These days, it becomes modish to say that your team is practising Exploratory Testing. As the term itself implies to understand the technique, process of learning through a cycle of trial and error. Mainly Exploratory Testing emphasizes on personal responsibility and freedom of an individual tester for enterprise software testing for large businesses.

Unlike scripted testing, test cases are not created in advance, rather it shows an intelligent way to test an individual’s thought process. Exploratory is more about thinking activity and has gained popularity in the past few years to explore and identify areas for improvement.

Here, the testers are involved in minimum planning and maximum test execution to reap the advantages of exploratory testing best practices within an organization.

Let’s check the 3 pillars of Exploratory Testing

• The planning involves creating a test plan which defines the objectives and other approaches to using in short time declaration.
• In this testing process, both test design and test execution work hand-in-hand to perform simultaneously. No documents, test scripts or test cases are required in this stage.
• The Test logging works parallel with the Test executing. At this time, a list of documents is prepared to know the key aspects, functionality issue or any defects found for the testing.

By using this Exploratory Testing cycle, we can have greater chances that our software is safe from most identified defects.

Exploratory Testing Merits

• Better Utilization of Tester Talent
• No Preparation Required
• Quick Feedback

Exploratory Testing Best Practices

Observational Skills

This skill plays a crucial role in the exploratory tester for capturing new ideas, documenting and debriefing testing for a particular test run. A tester should be able to spot the strange things that are going on with the system. Additionally, critical business queries should be raised to spot bugs. Observe and pay attention to details to learn the mindset and generate a new hypothesis.

Plan your tests but don’t script them

You aren’t an exploratory tester if you’re following the script. Instead, exploratory testing doesn’t need to plan to test in advance. So, planning helps to clarify specific aspects of the system that one needs to examine including special data requirements.

Don’t aim to test too much

The aim of exploratory testing is not too high. In fact, a tester needs to find the defect and error in the system that is not found in any other forms of testing. Such defect arises through edge cases of testing that doesn’t mean they have low impact. So focus on the parts of the system that are away from the normal usage pattern and are less likely to be tested.

Read More: 5 things to consider for better functional testing

Keep a clear record of what you tested

A tester must keep a clear record of what they are doing as there’s no value of what and how you have done without adding into the document. Note below points and add into the report

• Add a list of featured tested
• Note how the test was conducted
• Keep a note on bugs found
• Use extra materials used to support testing

Performance and non-functional testing can be exploratory

A tester can keep a track on an increase in system load or can measure the time it consumes to complete use case from start to end. By doing so, a tester will get a clear idea on the system’s performance and non-functional testing can outline the scope accordingly.

Read More: Importance of regression testing in Agile methodology

Don’t confuse between exploratory testing with user acceptance testing

User acceptance is a testing activity performed in an exploratory testing way so you needn’t get confused. Exploratory testing is one of the best ways of doing quick testing with the high-value output.

Choose the exploratory testing technique that meets the needs

One needs to research the current exploratory testing technique and establish a common understanding of the technique. Decide your scope and ensure that the system is built to support exploratory testing.

Don’t go mad on tools

You’ll find lots of tools that use exploratory testing such as Rapid reporter, Testpad and JIRA Capture which comes with fully automated plans. However, the best tool that can really help you in doing exploratory testing is a pen and a book.

Don’t miss case study for performance testing for eCommerce portal  

Wrapping up this article, I can assure that all major practices are covered in Exploratory testing. If you’re a tester and want to share your exploratory testing experience then feel free to talk to us.

This blog has been written by our QA Consultant Sajo Jose