Exploratory Testing is majorly about investigating, discovering and learning as an individual tester. In the case of exploratory testing, the cases are not developed in advance but as a tester, you can check the system on the fly. You can also frame a plan before you want to execute the test and you can consider this form of testing as a ‘thinking’ activity. As a part of scripted testing, you can design the entire test first and later on move ahead with the execution. But, in the case of this form of exploratory testing you need to simultaneously design and execute the test at the same time.
Unlike scripted thinking, this form of testing will make you apply your cognitive skills a lot and you cannot automate this test. Here, you need to think, plan and implement the ideas all at the same time. Some of the characteristics of Exploratory Testing are stated below.
- This form of testing is not random and you need to imply an ad-hoc method of testing to find out the bugs.
- It requires a structured procedure which is rigorous and can get strenuous at times.
- You can think about new ideas and apply your cognitive skills for this test which makes it majorly different from the procedural format of testing like scripted testing.
- The exploratory form of testing is pretty manageable and can be easily taught to others. Currently, there is a lot of demand for automation, but automation also has its limits. With exploratory testing, you can create something unique. So, this course is being sought after by lots of computer learners.
- This format of testing is not limited to a technique. You can rather consider this as an approach. The steps you are going to take in future in this type of testing depends on the steps you are currently using.
How do you prepare for Exploratory Testing?
The exploratory testing can be done in 5 stages which are discussed below.
- Create a Bug Taxonomy.
- Frame Test Charter.
- Create Time Box.
- Review Results.
- Debriefing.
The various exploratory testing tools which you can use to test are as follows:
- JIRA Capture: This tool helps to record all sessions through annotated screenshots, fast bug reporting, and browser extension and by directly sending reports to the server which the application is running.
- Testpad: You can track exploratory testing by creating a test pad through think spreadsheet, outliner, and checklist. It has a slick modern UI with a feature of drag and drops organization.
- Rapid Reporter: This is a session based management tool (SBTM) which takes down and reviews notes during the testing session. It also provides good notes and builds reports during sessions.
- q-Test Explorer: This tool provides a common platform for both unscripted and scripted testing. It can work on both desktop and mobile platform and helps in detailed and multi-screen capturing.
5. Session Tester: This records and manages session-based testing by assessing the particular time length of the test. You can also record session notes in XML format by using this tool.
