Tricentis Tosca MOOC: Introduction to Exploratory Testing Video Lecture | Automation Training with Tosca Testsuite - Software Testing

Ans. Exploratory testing is an approach to software testing where the tester dynamically explores the system under test, designs and executes test cases, and learns from the results as the testing progresses. It is a simultaneous process of test design, execution, and learning, which helps uncover defects and gain a deeper understanding of the software.

Ans. Exploratory testing differs from scripted testing in that it does not follow pre-determined test scripts or test cases. Unlike scripted testing, exploratory testing allows testers to freely explore the software, adapt their testing approach based on their findings, and make real-time decisions on what to test next. This flexibility makes exploratory testing more suitable for finding defects in complex or rapidly changing systems.

Ans. Some advantages of exploratory testing include: 1. Flexibility: Exploratory testing allows testers to adapt their testing approach based on their findings, which can help uncover defects that may not have been anticipated in scripted tests. 2. Faster defect detection: By exploring the system under test, testers have the opportunity to uncover defects early in the testing process, leading to faster bug detection and resolution. 3. Improved test coverage: Exploratory testing helps in identifying test scenarios that may not have been considered in scripted tests, thereby improving overall test coverage. 4. Better understanding of the software: Through exploratory testing, testers gain a deeper understanding of the software, its behavior, and potential risks, which can lead to more effective testing.

Ans. To perform effective exploratory testing, consider the following tips: 1. Understand the system: Gain a good understanding of the software under test and its intended functionality to guide your exploration. 2. Plan and prioritize: Define objectives and prioritize areas/features of the software to focus on during exploration. 3. Take notes: Document your findings, observations, and test scenarios as you explore the system to ensure traceability and facilitate further analysis. 4. Use heuristics: Apply various heuristics, such as equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, and error guessing, to guide your test design and uncover potential defects. 5. Collaborate: Engage with developers, business analysts, and other stakeholders to gather insights and validate your findings.

Ans. While exploratory testing has its benefits, it also has some limitations, including: 1. Lack of repeatability: Since exploratory testing does not follow predefined test scripts, it can be challenging to reproduce the exact testing steps and results, making it harder to demonstrate the testing process. 2. Lack of documentation: Due to the fluid nature of exploratory testing, documentation may be less extensive compared to scripted testing, making it difficult to track and communicate test coverage and results. 3. Expertise dependency: Exploratory testing heavily relies on the tester's skills, experience, and knowledge of the software. It may require experienced testers to effectively uncover defects and explore the system in a meaningful way. 4. Time and resource constraints: Exploratory testing can be time-consuming, especially when compared to scripted testing. It requires a significant investment of time and resources to explore the system thoroughly. 5. Subjectivity: Since exploratory testing involves real-time decision-making and relies on the tester's intuition, there is a risk of subjectivity in the testing process. This subjectivity can vary the effectiveness and reliability of the testing results.