Exploratory Testing: Techniques, Best Practices, Examples

Exploratory testing is a flexible software testing method where testers learn about the system while testing it. Here's what you need to know:

Definition: Unscripted testing that combines learning, test design, and execution
Key benefits: Finds hidden bugs, adapts to changes, improves software quality
Main techniques: Free-form, scenario-based, session-based, pair testing
Best practices: Set clear goals, use time limits, keep good notes, mix structure with freedom
Tools: Test management software, bug tracking tools, screen recording software
Measuring success: Track defect density, test coverage, and defect detection rate

Aspect	Scripted Testing	Exploratory Testing
Test Cases	Predefined	Created during testing
Flexibility	Low	High
Speed of Results	Slower	Faster
Documentation	Extensive	Limited
Automation	Possible	Not typically used

Exploratory testing complements automated tests and fits well with Agile and DevOps practices. It's particularly useful for finding unexpected issues and improving user experience.

2. Basics of Exploratory Testing

This section explains the main ideas of exploratory testing, how it's different from scripted testing, and where it fits in software testing.

2.1 Main Ideas Behind Exploratory Testing

Exploratory testing is about:

Using tester's experience and knowledge
Finding problems by trying out the software
Thinking of new ways to test
Asking questions about how the software works

This helps find issues that other testing methods might miss.

2.2 How It Differs from Scripted Testing

Here's how exploratory testing is different from scripted testing:

Aspect	Scripted Testing	Exploratory Testing
Test Cases	Written beforehand	Made up while testing
How Tests Are Done	Follow a set plan	Change as you go
Getting Results	Takes longer	Faster
Keeping Track	Easy	Harder
Using Computers to Test	Can be done	Can't be done

Scripted testing checks specific things, while exploratory testing looks for problems by trying out the software.

2.3 Where It Fits in Software Testing

Exploratory testing can be used at different times when making software:

Early on: To find big problems and tell developers
In the middle: To test specific parts of the software
Near the end: To make sure the software works well for users and doesn't have big problems

3. Pros and Cons of Exploratory Testing

3.1 Benefits of Exploratory Testing

Exploratory testing helps improve software in several ways:

Benefit	Description
Quick bug finding	Testers can spot big problems fast, so they get fixed sooner
Better test coverage	Covers many different situations, making sure the software is well-tested
More tester ideas	Testers come up with new ways to test, which leads to better testing
Less setup time	Testers can start right away without much planning
Better for users	Helps find issues that make the software hard to use

3.2 Drawbacks and Limits

Exploratory testing also has some downsides:

Drawback	Description
Depends on tester skill	How well it works relies on how good the tester is
Hard to repeat bugs	It can be tough to make the same bug happen again
Not much written down	There's often not a lot of notes about what was tested
Might miss big bugs	Some important problems could be overlooked

3.3 Best Times to Use Exploratory Testing

Exploratory testing works well in these situations:

At the start of making software: It helps find big problems early
When it's not clear what the software should do: It can help figure out what's needed
For tricky software: It's good for testing complicated systems
When there's not much time: It can be done quickly when needed

4. Exploratory Testing Methods

Exploratory testing uses different ways to find problems in software. These methods help testers use their skills to find issues that other types of testing might miss.

4.1 Free-Form Exploratory Testing

In free-form testing, testers try out the software without a set plan. They use their knowledge to look for problems.

Example: A tester uses a new social media app, trying out things like making a profile, posting updates, and sending messages. They look for anything that doesn't work right.

4.2 Scenario-Based Testing

This method uses real-life situations to test software. Testers make up stories about how people might use the app and then test those stories.

Example: For a banking app, a tester might pretend to be a customer moving money between accounts. They log in, go to the transfer page, choose accounts, enter details, and check if the transfer worked.

4.3 Session-Based Testing

Session-based testing breaks testing into timed sessions with specific goals. Testers write down what they find during and after each session.

Example: A tester spends 60 minutes checking the search feature on a shopping website. They try different searches, including keywords and filters, and write down any problems they find.

4.4 Pair Testing

In pair testing, two testers work together. One tester uses the software while the other watches, gives ideas, and writes down findings.

Example: Two testers check the sign-up process for a new app. One enters different types of information, while the other suggests things to try and writes down any issues.

4.5 Mind Map Testing

Mind map testing uses diagrams to plan testing. Testers draw maps of the software's features and use them to guide their testing.

Example: For a health app, a tester draws a map with branches for step counting, calorie tracking, and sleep monitoring. They then test each part of the map.

4.6 Bug Hunts

Bug hunts are group testing sessions where the main goal is to find as many problems as possible in a set time.

Example: During a two-hour bug hunt for a new game, testers try to find issues with gameplay, graphics, sound, and controls. They report each problem they find.

Method	Description	Example
Free-Form	Test without a plan	Try all features of a new app
Scenario-Based	Test using real-life stories	Check money transfer in a banking app
Session-Based	Test in timed sessions with goals	Test search feature for 60 minutes
Pair Testing	Two testers work together	One tests sign-up, one takes notes
Mind Map	Use diagrams to plan testing	Draw map of health app features
Bug Hunts	Group session to find many issues	Find problems in a new game

5. Tips for Better Exploratory Testing

Here are some ways to make exploratory testing work better:

5.1 Set Clear Goals

Before you start testing:

Decide what you want to test
Pick the most important parts to focus on
Make a list of what you need to check

This helps you stay on track and use your time well.

5.2 Use Time Limits

Set a timer when you test. This helps you:

Stay focused
Avoid getting tired
Test more regularly

Try setting a timer for 60 or 90 minutes and see how many issues you can find.

5.3 Keep Good Notes

Write down what you do and what you find. This helps you:

Remember what you've tested
See patterns in problems
Tell others what you found

Use a simple form or tool to keep your notes organized.

5.4 Mix Freedom and Structure

Use a plan, but also try new things:

Have a list of things to check
Be ready to look into new areas if you find something odd
Try different ways of using the software

This helps you test the basics and find hidden problems.

5.5 Use Testing Guidelines

Make a list of things to look for when testing, like:

Is it easy to use?
Does it work fast enough?
Is it safe to use?

This list helps you check all the important parts of the software.

5.6 Learn and Change

After each test:

Look at what you found
Think about how to test better next time
Change how you test based on what you learned

This helps you get better at testing over time.

Tip	What to Do	Why It Helps
Set Clear Goals	Make a list of what to test	Keeps you focused
Use Time Limits	Set a timer for testing	Helps you work efficiently
Keep Good Notes	Write down what you do and find	Makes it easy to report issues
Mix Freedom and Structure	Have a plan but be flexible	Finds both common and hidden problems
Use Testing Guidelines	Make a checklist of things to look for	Ensures you check all important areas
Learn and Change	Review and improve your testing method	Makes you a better tester over time

6. Tools for Exploratory Testing

Exploratory testing uses different tools to help testers plan, organize, and track their work. These tools also help find and report problems.

6.1 Test Management Software

Test management software helps plan and track testing. Some tools for this are:

Tool	What it does
Test & Feedback	Manages test sessions
Testmo	Helps report issues
Xray Exploratory Testing App	Lets testers work together

These tools can also work with other testing tools.

6.2 Bug Tracking Tools

Bug tracking tools help manage and write down problems found in the software. Here are some examples:

Tool	Main features
Test IO	Makes and tracks bug reports
Rapid Reporter	Assigns importance to bugs
Bug Magnet	Helps testers work with developers

6.3 Screen Recording Tools

Screen recording tools capture what testers do on the screen. Some popular ones are:

Tool	What it does
SnagIt	Records video and sound
BB TestAssistant	Takes and marks up screenshots
Screenshot and Screen Video Recorder	Works with other testing tools

6.4 Mind Mapping Software

Mind mapping software helps create pictures of test plans. Two good options are:

Tool	Key features
MindMeister	Makes and edits mind maps
XMind	Lets team members work together

6.5 Team Communication Tools

Team communication tools help testers talk and work together. Some common ones are:

Tool	Main uses
Slack	Instant messaging
Trello	Assigns and tracks tasks
Asana	Works with other testing tools

These tools make it easier for testers to share information and work as a team.

7. Combining Exploratory Testing with Other Methods

This section looks at how to use exploratory testing with other testing methods. It covers working with automated tests, fitting into Agile and DevOps, and finding the right mix of testing types.

7.1 Working with Automated Tests

Using exploratory testing with automated tests can make testing better and faster. Here's how they work together:

Automated Tests	Exploratory Testing
Run repetitive checks	Look for unexpected issues
Verify existing features	Test new scenarios
Fast and efficient	Uses human judgment

Tools like Selenium or Postman can run automated tests. Testers can then focus on tasks that need human thinking, like testing user interfaces or unusual cases.

7.2 Fitting into Agile and DevOps

Exploratory testing works well with Agile and DevOps methods. These methods focus on quick changes and teamwork.

In Agile:

Changes happen often
Risks change quickly
Exploratory testing can adapt easily

In DevOps:

Exploratory testing helps check new changes
It works with automated tests to find problems fast
This helps make sure new updates work well

7.3 Balancing Different Test Types

It's important to use both exploratory and scripted testing. Here's how they differ:

Scripted Testing	Exploratory Testing
Follows set test cases	Flexible approach
Checks specific features	Can find unexpected issues
Ensures basic functions work	Uncovers hidden problems

Using both types helps make sure the software works well and catches different kinds of problems.

8. Measuring Exploratory Testing Success

This section explains how to check if exploratory testing is working well. It helps teams improve their testing and show why it's useful.

8.1 Key Performance Indicators

To see how well exploratory testing is working, teams use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These are numbers that show how good the testing is. Here are some common KPIs:

KPI	What it Means
Defect Density	How many bugs are found in each part of the software
Test Coverage	How much of the software was tested
Defect Detection Rate	How many bugs are found per hour of testing
Test Effectiveness	How many bugs were found compared to all the bugs in the software

8.2 Measuring Quality and Quantity

To check exploratory testing, teams look at two types of information:

Numbers (like how many bugs were found)
Opinions (like what testers think about the software)

Both types help show if the testing is working well.

Telling others about exploratory testing results is important. It shows why this type of testing helps make better software. Here's how to share results:

Make clear reports
Use pictures like charts and graphs
Explain how the testing helped find problems

This helps people understand why exploratory testing is useful and make good choices about testing.

9. Advanced Exploratory Testing Techniques

This section looks at more complex ways to do exploratory testing. These methods help teams find tricky problems and make software better.

9.1 Risk-Based Testing

Risk-based testing focuses on parts of the software that might have big problems. This helps teams test the most important things first.

To do risk-based testing:

Find the most important parts of the software
Look at what users say about problems
Check where problems happened before

This way, teams can fix the biggest issues first and stop them from causing trouble later.

9.2 Domain-Specific Testing

Domain-specific testing means testing based on what the software is for. Different types of software need different kinds of testing.

For example, testing a health app needs to know about:

Medical rules
Keeping patient information safe
How doctors and nurses work

By using this special knowledge, teams can test better for that type of software.

9.3 Group Exploratory Testing

Group exploratory testing uses many testers with different skills. This helps find problems that one person might miss.

Ways to do group testing:

Two testers work together
A group of testers all test at once

When testers work together, they can find more problems and understand the software better.

9.4 AI-Helped Testing

AI-helped testing uses computer programs to make testing easier. This can help testers do their job better and faster.

What AI Can Do	How It Helps
Fill in forms automatically	Testers have more time for harder tasks
Look for patterns in test results	Find problems that people might miss
Suggest new ways to test	Come up with ideas testers didn't think of

10. Real-World Examples

10.1 Exploratory Testing in Practice

Many companies use exploratory testing to find problems in their software. Here are two examples:

Mobile Game Login Issue

A game company tested their app's login feature. They found a bug where users with certain characters in their username couldn't log in. Regular tests didn't catch this, but exploratory testing did.

Healthcare Software Testing

A company that makes software for hospitals used exploratory testing on their patient system. Testers looked for issues like wrong patient info and medicine mistakes. This helped make the system safer for patients.

10.2 Lessons from Good Projects

Projects that did well with exploratory testing teach us:

Lesson	Why It's Important
Include testers early	Helps find problems sooner
Be flexible	Lets testers check new issues as they come up

10.3 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Teams sometimes make mistakes with exploratory testing. Here are two big ones:

Mistake	Why It's Bad
Not giving enough time	Testers can't check everything properly
Starting too late	Testers don't understand the system well

To do exploratory testing right, give testers enough time and include them from the start of the project.

11. The Future of Exploratory Testing

11.1 New Tech and Its Effects

New technology is changing how we do exploratory testing. AI and machine learning are making testing faster and better. These tools help testers:

Do boring tasks automatically
Look at lots of information quickly
Find parts of software that need more testing

AI tools can:

Look at old test results to guess what might happen in new tests
Help testers focus on the most important parts of the software
Find problems that people might miss

11.2 Changes in Testing Methods

As AI and machine learning become more common in testing, testers will need to:

Learn how to use new tools
Understand how AI works
Get better at looking at data

Testers will also need to work more closely with developers and other team members. This will help make sure testing is part of the whole process of making software.

Old Way	New Way
Manual repetitive tasks	AI-assisted automation
Limited data analysis	AI-powered pattern recognition
Isolated testing	Integrated testing throughout development

11.3 What's Next for Software Testing

The future of software testing looks different from today. Here's what we might see:

More use of AI and machine learning in testing
Exploratory testing becoming even more important
New ways of testing for new types of software

Testers will need to keep learning about:

Testing in the cloud
Testing apps for phones and tablets
New tools that make testing easier

12. Wrap-Up

12.1 Key Points

This guide covered the main parts of exploratory testing:

Topic	What We Learned
Basics	What it is and how it works
Methods	Different ways to do exploratory testing
Tools	Software that helps with testing
Other Testing	How it fits with other types of tests
Measuring	How to check if it's working well

12.2 Why It's Still Important

Exploratory testing is still a big part of making sure software works well. Here's why:

Reason	Explanation
Finds Hidden Problems	Testers can spot issues other tests miss
Works with New Tech	Helps test AI and machine learning systems
Improves Software	Makes programs easier to use
Keeps Customers Happy	Finds problems before users do

As software keeps changing, exploratory testing will keep helping teams make better programs.

FAQs

What technique is used in exploratory testing?

Scenario-based exploratory testing is a common technique. It involves:

Testing based on real user situations
Trying out the software in many ways
Checking as much of the software as possible

How to improve exploratory testing?

To make exploratory testing better:

Action	Description
Test more	Check all parts of the software
Write things down	Keep notes on what you find
Use other tests too	Mix with different testing types
Set clear goals	Know what you want to test
Look beyond the basics	Test more than just what's required
Focus on risky areas	Test the most important parts first
Keep learning	Always try to get better at testing
Use tools	Let computers help with some tasks

What is required for exploratory testing?

For good exploratory testing, you need:

A clear plan of what to test
A way to keep track of problems found
Two testers working together, if possible

What is meant by exploratory testing?

Exploratory testing is a way to check software where testers:

Learn about the software as they test
Make up tests as they go along
Look for problems that other tests might miss

It's about finding issues by trying out the software in different ways.