When should Exploratory Testing be Performed?

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Exploratory testing is performed as a final check before the software is released. It is a complementary activity to automated regression testing.

Exploratory testing is a testing approach where testers dynamically explore the application, learn about it, and design and execute test cases simultaneously. It is often performed without predefined test scripts or test cases. Exploratory testing can be beneficial in various scenarios, and the decision to perform it depends on the context and project requirements. Here are some situations where exploratory testing might be appropriate:

  1. Early Testing Phases: Exploratory testing is often useful in the early stages of testing when the software is evolving rapidly, and formal test documentation may not be available or may be impractical to create.
  2. Usability Testing: When focusing on the user experience and user interface, exploratory testing can help identify usability issues that may not be easily captured in scripted tests.
  3. Ad-hoc Testing: When there is limited time for test planning and execution, exploratory testing can be employed to quickly identify critical defects and issues.
  4. Complex or Unfamiliar Systems: In situations where the testers are not familiar with the system or its requirements, exploratory testing allows them to learn about the application while testing it.
  5. Scenario-based Testing: Exploratory testing is well-suited for scenario-based testing, where the tester simulates real-world user interactions and scenarios to uncover unexpected issues.
  6. Agile and Rapid Development: In agile development environments, where changes are frequent, exploratory testing can adapt to evolving software quickly.
  7. When Creativity is Needed: Exploratory testing is often driven by the tester’s creativity and intuition. It’s beneficial when testers need to think outside the box to find defects.
  8. Risk-based Testing: Exploratory testing can be applied to areas of higher risk within the application, allowing testers to focus on critical functionality.

It’s important to note that while exploratory testing is valuable in certain situations, it is not a replacement for other testing methodologies. A balanced testing approach may involve a combination of exploratory testing, scripted testing, and other testing techniques based on project requirements.