What is exploratory testing?
Theme: Testing Techniques Role: Qa Engineer/Test Engineer Function: Technology
Interview Question for QA Engineer/Test Engineer: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About QA Engineer/Test Engineer: Ensure software quality through testing and quality assurance. This role falls within the Technology function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Testing Techniques with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Definition: Exploratory testing is a dynamic and simultaneous approach to testing where the tester designs and executes test cases on-the-fly, based on their knowledge, experience, and intuition
- Objectives: The main objectives of exploratory testing are to discover defects, evaluate the quality of the system, learn about the system, and provide feedback to stakeholders
- Process: Exploratory testing involves simultaneous test design, execution, and learning. Testers explore the system, create and execute test cases, observe system behavior, and adapt their testing approach based on their findings
- Test Design: Testers use their domain knowledge, experience, and intuition to design test cases on-the-fly. They may use heuristics, checklists, or previous test results to guide their testing
- Test Execution: Testers execute test cases while actively exploring the system. They may vary their test inputs, interact with the system in different ways, and observe system behavior to identify potential defects
- Documentation: Exploratory testing is often documented through session-based testing, where testers record their activities, observations, and defects encountered during a testing session
- Benefits: Exploratory testing allows for early defect detection, encourages creativity and critical thinking, provides rapid feedback, and helps uncover issues that scripted testing may miss
- Challenges: Some challenges of exploratory testing include the lack of predefined test cases, the need for skilled testers, potential bias or blind spots, and the difficulty in reproducing and documenting defects
- Combination with Other Testing Approaches: Exploratory testing can be combined with other testing approaches, such as scripted testing or automated testing, to complement and enhance the overall testing strategy
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Knowledge & understanding: Assessing your understanding of exploratory testing and its principles
- Experience: Evaluating your practical experience in conducting exploratory testing and its effectiveness in finding defects
- Approach & mindset: Assessing your approach to exploratory testing, including your ability to think critically, adapt, and explore different scenarios
- Communication skills: Evaluating your ability to explain and articulate the concept of exploratory testing to others
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of understanding: Providing a vague or incorrect definition of exploratory testing
- Inability to differentiate from other testing methods: Confusing exploratory testing with other types of testing, such as scripted testing or ad-hoc testing
- Limited experience: Not being able to provide examples or real-life scenarios where exploratory testing was used effectively
- Lack of structure: Failing to mention the importance of test charters, session-based testing, or any structured approach to exploratory testing
- Ignoring documentation: Not mentioning the importance of documenting findings, observations, and test cases during exploratory testing
- Overemphasis on automation: Focusing solely on automated exploratory testing, without acknowledging the value of manual exploration and human intuition
- Inadequate communication skills: Struggling to articulate the benefits and advantages of exploratory testing to the interviewer
- Resistance to change: Expressing a negative attitude towards exploratory testing or being unwilling to adapt to new testing approaches