Exploratory Testing | Streamlining Exploratory Testing with TAST
Tags: testing, softwarequality, exploratorytesting, functional
Published: 2023-07-21 09:03:12

Exploratory testing is a method used to find bugs and problems in software without adhering to a predetermined test plan. It makes use of the tester’s knowledge, skills, and experience. The tester is free to explore the software in a flexible manner, test various features and scenarios and identify potential problems, rather than having to comply with a predetermined set of instructions. Exploratory testing is especially useful when new or complex applications need to be tested, where it can be a challenge to foresee all possible test cases. 

When performing exploratory testing, testers often take an “ad hoc” approach, meaning that they decide what to test and how to test it on the spot without first creating a detailed plan. They have the ability to perform tasks such as clicking on various user interface elements, entering information into input fields, interacting with various functionalities, and viewing the results. 

Exploratory testing also allows testers to test non-functional aspects such as usability, performance, and security. By exploring the software more freely, they can identify usability issues, such as confusing workflows or unintuitive interfaces. By subjecting the software to multiple workloads or performing repetitive tasks, they can also find performance issues. 

Some of the main characteristics of this type of tests are: 

- Flexible approach: Exploratory testing is based on the tester’s experience and knowledge, allowing them to modify as they go along. They are not constrained by a predetermined testing strategy and are free to delve into the software as they see fit. 

- Creativity and intuition: testers can use their creativity and intuition to discover possible defects. To find problems, they can experiment with various combinations of actions, look for strange scenarios or even simulate end-user behavior. 

- Learning during testing: As testers explore the software, they gain a deeper understanding of its operation and behavior. This allows them to identify risk areas and concentrate their testing efforts there. 

- Exploration of non-functional components: Exploratory testing can test non-functional components such as security, performance, and usability, in addition to software functionality. When attempting to access restricted areas or manipulate data, testers may encounter security issues, while performance issues may arise when testing software under various workloads. 

- Logging and documentation: Although exploratory testing does not adhere to a predetermined test plan, it is crucial that testers record and document their findings as they are made. This helps to track problems encountered, communicate them to the development team, and facilitate defect reproduction. 

- Complementing other testing techniques: While exploratory testing is valuable, it should not be the only approach used. To ensure more complete coverage, they can be used in conjunction with other testing methods, such as scenario-based testing or regression testing. 

- Iterative and continuous: Exploratory testing can be performed in iterations during the software development cycle. Testers can perform additional exploratory testing to ensure that the software remains stable and bug-free as changes and new features are added. 
 

Due to the characteristics of exploratory tests, their automation involves many challenges. But can we make these exploratory tests more agile? The answer is yes. 

In TAST Test Automation System Tool there is the “[Manual TAST](https://wiki.testautomationsystemtool.com/doku.php?id=en:manual_intervention)” functionality that allows: 

- Manual intervention of the tester. 
- Record manual test sets. 
- Generate evidence along with the results of the steps. 
- Load results into project management applications such as ALM Octane or Jira/Xray. 
 
In short, with TAST it is possible to make testing and test equipment efficient, automating or allowing manual intervention using “Manual TAST” in those cases where automation is not an option. 

Click [here ](https://www.sipsa.net/en/tast-test-automation-system-tool-2/)to learn more about TAST.