exploratory testing

ISsoft SolutionsExploratory testing

Scripts require a big investment. What do we get back?

Key benefits of scripts

• Careful thinking about the design of each test, optimizing it for its

• Cover most important attributes (modules, power, installation, whatever)

• Review by other stakeholders

Key benefits of scripts

• Reusability

• Known comprehensiveness of the set of tests

• We can calculate as a metric the percentage completed of these tests.

Problem with scripts?

Scripts are hit and miss

The scripted approach means the test stays the same, even thought the risk profile is changing.

Risk profiles evolve over time

• The requirements / specifications are almost certain to change as the program evolves

• Different programmers tend to make different errors

• The environment in which the software will run (platform, competition, user expectations, new exploits) changes over time.

The earlier you design the tests, the less you understand the program and its risk profile…

So…Are you doing exploratory testing?

ET is… Simultaneously

Learning Test design

Test execution

Required skills:

Listen

READTHINK

Report

Without the use of pre-scripted instructions…

Let’s see on the external structure of ET:

Tester

Reports

TimeBox

Mission Product

Where ET fits

You need to provide rapid feedback on a new product or feature

You need to learn the product quickly

Where ET fits

You have already tested using scripts, and seek to diversify the testing

You want to find the single most important bug in the shortest time

You want to check the work of another tester by doing a brief independent investigation

Where ET fits

You want to investigate and isolate a particular defect

You want to investigate the status of a particular risk, in order to evaluate the need for scripted tests in that area

Misconceptions about Exploratory Testing

Session-Based Test Management

Exploratory Testing cannot be managed or measured.

Short: 60 mins (+-15)

Normal: 90 mins (+-15)

Long: 120 mins (+-15)

The experience of a tester is not the pre-requisite for exploratory testing.

Only an experienced tester can do exploratory testing

Can be detailed documentation even in exploratory testing

Exploratory Testing means no documentation

Exploratory testing is not against the idea of scripting

Most situations benefit from a mix of scripted and exploratory approaches.

Sources:• A Tutorial in Exploratory Testing, April 2008, Cem Kaner,

J.D., Ph.D. http://www.kaner.com/pdfs/QAIExploring.pdf • How to Measure Ad Hoc Testing http://

www.satisfice.com/presentations/htmaht.pdf• Exploratory Testing Explained v.1.3 4/16/03, James Bach • Session-Based Test Management by Jonathan Bach http

://www.satisfice.com/articles/sbtm.pdf • Exploratory Testing – The Basics

http://university.utest.com/exploratory-testing-the-basics/