Software Testing - Exploratory Testing

1. What is Exploratory Testing?

Exploratory Testing is a testing approach where testers learn the application, design test scenarios, and execute tests at the same time, without relying on pre-written test cases.
It is simultaneous learning, test design, and execution.

It relies heavily on:

  • Tester’s creativity

  • Domain knowledge

  • Analytical skills

  • Past experience

It is especially useful when:

  • Requirements are unclear

  • Time is limited

  • You want to uncover unexpected issues

  • Early-stage builds need quick evaluation

2. Key Characteristics

✔ Learning-oriented

Testers explore the application to understand how it behaves.

✔ Simultaneous test planning & execution

There is no strict sequence or script — tests evolve as the tester discovers new behavior.

✔ Freedom + responsibility

Tester chooses what to test next based on insights from previous actions.

✔ High creativity and intuition

Exploratory testing relies on human observation, curiosity, and decision-making power.

3. Goals of Exploratory Testing

  • Discover defects that scripted tests miss

  • Understand the product deeply

  • Identify usability issues

  • Quickly find high-risk problem areas

  • Evaluate the quality of new features

  • Validate system behavior for unexpected inputs

4. When to Use Exploratory Testing

Exploratory testing is extremely useful in these situations:

✔ When requirements are incomplete or unclear

Early stages of development.

✔ When you have limited time

Smaller release cycles, hotfix verification.

✔ During regression cycles

To find side effects of recent changes.

✔ When testing a new feature

Understand how it works before writing detailed test cases.

✔ When testing complex user workflows

Where scripted tests may not cover all real-life usage.

5. How to Perform Exploratory Testing (Process)

Step 1 — Define a Test Charter

A test charter acts as a mission statement for the session.
Example:

“Explore the login module to identify security loopholes and validation issues.”

Step 2 — Time-box the session

Typical session time: 45–90 minutes
This prevents distraction and keeps focus.

Step 3 — Explore the application

Perform tasks such as:

  • Checking different user paths

  • Varying inputs

  • Combining flows

  • Stressing form fields

  • Interacting with UI creatively

Step 4 — Take notes

Document:

  • What you tested

  • Issues found

  • Questions to ask the developer

  • New test ideas

Step 5 — Log defects

Record:

  • Steps to reproduce

  • Observations

  • Screenshots/video if needed

Step 6 — Debrief

Discuss with team:

  • Insights

  • Coverage

  • Risks found

  • Need for follow-up testing

6. Types of Exploratory Testing

1) Ad-hoc Testing

No structure; purely freestyle exploration.

2) Session-Based Testing (SBTM)

More disciplined. Includes:

  • Test charter

  • Time box

  • Tracking notes

  • Debrief
    This is the most professional form of exploratory testing.

3) Pair Exploratory Testing

Two testers (or tester + developer) explore together.

4) Tour-Based Testing

Inspired by “software tours.” Examples:

  • Feature tour: explore each feature

  • Data tour: test all types of input data

  • Money tour: explore highest-value business areas

  • Complexity tour: test complicated logic

7. Advantages of Exploratory Testing

✔ Finds hidden defects

Especially those missed by scripted tests.

✔ Fast and flexible

Perfect for short deadlines.

✔ Encourages creativity

Testers can think like end users.

✔ Useful for early-stage builds

Where documentation is incomplete.

✔ Helps understand product behavior

Before writing formal test cases.

✔ Adaptable

You can immediately change test direction based on insights.

8. Disadvantages / Limitations

✖ Difficult to track coverage

Since tests are not scripted.

✖ Not ideal for large teams

Multiple testers may overlap testing areas.

✖ Harder to reproduce bugs

If detailed notes are not taken.

✖ Cannot replace formal testing

It complements but does not replace scripted, regression, or automated testing.

✖ Requires skilled testers

Beginners may miss important issues.

9. Exploratory Testing Examples

Example 1 — Login Page

A tester might try:

  • Empty username/password

  • SQL injection attempts

  • Very long inputs

  • Different combinations

  • Rapid incorrect attempts

  • Switching tabs during login

  • Testing "Back" button behavior

Example 2 — Shopping Cart

A tester may explore:

  • Adding/removing items rapidly

  • Updating quantity with extreme numbers

  • Discount code edge cases

  • Network disconnection during checkout

  • Switching accounts

Example 3 — Form Validation

Testers may:

  • Paste large text

  • Use emojis or scripts

  • Try invalid email formats

  • Use leading/trailing spaces

  • Submit without inputs

10. Best Practices

  • Always create a charter before starting

  • Keep clear and concise notes

  • Use a timer (45–90 minutes)

  • Record your screen for complex flows

  • Focus on high-risk and poorly documented areas

  • Collaborate with devs to define what to explore

  • Use tools:

    • Screen recorder (e.g., Loom)

    • Mind maps (XMind, Miro)

    • Note-taking apps

    • Browser dev tools