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Wioletta Mikłasewicz
Wioletta Mikłasewicz

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A few words about exploratory testing

Exploratory testing is a type of software testing that is focused on exploring the system and discovering new defects and issues. It is an interactive and dynamic testing technique that allows testers to use their creativity and curiosity to find defects that might have been missed by other types of testing.

That technique is often used when there is little or no documentation or requirements for the system being tested. It is also used when the system is complex or the testing goals are not clearly defined.

During exploratory testing, testers will typically use a combination of testing techniques, including manual testing, automated testing, and exploratory testing tools. They will also use their knowledge and experience to identify potential issues and test the system in ways that were not previously planned or specified.

One of the key benefits of exploratory testing is that it allows testers to uncover defects early in the development process, which can save time and money in the long run. It also allows testers to identify areas of the system that need further testing and to develop new test cases based on the defects that are found.

We still need to remember, that exploratory testing is a powerful technique for discovering defects and issues in software, however, it may not be sufficient in certain situations.

One of the main limitations of exploratory testing is that it is highly dependent on the skills and experience of the tester.
It relies on the tester's ability to identify potential issues and test the system in ways that were not previously planned or specified. In situations where the tester lacks the necessary expertise or experience, exploratory testing may not be effective.

Another limitation of exploratory testing is that it may not be as thorough as other types of testing. It is focused on discovering new defects and issues, but it may not cover all possible scenarios or test cases. For example, if a software is built to be compliant with certain regulations, exploratory testing may not cover all the regulations or test cases required to assure compliance.

Additionally, in situations where there are strict deadlines or the system is mission-critical, exploratory testing may not be feasible due to the time and resources required. In these cases, other types of testing such as regression testing or automated testing may be more appropriate.

Overall, while exploratory testing is a valuable technique for discovering defects and issues, it should be used in conjunction with other types of testing to ensure that the software is thoroughly tested and meets the required quality standards.

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