How do you discover hidden software issues with exploratory testing?

In my experience, exploratory tests are the main source for the real and valid bugs as a first hand opportunity to verify applications. Leading organisations such as HSBC hire dedicated exploratory testers to get more interesting defects

Instead of following a scripted set of test cases, exploratory testing involves testers actively exploring the application, interacting with it, and trying to find defects or issues through their own intuition, creativity, and understanding of the software.

Exploratory testing, seen through a customer's eyes, involves delving into software with a fresh perspective, uncovering hidden intricacies and potential issues, mimicking the authentic user experience without preconceived information. It's a methodical yet imaginative approach, essential for a comprehensive evaluation beyond scripted tests.

You can't define exploratory testing in a vacuum - it exists in a synergy and contrast with other types of tests. Case tests, unit tests, what have you. They share one characteristic "weakness" that exploratory testing covers - they fundamentally assume that only the elements defined in the test vary and may cause a pass or fail. In addition, exploratory testing gives you some insight into the user experience outside dedicated user experience tests that are typically limited to certain time frames in the production cycle.

Exploratory software testing is done on the fly and relies on the tester to think beyond the limits of the scripted tests. Exploratory testers design a test, execute it immediately, observe the results, and use results to design the next test. Exploratory testing is widely used in Agile models, and it allows testers to go beyond the limits of scripted testing. Think of scripted testing as taking a train. It's?on rails. It will never deviate from that path. Exploratory testing is more like driving a car. Your general goal is to get from point A to B, but you can take any path and deviation that catches your eye along the way.

Makes this a simpler method outside of knowledge based exploration. Take these words on "try and break it" do what you think will cause the system or application to fall over. Use those touch points to expand, if it breaks on performance go down that rabbit hole see what you find?

The tester should first gain a solid understanding of the application's purpose, functionality, and target audience. The next step should be to determine which areas of the application needs focus during testing. This could include high-risk or critical functionalities, recently implemented features, or areas that have historically been problematic. Tester should interact with the application as a user would. Play around with different features, functionalities, and scenarios. Try to think like a user and consider various ways they might use the application.

To perform exploratory testing, it is important to understand the importance of scope. Tester must adhere to the scope of exploratory testing and follow the time limits.

The tester simply tries to interact with as much UI elements as he/she can, in various sequences until something wrong or unexpected happens. It's very much like playing with your new car, new audio/video system, or any other new tool.

Understand the software's main functions. Define a specific area or feature you want to test. Interact with the software, trying different inputs and scenarios. Document any issues or observations as you test it.

Main advantage of exploratory testing is it allows testers to uncover defects, bugs, and unexpected behaviors that might not be covered by predefined test cases. It also provides quick feedback, especially in agile development environments where short development cycles are common. Testers can start testing without waiting for formal test cases to be written.

Exploratory testing does not require predefined test cases and helps the tester to build knowledge around the application. For my personal experience, it contributes to our understanding and building expertise around the application.

This might seem controversial - but Exploratory testing is especially useful when there is a lack of resources for testing. In practice, especially in smaller companies, testing is either an afterthought or, even if it is considered from the start, the timeframe for it is very restricted. In this situation, exploratory testing comes into play. When it is done properly, it can even substitute scripted testing, so that the new features are ready to face the world. This, of course, is not a long-term solution, but a great "emergency kit". Another huge benefit of exploratory testing is that since it requires sold domain knowledge, it is a great way to train new QA team members to get to know the product better.

Exploratory testing means the tester does not follow strict guidelines of test cases rather interacts with the app as a user to see how things behave. This would mean endless use test cases, and no real effort estimation. How do you deal with this? Step1. Implement TDD The amount of bugs will reduce drastically once the requirements are more refined Step2: if needed/possible go for cucumber for early test automation. Step3: manual test phase, at this point the amount of bugs generated in the app will be very low so the tester can explore the functionality and test it. The time saved in comebacks is used to perform exploratory tests. Utilising the extensive knowledge gained during the shift left phase of tests.

Different people have different intuition - so they will choose different routes throughout the UI of the software. Scripted tests can not possibly predict everything - so using the natural curiosity and different habits of people easily allows to quickly discover hidden bugs, edge cases and "impossible" sequences of events.

Exploratory testing heavily relies on testers' intuition and creativity. This subjectivity can lead to inconsistencies in testing across different testers and testing sessions. Another challenge of exploratory testing is that depends on the skill and experience of the testers. Less experienced testers might struggle to identify critical issues or explore the application effectively.

For the challenge to be successful it is important that the evaluator has a goal in the exploration and a finite time. The evaluator does not have to navigate everywhere; you should explore a route for session.

The most important thing in exploratory testing is the ability of the tester to notice small details and tiny inconsistencies - because we know that a small leak will sink a great ship.

Results can vary between testers, such as due to small differences in physical devices. Issues found might be hard to reproduce. There's a risk of not documenting findings to where everyone can understand.

The main challenge of exploratory testing is it's open-endedness. It doesn't have a specific focus, no real end to it nor have precise numbers to base reports on.

The most effective way to improve exploratory testing is by investing in training to enhance testers' skills, domain knowledge, and familiarity with the application. Well-trained testers are more effective at identifying issues and exploring the application thoroughly.

Exploratory testing (like most human activities) is a combination of natural abilities and learned skills. Some people simply notice more details, make logical conclusions faster and with less efforts, deduce from a lot less information. Some people are simply (very) good in this.

Update your knowledge about the software. Use tools to help document your findings. Share and discuss your findings with other testers. Integrate new tools while keeping to legacy if there is one.

Improving exploratory testing suggestions are as follows: 1. Switching features tested regularly between team members can help with exploratory testing, as different perspectives are advisable and healthy for uncovering hidden defects. 2. Improving reporting with the help of descriptive defect reference images and videos (with descriptive audio)

Sharing my personal story - When I started as a QA Engineer, I was asked to perform exploratory testing of the application and when I found something not behaving in a way, I expected I was told that it doesn't work that way. Slowly I while exploring the app I build my knowledge and until today I keep exploring and finding new things.

One of the ways I like to think about exploratory testing scenarios is thinking about “what a user can do in the app”. It may not be how the app was intended to be used but if the user can do it, you should account for it in the design and implementation of the software. A large number of bugs are released because teams do not think beyond how the software is intended to be used. Exploratory testing can reveal these issues so your team can handle them appropriately.