough grasp of the software and user interactions, improving future test quality and coverage.
- Teamwork: Often involves working closely with the team, sharing knowledge and focusing on quality.
- Versatility in Testing: Supports a broad range of testing needs with minimal preparation, improving testing speed by 20%.
- Creativity and Growth: Encourages creative thinking and continuous skill development among testers, enhancing testing practices within the team.
To Sum Up
By adopting exploratory testing principles, Agile teams can more effectively find and fix software problems, boost teamwork, and deliver better-quality software products.
Exploratory testing drives high value and edge case bug detection but only when teams can spend enough time doing it.
There is a direct relationship between high levels of reliable test automation that can routinely undertake your most critical regression testing and a good amount of time for real human testers to ‘explore’ and ‘test’ the application. Without the former, you will not have the luxury of the latter.
