What are exploratory tests, and why do they matter?

Performing exploratory testing helps testers develop a high-quality product that delivers a seamless user experience by leveraging their knowledge and skills. Software testing has been essential to software development to ensure that software works as intended.

Exploratory testing is a manual form of software testing method commonly known for its concurrent learning, test design, and execution. In this approach, testers uncover defects that aren't easily detected with other types of tests otherwise.

Testers contribute vast knowledge and creativity to this type of testing. Furthermore, they must make decisions at every moment, such as determining what to test next and allocating their limited time accordingly.?

As exploratory testing has added benefits, we have reasons why we need to use this type of approach.?

During exploratory testing, a user can review a product's quality from the user's perspective in specific circumstances, such as when they are learning about a product or application quickly and want to provide feedback.

Usually, other types of testing have a structure defined on its own. In most cases, the test coverage is adequate technically because test cases are determined based on user stories, and test data is structured based on them.?

While exploratory testing, on the other hand, is a relatively random and unstructured form of testing, it helps discover bugs that would go unnoticed in a structured testing phase and prevents critical quality issues from occurring.

Testers can create documentation on the spot with exploratory testing. They can add defects and assertions, voice memos, and annotate defects as they go along. And this is the way how user stories form test cases. In this approach, test execution is carried out without formally defining the test steps. An agile workflow is also facilitated by visual feedback and collaborative testing tools that enable everyone to take part in exploratory testing.?

The most successful testing method is one in which testers approach the test creatively, so it should be performed by a team of highly experienced testers with a broad knowledge base. In cases where iterations are needed early on, this method is often a valuable tool, as it sets the groundwork for bug-free code in the future.

It allows testers to confirm that they understand the application and its functionality thoroughly and have no confusion about any part of it, thereby completing the most important part of understanding requirements. It helps gather useful test scripts and shading unnecessary test cases that don't yield results, as the testers write and execute them simultaneously.?

Exploratory testing acts as a tool that identifies faults that other methods may miss, as well as the ability of testers to think creatively, which is considered an important factor in a product's quality. In this sense, it is a perfect fit for our QAonCloud team to show our expertise and bring knowledge and add new perspectives to view the process from a unique point of view. Get in touch with us to know more.