Exploratory Testing
Exploratory Testing is a simultaneous process of learning, test design, and test execution, where the tester actively explores the application without relying solely on predefined test cases.
Exploratory testing answers: “What happens if I use the system like a real user?”
1. Definition
Exploratory Testing is a simultaneous process of learning, test design, and test execution, where the tester actively explores the application without relying solely on predefined test cases.
Exploratory testing answers: “What happens if I use the system like a real user?”
2. Purpose of Exploratory Testing
- Discover defects missed by scripted testing
- Understand application behavior deeply
- Validate real-world user scenarios
- Improve overall test coverage
3. Key Characteristics
- Unscripted or loosely scripted
- Tester-driven and experience-based
- Adaptive and flexible
- Focused on finding new defects
4. When Exploratory Testing Is Performed
- After functional test cases are executed
- When requirements are unclear
- During early builds
- Under tight timelines
5. Manual Tester’s Role
- Use domain knowledge and intuition
- Explore different user paths
- Think like different user personas
- Observe unexpected behavior
- Log detailed defects
6. Exploratory Testing vs Scripted Testing
| Aspect | Exploratory Testing | Scripted Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Minimal | High |
| Flexibility | High | Low |
| Coverage | Dynamic | Planned |
| Defect discovery | High | Predictable |
7. Techniques Used in Exploratory Testing
- Session-based testing
- Risk-based exploration
- Error guessing
- Boundary exploration
- User persona testing
8. Real-Time Example
Testing a search feature:
- Use valid, invalid, and random inputs
- Combine filters unexpectedly
- Rapidly switch between pages
Exploratory testing uncovers unexpected failures.
9. Documentation in Exploratory Testing
- Test charters
- Notes and observations
- Defect reports
- Session summaries
10. Common Defects Found
- Usability issues
- Edge-case failures
- Workflow gaps
- Error-handling issues
11. Common Mistakes
- Treating exploratory testing as random clicking
- No documentation of findings
- Skipping structured exploration
12. Interview-Ready Answers
Short answer:
Exploratory testing is simultaneous learning, test design, and execution without predefined scripts.
Detailed answer:
Exploratory testing leverages tester experience to dynamically explore the application and identify defects that scripted testing may miss.
13. Key Takeaway
Exploratory Testing uncovers hidden defects and usability issues through intelligent exploration.