Exploratory testing
Learning, designing and running tests at the same time, guided by curiosity and a goal.
Definition
In exploratory testing the tester explores the product without detailed scripts, using what they learn to decide what to try next. It is structured with a goal (a charter) and a time box, and findings are noted as you go. It is great at finding bugs scripted tests miss.
In practice
Charter: "Explore the photo editor for 30 minutes, focusing on undo and redo." You try rotating, cropping, undoing ten times, switching apps mid-edit and note everything odd.
Learn it in context
Lessons that use this term.
- What Is Software Testing?Fundamentals
- SDLC and STLCFundamentals
- Take-Home AssignmentsCareer
- Levels of TestingFundamentals
- Test Scenarios vs Test Cases vs ChecklistsTutorials
- Types of TestingFundamentals
- Black, White and Grey BoxFundamentals
- Exploratory TestingTutorials
- Testing Without DocumentationTutorials