Both monkey testing and adhoc testing follows the informal approach, but in monkey testing, we do not need to have deep knowledge of the software. However, to perform adhoc testing, testers should have a deep knowledge of the software.
Monkey testing and ad-hoc testing are both types of software testing, but they have distinct characteristics.
- Monkey Testing:
- Definition: Monkey testing, also known as random testing, is a type of software testing where inputs are provided randomly or semi-randomly to the system without any predefined test cases.
- Purpose: The goal of monkey testing is to discover unexpected errors and issues in the software by subjecting it to random and unpredictable inputs.
- Methodology: Testers or automated tools generate random input data (such as clicks, keystrokes, or other events) and feed it into the application to see how the system behaves under unpredictable conditions.
- Example: Clicking on random buttons, entering random data, or performing random actions within the application.
- Ad-hoc Testing:
- Definition: Ad-hoc testing is a type of software testing that is performed without any formal test plan or test cases. Testers execute tests based on their intuition, experience, and domain knowledge.
- Purpose: Ad-hoc testing is usually performed when there is a need for quick feedback or when formal testing documentation is not available. It helps in identifying defects that might not be found through formal testing.
- Methodology: Testers explore the application without a specific test script or plan. They use their creativity and domain knowledge to find defects, document issues, and provide feedback.
- Example: Testing different functionalities of an application in a non-systematic and unplanned manner based on the tester’s understanding of the system.
Key Differences:
- Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Inputs: Monkey testing involves providing random inputs in a somewhat controlled manner, while ad-hoc testing involves unscripted and uncontrolled testing based on tester intuition.
- Goal: Monkey testing is focused on finding unexpected errors due to random inputs, while ad-hoc testing is more about exploring the system in an unplanned way to discover defects.
- Methodology: Monkey testing follows a more systematic approach of generating random inputs, whereas ad-hoc testing relies on the tester’s creativity and domain knowledge without predefined test cases.
In summary, monkey testing introduces randomness in the testing process, while ad-hoc testing is characterized by its unplanned and exploratory nature based on tester intuition and experience.