Exploratory testing
In exploratory testing, QA engineers evaluate software on the fly, rather than follow a strictly defined test case. With this human-centric method, testers simultaneously design, execute and review tests -- all focused on how a customer experiences an application. Learn more about exploratory testing and what it reveals with this expert advice.
Top Stories
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Tip
12 Oct 2022
Explore the benefits of Docker for testers, QA teams
From simplified test setup to enhanced isolation, Docker containers offer a range of advantages to QA engineers. Containers also encourage earlier, and more frequent, testing. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2021
Checklist for mobile app testing: 15 gaps to look for
Makers of iOS and Android apps chronically fail to test these 15 aspects of mobile apps. But to release quality mobile software, development teams must start testing -- here's how. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2020
10 exploratory testing techniques for QA professionals
Software testers, embrace your creative and fearless side. Learn how to do exploratory testing with approaches for QA professionals of all skill levels. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Oct 2019
What goes into a user story vs. use case for Agile development?
Developers refer to software requirements to code a good product, but there are different ways to categorize user needs. What's the difference between a user story vs. a use case? Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2019
5 key ways to fulfill the role of QA in DevOps
DevOps teams want production-ready code, which means someone in this fast-moving pipeline needs to think like a user. Enter QA, with its toolkit of exploratory tests, design review and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2019
Software tester roles must embrace code focus
IT gives testers license to voice contrarian opinions about software. But, as pressure to deploy intensifies, they might not be able to ignore code responsibilities anymore. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Feb 2019
3 ways to test in production promptly and productively
As much as Agile and DevOps changed development, they also shifted testers' roles -- to the right. Gerie Owen offers three ways to evaluate apps in production to find failures. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2018
Learn how to improve software quality with reverse-engineering
Customer complaints about a team's app can contain insight on how to improve it. Yet, to decipher the actual cause of any problem and a change to fix it, QA needs to be brought in. Continue Reading
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Podcast
21 Aug 2018
Learn the value of exploratory testing vs. scripted testing
In this podcast, testing expert Matt Heusser explains how exploratory and scripted tests differ and how they complement each other. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Oct 2015
Can time management improve productivity of QA testers?
Despite what you might think, time management is possible. Expert Amy Reichert explains how QA testers can stop procrastinating and take charge of their lives. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jan 2012
Software development bugs: How to identify and prevent them
With strong Agile practices such as unit testing, code reviews and proper attention to requirements, bugs can be prevented or found early in the application lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Sep 2011
Exploratory testing and regression testing in continuous integration
Expert Lisa Crispin explains how and when to implement exploratory testing, automated regression testing and manual regression tests in an Agile development environment. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Jan 2011
Test automation for your team: How to begin
Initiating test automation on your project team may seem challenging, or even overwhelming. Fortunately, expert Karen Johnson has been through this process and has some insights into how to best begin. She offers some questions you can ask of your team, a list of common errors to avoid, and general advice on how to make this new process pay off. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2010
The importance of critical thinking in software test
Even though there are numerous definitions for the term "software testing," there is common ground. Testers need to use critical thinking skills when diving into the testing of a software application. In this tip, expert Chris McMahon explains ways for testers to increase test coverage, use proven approaches and determine which aspects of testing fit in and where. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jan 2008
Usability testing vs. user acceptance testing
Usability testing and user acceptance testing may sound similar, but these tests have different focuses and are executed at different times in the SDLC. Expert Karen N. Johnson explains how these tests work. Continue Reading