What is Exploratory Testing in Software Testing?

Software testing sometimes requires stepping away from predefined steps. Exploratory testing offers a flexible and interactive approach, allowing testers to investigate in real time and uncover issues that structured methods might overlook. In this article, you will learn the concept, why and when you perform exploratory testing and the main steps to approach it.

What is Exploratory Testing?

Exploratory testing is a thoughtful and adaptable approach to software testing. It emphasizes the tester's skills, knowledge, and curiosity to interact with the system and identify unexpected behaviors. Instead of relying on predefined scripts, testers engage directly with the application, learning as they go and testing in ways that reflect real-world use.

This approach is particularly effective in uncovering hidden issues or edge cases. Testers design and execute tests dynamically, responding to the application’s behavior in real time. This process ensures that all aspects of the software are thoroughly explored.

Exploratory testing complements structured testing methods by adding depth and ensuring the application is dependable, intuitive, and suitable for its intended audience. It thrives on curiosity and flexibility, uncovering valuable insights that scripted testing may miss.

Over time, exploratory testing has become an integral part of modern QA practices. Testers and QA managers increasingly include it in their strategies to achieve a more comprehensive software evaluation.

This testing style has been practiced informally for many years, often referred to as "ad-hoc testing" in the past. The term "exploratory testing" was introduced by Cem Kaner, a renowned figure in software testing, in his book Testing Computer Software.

Why Exploratory Testing Matters to You

You know that even the smallest software update can create unexpected issues, right? Exploratory testing helps you find those problems before they become a headache. It’s a great way to test features in a way that feels natural, like how a real user might interact with the application.

Since you’re not tied to a script, you can quickly adapt to any changes or focus on areas that need extra attention. Now, we need to clarify the situations where its use is recommended to ensure proper application. Also, check out our article on how to setup the test environment to complement your learning.

When Should You Use?

Exploratory testing is perfect when you want to test something new or less defined. For example:

• Checking out new features that don’t have detailed documentation yet.

• Evaluating how user-friendly an application is.

• Examining areas that are prone to issues to ensure everything is functioning properly.

This approach works particularly well in Agile environments. To illustrate its value, we’ve prepared a short list of key scenarios where exploratory testing is most effective.

How to Approach?

While this method is flexible, a little structure can make all the difference. This approach is especially valuable for uncovering hidden issues or finding edge cases. It allows testers to design and execute tests on the spot, adapting to the application's behavior in real-time. The process is dynamic and thoughtful, ensuring that no aspect of the software is overlooked.

Here’s how you can approach it:

• Set a Focus: Decide which part of the application you want to test. Maybe it’s a new feature or an area that’s seen recent updates.
• Define Goals: Think about what you’d like to achieve during your session. Are you checking for usability issues or making sure a process works as expected?
• Keep Notes: Jot down anything interesting - bugs, odd behaviors, or ideas for improvement. These notes will be helpful later.
• Review Your Findings: Once you’re done, take a moment to go over everything you discovered. It’s always good to share those insights with the team.
• Repeat and Refine: Each session helps you learn more about the software, so use what you’ve discovered to guide your next round of testing.

It’s also a great option when you’ve got tight deadlines. Since you’re not tied to creating detailed scripts, you can jump straight into testing and, why not combine one more in this process?

If you're using Jira with Xray, you can utilize the Xray Exploratory App to conduct exploratory testing sessions. This app integrates with Jira and Xray, allowing you to capture notes, record videos, take screenshots, and annotate them during your testing sessions. After completing a session, you can submit your findings directly to Xray, where they are associated with the relevant test executions.

Additionally, integrating Golive with Xray enhances your testing process. Golive allows you to link Xray's test environment labels to Golive environments, providing a unified view of your testing infrastructure. You can visualize and edit X-ray test executions and test plans directly on a Golive timeline, facilitating easier management and tracking of your testing activities.

Combining Xray with the Xray Exploratory App and Golive, you will improve your exploratory testing efforts and overall test management within Jira.

How Exploratory Testing Works with Other Methods?

Exploratory testing isn’t here to replace manual or automated testing - it works alongside them working well when paired with more structured testing methods, adding a layer of depth to ensure the application is reliable, user-friendly, and ready for its intended audience. It's an approach that thrives on curiosity and adaptability, ensuring the tester uncovers insights that scripted testing alone might miss.

• Automated testing handles repetitive tasks and ensures consistent coverage.
• Manual testing follows specific test cases to check that requirements are met.
• Exploratory testing lets you be flexible, creative, and focused on uncovering things you didn’t expect.

Together, these methods give you a complete picture of your software’s performance and reliability.

Conclusion

Performing exploratory testing is like adventuring into a jungle. You navigate as you go, guided by curiosity, adaptability, and a sense of discovery. Along the way, you uncover hidden insights and unexpected challenges that other traditional methods might overlook. It brings a fresh perspective to software testing.

When you combine it with manual and automated testing, you’ll have a solid strategy to ensure your application delivers a great experience for everyone using it.