Software testing is an integral part of the development process. It ensures that the software meets user requirements, functions as expected, and is defects-free.
Two popular testing approaches are exploratory testing and automation testing. Both have advantages and disadvantages; finding the right balance is critical to ensure the software is thoroughly tested.
This knowledge proved invaluable when I transitioned from a QA role to a developer position. It helped me grasp the full importance of testing and the details of creating strong, user-focused software.
In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between exploratory testing and automation testing and how to find the right balance between the two.
Exploratory testing: An unscripted approach
Exploratory testing is a critical component for uncovering unexpected issues. Exploratory testing offers a flexible and intuitive approach that contrasts with the rigidity of automated testing. This method empowers testers to use their knowledge, experience, and intuition to navigate and test the software.
Its flexible and unscripted approach involves investigation, learning, and testing design simultaneously. During testing, test cases are determined and focused on finding defects that may have been missed by automated tests or improving test design. Exploratory testing is like having a conversation – it is spontaneous, and the tester's mind is in control.
Unlike automated testing, exploratory testing is dynamic, with test cases evolving as testing progresses. It encourages testers to perform exploratory testing, think like end-users, and identify issues from the customer's perspective
The philosophy behind exploratory testing
As we said, the tester's mind is in control, so exploratory testing benefits from a tester's creativity, critical thinking, and experience.
This philosophy acknowledges the complex and often unpredictable nature of software, understanding that some defects are only visible through the lens of human interaction. Exploratory testing encourages testers to think like end-users, anticipating needs and identifying problems that scripted testing might not reveal.
It confirms the idea that effective testing involves more than just executing predefined steps; it requires engagement, exploration, and evaluation.
What are the types of exploratory testing?
Different types of exploratory testing can be used depending on the testing objectives and the complexity of the software application. Some of the common types of exploratory testing include:
1. Freestyle exploratory testing
Freestyle exploratory testing involves the tester exploring the software application without following any specific test plan or script. The tester relies on their intuition, experience, and application knowledge to identify defects and areas that require further testing.
2. Scenario-based exploratory testing
Scenario-based exploratory testing involves creating scenarios based on user requirements and testing those scenarios. This approach allows testers to focus on specific scenarios and ensures that the software application meets user requirements.
3. Strategy-based exploratory testing
Strategy-based exploratory testing involves creating a test strategy and exploring the software application based on that strategy. The strategy can be based on the type of testing required, the areas of the application that require testing, or the types of defects that need to be identified.
Exploratory testing tools and techniques
Although exploratory testing is driven by human skills, various tools and techniques can improve its effectiveness. Tools that capture real-time testing activities, such as screen recordings and session logs, are invaluable for documentation and collaboration.
Additionally, using exploratory testing tools designed to manage test sessions can help organize and prioritize testing efforts, ensuring that testers can systematically explore the software while maintaining the flexibility to follow new paths as they are discovered.
Techniques like boundary value analysis and equivalence partitioning can also be adapted for exploratory testing, allowing testers to thoroughly examine potential weak points and edge cases within the application.
Creating a test charter
A test charter is a tool in exploratory testing, guiding the tester's exploration by defining objectives, scope, and any specific constraints of a test session. It serves as a compass, providing direction while allowing for the flexibility inherent in exploratory testing.
Effective test charters include information about the target areas for testing, potential risk factors, and the desired outcomes, allowing testers to focus their efforts on uncovering the most critical issues. By framing exploration within a test charter, testers can ensure a balanced approach, combining free exploration with targeted, goal-oriented testing strategies.
Incorporating these practices and understanding the exploratory testing can enhance software testing quality. It can help teams effectively identify and address issues throughout the development process.
Exploratory testing, focusing on human insight and adaptability, complements automated testing. It addresses areas that scripted testing misses, creating a well-rounded approach to ensuring software quality. Let's see about automation testing.
Automation testing: A structured approach
Automation testing represents a methodical and organized approach to software testing, where predefined scripts and tools are used to execute test cases efficiently.
This approach is important for projects requiring high levels of accuracy and repeatability in testing. Automation facilitates the verification of expected outcomes and ensures the consistency of test cases over time.
Over time, as technology evolves, the range of automation testing grows, covering different types of tests to match the goals and challenges of software applications.
What is automation testing?
At its core, automation testing is about using technology to automate the execution of test cases. In other words, it uses technology to perform test cases with minimal human intervention. It’s akin to setting up a well-oiled machine where tests are conducted systematically, following a predetermined path laid out by the testing team.
This method effectively ensures that all functional and non-functional aspects of the application meet the specified requirements. By automating tests, teams can run thousands of test cases in the time it would take to execute just a fraction of them manually, significantly improving test coverage and defect detection.
What are the types of automation testing?
Different types of automation testing can be used depending on the testing objectives and the complexity of the software application. The most used types of automation testing include:
1. Unit testing
Unit testing involves testing individual units or modules of the software application to ensure that they are working as expected. Unit tests are usually written by developers and are checked upon in the project CI/CD pipeline.
2. Integration testing
Integration testing involves examining how different modules or components of the software application interact with each other. Integration tests are also written by developers and are usually executed after the previously mentioned unit tests.
3. Regression testing
Regression testing involves testing the software application after changes have been made to ensure that existing functionality has not been impacted. Both developers and QA play a role in developing regression tests, which are usually run on an isolated environment, separate from Unit & Integration tests.
4. Security testing
Security testing involves testing the software application for vulnerabilities and weaknesses that attackers could exploit.
5. Performance testing
Performance testing involves testing the software application to ensure that it performs well under normal and peak load conditions.
6. Acceptance testing
Acceptance testing involves testing the software application to ensure that it meets user requirements and is ready for release. End-users or business stakeholders usually perform acceptance testing. A popular tool used in automating acceptance tests is Cucumber, which facilitates Behavior-Driven Development (BDD). Cucumber allows for writing test cases in plain, descriptive language (Gherkin) that stakeholders can understand.
When should I use automation testing?
Automation testing is most beneficial when applied to tests that are run frequently and require high accuracy, such as regression tests, or when testing a large volume of scenarios.
It's particularly effective in projects with a long maintenance window where the software undergoes frequent changes, necessitating regular re-testing of existing functionalities. However, the decision to automate should also consider the investment in terms of tools and script development. For instance, automated tests are invaluable for critical software where failure is not an option. They help thoroughly test the application with many test cases to find any issues that could cause problems.
On the other hand, projects with fluid requirements or those in the early stages of development may benefit more from a balanced approach that includes both automated and exploratory testing methods. Projects with fluid requirements refer to those where the specifications, features, or goals are subject to change frequently throughout the development process.
Automated tests might overlook unexpected problems and might not offer deep insights into the user experience.
Deciding between exploratory and automated testing: Key factors to consider
Consider the following factors when choosing which testing technique you’d like to use and implement:
1. The criticality of the software
If the software is critical and cannot fail, you may want to use more automated testing to ensure that all test cases are covered and no defects are found.
However, if the software is not critical, you may want to use more exploratory testing to uncover defects that other testing approaches may have missed.
2. Determine the testing objectives
If you are still in doubt, you can ask yourself these questions: Are you testing to confirm that the software meets the requirements, or are you testing to improve the quality of the software? Are you testing to find defects, or are you focused on finding defects that may have been missed by automated testing or improving test design?
Depending on your testing objectives, you may want to use more exploratory or automated testing.
3. Consider the project timeline
If your project timeline is tight, you may want to use more automation testing to save time and increase test coverage. However, if you have more time, you may want to use more exploratory testing to uncover defects that other testing approaches may have missed.
4. Consider the cost of testing
Automation testing requires an investment in tools and scripts, which can be costly. You may want to use more exploratory testing if you have a limited budget. However, automation testing can be a worthwhile investment if you have a larger budget.
5. Determine the skills and experience of the testing team
The skills and experience of the testing team are essential when deciding whether to use exploratory testing or automation testing. Automation testing requires a different set of skills compared to exploratory testing.
For example, testers need to be proficient in programming languages, automation tools, and frameworks to perform automation testing. Then again, exploratory testing requires testers to be skilled in testing techniques, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
How exploratory and automated testing work together
Integrating exploratory and automated testing within a software development lifecycle embodies a comprehensive approach. It uses the strengths of both methods to enhance the quality and reliability of software products. This synergy allows teams to combine the unpredictability and human insight of exploratory testing with the precision and efficiency of automated testing.
Effective exploratory testing: The best of both worlds
Achieving a balance between exploratory and automated testing is important for software teams aiming to optimize their testing strategy.
This balance involves utilizing automated testing for regression, load, and performance tests to ensure the software's functionality over multiple iterations. At the same time, exploratory testing should be employed to uncover unexpected scenarios and to test the software from the customer's viewpoint, ensuring a more comprehensive test coverage. This dual approach enables identifying and rectifying a broader range of issues, leading to a robust and user-friendly software product.
Exploratory testing complements continuous testing
Exploratory testing serves as a crucial complement to automated testing. While automated tests validate predefined paths and scenarios, exploratory testing delves into uncharted territories, offering insights into usability and real-world applications that automated tests might miss.
This collaboration improves the testing process. It allows for rapid adjustments and improvements, supporting the fast-paced nature of ongoing development processes.
Can exploratory testing be automated?
While exploratory testing is inherently manual, certain aspects of exploratory testing can be enhanced with automation. Tools and technologies can capture detailed logs and scenarios during exploratory sessions, aiding in reproducing issues and documenting test cases.
Moreover, automation can support exploratory testing by handling routine tasks, allowing testers to devote more time to critical thinking and exploration. However, the creativity and intuition involved in exploratory testing remain largely a human endeavor.
Special considerations in testing
Testing strategies must adapt to software development projects, considering various factors that dictate the most effective testing approach.
When to use exploratory testing
Exploratory testing is particularly beneficial in the early stages of development when requirements are still evolving, and the software's behavior under different scenarios is largely unknown. It is also crucial when testing complex user interactions or when the test basis is not fully documented. Projects emphasizing user experience and usability can greatly benefit from the insights from exploratory testing.
Differences between ad hoc testing and exploratory testing
Though often confused, ad hoc testing and exploratory testing are distinct methodologies. Ad hoc testing is characterized by random testing without specific plans or documentation, relying solely on the tester's momentary intuition.
In contrast, exploratory testing is a structured process that, while flexible, involves systematic investigation, learning, and adaptation based on the tester's findings. Exploratory testing encourages the documentation of insights and strategies, making it a more deliberate and valuable approach.
Ad hoc testing can serve as an excellent training ground for new testers. It allows them to get acquainted with the application in a very hands-on way, encouraging a deep dive into its functionality and potential problem areas without the pressure of following a script. This can lead to a more intuitive understanding of the software.
Exploratory testing vs scripted testing
Exploratory testing differentiates from scripted testing by prioritizing the tester's freedom to investigate and adapt their approach based on real-time findings.
Scripted testing follows predefined steps and expected outcomes, offering repeatability and coverage for specific test scenarios. However, it may miss unexpected defects or usability issues. The choice between exploratory and scripted testing should be guided by the project's specific needs, risks, and stages of development.
Is exploratory testing white box testing?
Exploratory testing is not limited to white-box paradigms. It encompasses both white-box and black-box techniques, depending on the tester's knowledge and the objectives of the testing session.
Exploratory testing's flexibility allows testers to apply their understanding of the software's internals when beneficial, but it can also be conducted with no knowledge of the underlying code, focusing instead on the user experience and behavior.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to testing
Choosing between exploratory testing and automation testing can be challenging, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. As testing progresses, it's crucial to evaluate multiple factors, including the software's criticality, your testing goals, the project's schedule, the testing team's capabilities, and the financial investment in testing tools.
Both exploratory and automated testing offer unique benefits and drawbacks. The secret to effective software testing lies in striking a balance that uses the strengths of both approaches to achieve comprehensive and efficient test coverage.
