Exploratory Testing
Presentation Format: Full Day Tutorial/Workshop
Abstract
Exploratory Testing has gained popularity over the last few years, and has quite a following but, like Agile approaches, it still causes some dispute amongst software professional.
Some testers love its spontaneity, creativity and flexibility; others mistrust it because it is unsystematic, unplanned, undocumented and an excuse for sloppy work. Of course, ET has its time and place.
ET has its role in all environments, no matter how structured, but it should be regarded as another tool in the testers’ armoury, to be used with judgement.
In fact, Paul argues that all testing is exploratory.
See http://gerrardconsulting.com/?q=node/588.
This tutorial sets out the background to the New Model Testing, Exploration and why all testers should know how to explore.
The course discusses the important psychological issues relating to exploration and how it can be used in the context of uncertain requirements. A range of techniques are described and examples given.
There will be a lot of practical work, testing functionality available on the internet. A laptop and wireless connection will be required to participate fully.
The course does not assume any detailed technical knowledge.
• All testing is exploratory to some degree
• Exploration of software, even without specifications, relies on sources of knowledge
• Exploration depends on mental models that we use to inform good testing.
