Agile, as the process defines, focusses on open channels of communication and feedback on a continuous basis. This further gives scope for Exploratory Testing to dwell and sustain in an agile scenario. Due to the overall structure and pattern in which Agile functions, it becomes easier to get feedback and turn it around for effective implementation. In this way, evaluation teams are able to provide real-time updates to their counterparts working in an agile environment, enabling them to keep optimizing the development process.
When the focus shifts from mundane repetitive tasks to high-flying testing goals, it helps to look beyond the obvious. Automation can be implemented to get the regular testing task done.
However, exploratory approach is needed to ensure that the application works as per the expected business brief. Exploratory Testing helps testers to get more creative and not get loaded with routine testing activities.
Findings from exploratory approach can help testing teams to build a strong test management system, which captures learning and expertise of various members in the testing team.
This not only helps to keep pace with the software releases, but also helps to ensure quality of the software. Hence, exploratory testing is very much an asset for agile teams.
Cigniti has been a trusted testing partner for many organizations in various stages of adopting Agile. We have helped organizations new to Agile build in QA planning, estimation, metrics into their sprints. In case of more mature organizations, we have seamlessly integrated with their sprint teams to improve test coverage, velocity, and quality. Our frameworks for continuous test automation and performance testing have been leveraged by multiple organizations to improve their Quality Assurance and Testing practices.
While Agile works best with a collocated model, we have also leveraged our Distributed Agile Testing Framework to support a global delivery model. The automated checks serve as regression tests to ensure that with each release the software has not regressed.
Exploratory Testing is defined as simultaneous learning, test design and test execution. It is an approach to testing that values the tester as an integral part of the test process and shares the same values as the Agile Manifesto:. Exploratory Testing is also complementary to test automation; that is while automated checks are checking for regression issues, Exploratory Testing focuses on new features which have been developed.
On the other hand, exploratory testing in agile environment allows testers to get familiar with the domain and the application and on each iteration, that understanding is enhanced and hence testers become more efficient. The exploratory testers focus on areas where existing automated tests might come up short. This reinforces the traditional testing process.
By integrating with tools such as Jira and test management products, teams can directly export the recorded documentation to test cases. So, exploratory testing speeds up documentation, facilitates unit testing and helps create an instant feedback loop. Exploratory testing is suited for specific testing scenarios, such as when someone needs to learn about a product or application quickly and provide rapid feedback. It helps review the quality of a product from a user perspective.
Exploratory testing is quite helpful in this scenario. Plus, use exploratory testing to aid unit test process, document the steps and use that information to test extensively during later sprints. Organizations must be able to strike the right balance between exploratory testing and scripted testing. Especially with any type of testing that is regulated or compliance-based, scripted testing is the way to go.
In compliance based testing, where certain checklists and mandates need to be followed for legal reasons, it is advised to stick to scripted testing. One example of this is accessibility testing where several laws govern the testing protocol and there are defined standards that need to be passed. Quantifying the benefits of exploratory testing is one of the biggest challenges because the gains are more qualitative than quantitative.
The aim is to find issues that have escaped other forms of testing. The expectation should be to document unexplored test scenarios and increase coverage. Another challenge is the ability to log defects and document these with proper evidences while the tester is intuitively exploring undocumented test scenarios.
Providing a tool that helps to automate the test case documentation, allowing testers to take screenshots, record voice memos, annotate is a big boon. Additionally, it is a highly skilled testing approach that needs experienced software testers for planning and execution. Exploratory testing opens testing to all key stakeholders and not just trained testers. Using an exploratory testing tool, one can capture screenshots, record voice memos and annotate feedback during sessions.
This enables faster and more efficient review, by people beyond the traditional software tester. When combined with automated testing and other testing practices, it increases test coverage, discovers edge cases, potentially adds new features and overall improves the software product.
With no structural rigidity, it encourages experimentation, creativity and discovery within the teams. The almost instantaneous nature of feedback helps close the gaps between testers and developers. Above all, the results of exploratory testing provide a user-oriented perspective and feedback to the development teams.
The goal is to complement traditional testing to find million-dollar defects that are generally hidden behind the defined workflow.
0コメント