What are the challenges of maintaining test automation scripts for exploratory testing scenarios?

2 Test automation challenges

One of the main challenges of maintaining test automation scripts for exploratory testing scenarios is that exploratory testing is inherently dynamic and unpredictable. Unlike scripted testing, exploratory testing does not follow a fixed plan or sequence, but rather adapts to the context, the findings, and the goals of the tester. This means that test automation scripts may need to be updated frequently, modified on the fly, or discarded altogether, depending on the situation. Another challenge is that exploratory testing often involves exploring new or unfamiliar features, functionalities, or behaviors of the system, which may not be well-defined, documented, or tested before. This means that test automation scripts may need to be created from scratch, based on assumptions, or validated with other sources of information.

3 Test automation strategies

To combat the issues associated with exploratory testing scenarios, test automation scripts need to be flexible, robust, and maintainable. Strategies to achieve this include utilizing data-driven or keyword-driven frameworks that allow for parameterization and modularization, as well as exploratory test automation tools that support natural language, visual, or graphical inputs and outputs. Additionally, these tools should support exploratory testing heuristics like tours, mind maps, checklists and oracles to guide testers through different aspects of the system, as well as feedback such as logs, screenshots, videos and reports that capture evidence and findings.

4 Test automation benefits

Despite the challenges, test automation can also provide some benefits for exploratory testing scenarios. For example, it can save time and effort by automating repetitive or tedious tasks, such as setting up the test environment or generating test data. Additionally, it can enhance test coverage by executing more tests faster and more frequently across different platforms or configurations. Furthermore, test automation can improve test reliability by reducing human errors and ensuring that the tests are executed in a consistent manner. Finally, it can provide fast feedback through real-time or near real-time delivery of test results, metrics, or alerts, allowing testers to identify and address issues or risks quickly.

5 Test automation best practices

To maximize the benefits and minimize the challenges of test automation for exploratory testing scenarios, there are some best practices to consider. Align test automation goals with exploratory testing goals, and select the right tools, frameworks, and techniques for your needs. Make sure to balance test automation and manual testing, using test automation to support human exploration, judgment, and learning. Collaborate with other testers, developers, or stakeholders by sharing test automation scripts, results, or insights for review and feedback. Finally, evaluate test automation scripts, results, or outcomes regularly and refine or update them as needed.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?