How to Perform Exploratory Testing Like a Pro

Exploratory testing is a powerful technique in a QA engineer’s toolkit. Unlike scripted testing, where tests are pre-planned and follow specific steps, exploratory testing encourages testers to investigate an application freely, discover defects, and improve overall software quality through their intuition and experience.

In this guide, I’ll break down the essentials of performing exploratory testing effectively, including key techniques, tips for success, and common pitfalls to avoid.

What is Exploratory Testing?

Exploratory testing is an unscripted, ad-hoc approach where the tester actively learns about the software while testing it. The tester is not following a predefined set of instructions but instead uses their understanding of the application to explore different areas, uncover bugs, and identify potential risks.

The goal isn’t just to find bugs, but to understand how the application behaves in unexpected scenarios, catch edge cases, and gain deeper insights into how the product performs in real-world conditions.

Why is Exploratory Testing Important?

Exploratory testing is essential for QA engineers because it mimics how real users would interact with the software. It focuses on discovering issues that scripted tests might miss, especially in complex or rapidly evolving applications. It can uncover subtle bugs, usability issues, and unexpected behavior that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Some key benefits of exploratory testing include:

• Faster Feedback: It helps uncover defects early without waiting for a full set of test cases.
• Improved Test Coverage: Exploratory testing explores scenarios that might not be covered by traditional tests.
• Flexibility: Testers can change direction based on findings, adapting their testing to areas that need more attention.

How to Perform Exploratory Testing Like a Pro

1. Set Clear Objectives
   Although exploratory testing is unscripted, having a clear objective for the session is essential. Decide on the areas of the application you want to focus on, such as specific features, integrations, or areas prone to defects. A clear goal helps ensure that the session stays productive and avoids aimless wandering.
   Example: You might focus on a new feature like a payment gateway or a recent bug fix to ensure the defect is truly resolved and hasn’t caused new issues.
2. Break Down the Test Session into Time Blocks
   Exploratory testing doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. Break your session into manageable time blocks, typically 30 minutes to 1 hour. After each block, take a moment to reflect on your findings, adjust your approach, and plan your next steps. This keeps you focused and organized, avoiding burnout and unproductive sessions.
3. Use Charters to Guide Your Exploration
   A charter is a high-level description of what you want to explore during your testing session. It’s more specific than just “test the application,” and it helps keep the exploration targeted. Charters could be things like “verify login functionality” or “explore payment failures” and should include any known risks, areas of concern, or recent changes in the application.
4. Take Notes and Document Findings
   Even though exploratory testing is more informal, documenting your findings is crucial. Take notes on bugs, issues, or unusual behavior you encounter. Tools like session-based test management (SBTM) can help document the session, making it easier to track progress, share insights with your team, and ensure that the findings are actionable.
   Tip: Keep track of any areas that need follow-up, potential edge cases, or usability concerns. This can be valuable during sprint reviews or later in the development cycle.
5. Stay Curious and Think Like the User
   One of the key strengths of exploratory testing is that it allows you to think creatively and try things outside of the expected user path. Go beyond the typical user flows and think about how the software could break or behave unexpectedly. Testers who approach exploratory testing with a sense of curiosity are often the ones who uncover the most valuable insights.
   Example: If you’re testing a form, don’t just submit valid data. Try entering incorrect values, leave fields blank, or enter long strings to see how the form reacts.
   • Test in Layers
     Exploratory testing often uncovers issues related to UI, performance, and backend processes. To maximize the effectiveness of your testing, use layers in your approach:
     • Functionality: Does the app work as expected?
     • Usability: Is the app intuitive and easy to use?
     • Performance: Does the app respond quickly, especially during load-heavy actions?
     • Security: Are there vulnerabilities or ways to bypass security measures?
   • Tip: Start with high-risk or complex areas and gradually move to simpler or lower-risk ones as you go.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Lack of Focus
   While exploratory testing encourages flexibility, aimlessness can lead to wasted time. Stay focused on your objectives and always know what area or feature you’re testing. If you find something interesting, make sure to come back to your main task once you’ve documented the issue.
2. Not Taking Enough Notes
   Since exploratory testing is often informal, it’s easy to forget to document your actions. Without proper notes, it’s harder to replicate findings or provide actionable feedback. Make note of what you did, where you tested, and the outcome.
3. Ignoring Feedback Loops
   Exploratory testing benefits from real-time feedback. If you discover a bug, report it immediately or adjust your test approach. Regularly pause to evaluate what you’ve found and consider changing your approach based on new information.
4. Overlooking Automated Testing
   Exploratory testing can be highly valuable, but it doesn’t replace the need for automated regression or smoke tests. Relying solely on exploratory testing for verification can miss the broad coverage automated tests provide.

Exploratory testing is an essential skill for every QA engineer. It’s a powerful way to uncover hidden bugs, improve test coverage, and simulate real-world user behavior. By approaching exploratory testing with a clear plan, a curious mindset, and proper documentation, you’ll be able to perform tests that not only find defects but also provide valuable insights into the quality of the software.

As you continue to practice exploratory testing, remember that it’s all about balance—be creative, but also focused. Like any skill, the more you refine your approach, the better you’ll get at discovering critical issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.