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

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
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

News 24 Jan 2023

Microsoft offers developer guidance on green software tools

Microsoft, UBS and others back developers' use of open source carbon-aware tools. Two case studies -- one enterprise and one academic -- demonstrate green software tools in action. Continue Reading
Tip 18 Jan 2023

3 software developer goals that are top of mind in 2023

Like many people, software professionals have their own goals in mind for 2023, including a focus on project management, software accessibility and data structure decisions. Continue Reading
News 17 Jan 2023

Experts rate programming languages for beginners in 2023

Python and JavaScript are two standouts for novices, according to developer experts. But fledgling coders should diversify their toolbox with newer languages too. Continue Reading
News 12 Jan 2023

Updates to GitHub Actions add efficiency, risk of friction

GitHub Actions required workflows and configuration variables can reduce duplicate configuration code and shore up policy compliance but may add to developer frustration. Continue Reading
Feature 10 Jan 2023

What is low-code? A guide to enterprise low-code app development

Learn how low-code concepts and practices code can help enterprise developers be more efficient, create valuable apps more quickly and contribute to broader business initiatives. Continue Reading
News 09 Jan 2023

AI risks shadow software development security trend

The rise of AI-assisted workflows will facilitate software development security amid growing open source vulnerabilities, but comes with the threat of AI-generated attacks. Continue Reading
Tip 09 Jan 2023

Mob programming benefits for Agile development teams

Mob programming brings the whole team together for simultaneous code creation and review. If they specify roles and engage, Agile teams can benefit from mobbing practices. Continue Reading
News 05 Jan 2023

Micro credentials could stave off software engineer layoffs

Software developers can take measures to protect their jobs with micro credentials tailored to their company’s needs within hot trends such as cloud computing and AI. Continue Reading
Tip 03 Jan 2023

How to validate a Kubernetes manifest

Dev teams must validate Kubernetes manifests. Developers can navigate validation and issues that arise with the help of native and third-party tools and other coding methods. Continue Reading
News 21 Dec 2022

Prospects unclear for two Nucamp coding boot camp graduates

A coding boot camp can jumpstart a career in tech, but only for those willing to go the extra mile. Here's how two non-developers fared in a four-week web development boot camp. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Dec 2022

10 essential Scrum Master skills

From sprint planning to servant leadership, Scrum Masters help Agile developers, product owners and other team members perform at their best. Here's what makes a good Scrum Master. Continue Reading
News 16 Dec 2022

Salesforce DevOps Center ships to rein in low-code apps

Salesforce DevOps Center rolled out with features meant to bring low-code and pro-code custom apps on its CRM platform up to date with current software development practices. Continue Reading
News 15 Dec 2022

Lego site vulnerabilities highlight API security gaps

What's old is new again: Lego site BrickLink was found vulnerable to cross-site scripting and other well-understood types of attacks, intensifying scrutiny on API security. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Dec 2022

Tools and techniques to test Kubernetes objects

Kubernetes manifests and objects represent the baseline of code development on the platform. Here's why and how to test these integral elements of Kubernetes. Continue Reading
News 15 Dec 2022

Spotify Plugins for Backstage aimed at developer productivity

Spotify Plugins for Backstage improves the development environment, but it can also help users tackle the developer shortage, according to one industry expert. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Dec 2022

Best practices for low-code integration within dev pipelines

When a nontechnical team leads the charge on application development, it still falls to developers and testers to integrate low-code tools and apps into the pipeline. Continue Reading
News 14 Dec 2022

ChatGPT writes code, but won't replace developers

Recent advancements in AI portend the rise of the robot coder. Developers will need new skills to succeed in an AI-based industry, experts say. Continue Reading
News 13 Dec 2022

Tidelift GC: Paid open source can stave off another Log4j

If the industry wants to thwart software supply chain attacks and prevent another Log4Shell, the way forward is to pay open source maintainers, Tidelift GC Luis Villa says. Continue Reading
Feature 12 Dec 2022

Creative AI, FinOps among hot developer trends of 2023

Here's a look at the hottest trends for application developers in 2023. Keep an eye out for decentralization, FinOps, consolidation and AI. Continue Reading
Feature 08 Dec 2022

What I learned at a 4-week Nucamp coding boot camp

Would a four-week web development coding boot camp designed by a Microsoft veteran provide me with enough skills to land a job? I was going to find out. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Dec 2022

How to compare acceptance criteria vs. definition of done

Acceptance criteria and the definition of done both measure quality in product development, but the ways teams calculate and achieve these features vary dramatically. Continue Reading
News 01 Dec 2022

AWS DevOps tools expand low-code features, focus on devx

Many of the features of AWS CodeCatalyst and Application Composer were technically possible before, but the new services package them accessibly via a low-code UI. Continue Reading
News 29 Nov 2022

Amazon boosts CodeWhisperer, AI and ML tools

AWS rolled out updates to a series of AI tools and services, highlighted by improvements to its CodeWhisperer coding system and Textract AI service for extracting document text. Continue Reading
News 28 Nov 2022

Small open source projects pose significant security risks

Open source security initiatives might prevent large-scale vulnerabilities such as Log4j, but smaller projects pose risks without more maintainer support, industry experts say. Continue Reading
News 21 Nov 2022

Software developer layoffs and hiring freezes on the rise

As tech companies tighten their belts, developers should prepare for a tighter job market by updating resumes and expanding job searches beyond big tech, say industry experts. Continue Reading
News 21 Nov 2022

Diffblue expands AI-powered unit testing platform

Diffblue Cover is gaining traction amidst a trend toward AI-augmented testing, say industry analysts. Cover can now run a suite of unit tests without developer intervention. Continue Reading
News 16 Nov 2022

Atlassian Open DevOps tools stitch together more workflows

As all-in-one DevOps tools vendors grow, Atlassian argues users want choice; customers say third-party tools integration is a timesaver, but the company faces headwinds. Continue Reading
News 10 Nov 2022

Low-code API management tool fights complexity, with caveats

A new low-code API management tool could bring benefits such as increased speed, fewer coding errors and wider accessibility. But it must prove itself in the market. Continue Reading
News 09 Nov 2022

GitHub security updates and Copilot expansion make waves

New features unveiled at GitHub Universe include private channels for security issues and Copilot for business, which may fall under a cloud of ongoing litigation. Continue Reading
News 04 Nov 2022

Go updates to tackle pain points, but Golang 2 is dead

Go Day 2022 highlights include possible Go updates to tackle compatibility, security and developer pain points such as for-loop scoping. But Golang 2 will never happen. Continue Reading
Tip 04 Nov 2022

Who writes acceptance criteria?

Product owners are usually responsible for acceptance criteria. But everyone who has a say in the final product should be involved in the process. Continue Reading
News 03 Nov 2022

Pega CTO: Ethical AI for developers demands transparency

Pegasystems CTO Don Schuerman believes the cure for AI's ethical issues lies in broad data inputs, being sensitive to biases and algorithms that make explainable decisions. Continue Reading
Feature 01 Nov 2022

Sustainable software needs more tools, corporate buy-in

Several tools can help developers build sustainable software, but it won't make a dent in carbon emissions without organizational support and better monitoring tools. Continue Reading
News 28 Oct 2022

For API security to succeed, devs need integrated tooling

For greater API security and clearer boundaries for developers, experts at API World called for developer-focused security tools that dovetail seamlessly into their workflows. Continue Reading
News 27 Oct 2022

API documentation can make or break developer experience

At this week's API World, experts highlight issues with poor API documentation and suggest ways to fix it, such as ditching jargon and adopting the OpenAPI Specification. Continue Reading
News 24 Oct 2022

Developers want improved performance, efficiency in Java 20

Java 20 will likely include useful features such as improvements to concurrency and profiling, but the incremental updates are unlikely to please everyone. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Oct 2022

An overview of data-driven API testing

API testing -- including data-driven API testing -- differs from other software tests in its overall process and relevant metrics. Analytics and automation play a key role. Continue Reading
News 20 Oct 2022

Developers warned: GitHub Copilot code may be licensed

Questions surround GitHub Copilot's use of open source code, but it's a Supreme Court decision on Warhol's art that developers should keep an eye on, according to one legal expert. Continue Reading
News 18 Oct 2022

Oracle CloudWorld rollout includes new serverless options

New Oracle Cloud Infrastructure serverless offerings hide more of the gory infrastructure details from application developers to hasten software delivery workflows. Continue Reading
Feature 17 Oct 2022

Fixing software developer burnout could increase retention

Software developer burnout is a pervasive issue that can cause problems for companies and their employees, but tackling it won't be easy. Continue Reading
News 12 Oct 2022

Google Software Delivery Shield braces supply chain security

Software Delivery Shield reduces security risks across the development pipeline -- but it also increases developer productivity, according to industry experts. Continue Reading
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
News 11 Oct 2022

Tech for democracy gains traction but may pay lip service

The Copenhagen Pledge on Tech for Democracy highlights how tech can crumble or shore up democracy and human rights. But it lacks action and accountability, industry experts say. Continue Reading
Feature 11 Oct 2022

HubSpot DEI program shores up software engineer shortage

HubSpot has been building its DEI program for years, which includes in its hiring practices. By focusing on a more diverse talent pool, the company has found it can better manage the software engineer shortage. Continue Reading
Tip 11 Oct 2022

The role of the T-shaped software tester in modern dev

While a T-shaped tester delivers a powerful and specialized skill set, continuous learning should be an ongoing priority for all software team members. Continue Reading
News 03 Oct 2022

EvolveWare feature adds agility to application modernization

EvolveWare's Intellisys gives enterprises a business rules extraction option that won't lock up legacy or modernized applications when code changes are required. Continue Reading
News 29 Sep 2022

Climate LLC taps feature flags for mobile app development

Feature flags facilitated fast rollbacks and trunk-based mobile development for a digital farming software maker amid volatility due to business growth and climate change. Continue Reading
News 29 Sep 2022

Environments as a service tackle development bottlenecks

Environments as a service are gaining traction as a tool to reduce delays, manage environments and improve developer productivity, according to industry analysts. Continue Reading
News 28 Sep 2022

Intel SDKs give developers tools for AI, quantum software

Intel launched new SDKs for AI and quantum computing and added tools underpinned by the Intel Developer Cloud in an effort to attract developers to build on its hardware. Continue Reading
Feature 22 Sep 2022

Globalization won't fix software engineer shortage

While a global talent search can fill niche positions and diversify a development team, it isn't a silver bullet for the software engineer shortage, experts say. Continue Reading
News 21 Sep 2022

Harness CTO: Where shift left goes wrong

In this Q&A, Harness' field CTO Nick Durkin shares his thoughts on the impossible burden that shift left places on developers and what can be done to lessen the load. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Sep 2022

The major differences between QA and SDETs

How do SDET and QA roles differ? The similar positions both focus on code testing, but it's their unique focuses that makes them a valuable part of an Agile team. Continue Reading
Feature 15 Sep 2022

Experts: 3 trends in software development worth following

Trends come and go, but AIOps and MLOps, spatial computing, and a low-code and high-code toolkit are the future of software development, industry experts say. Continue Reading
News 14 Sep 2022

AutoRabit tool seeks to simplify Salesforce security for DevOps

OrgScan extends CodeScan's security scanning ability in Salesforce. CodeScan Shield aims to simplify security for devs as the trend to shift left continues, industry analysts say. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Sep 2022

Make quality a priority in your software engineering culture

A software team needs quality to ensure a strong product. Here are some ways to implement quality in all facets of development and build it into every software release. Continue Reading
News 13 Sep 2022

COBOL application modernization tools and techniques

COBOL code modernization options range from a simple, yet expensive, application re-write to automated tools that can convert code and extract business rules. Continue Reading
News 06 Sep 2022

Xandr's bumpy ride to AI software test automation success

AI-based software testing tool Mabl reduced bugs and testing complexity for advertising company Xandr, but the initial implementation process was far from smooth. Continue Reading
News 31 Aug 2022

CodeSee brings code mapping tool to enterprise developers

CodeSee, which maps code for the entire development pipeline, fills a market need for simplification in the face of growing complexity, according to one analyst. Continue Reading
News 29 Aug 2022

Heroku to end free tiers, creating platform void for devs

Heroku will cease offering its free tiers this November, leaving developers to choose from an array of alternatives that don't quite match up, according to industry experts. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Aug 2022

How you can incorporate lean coffee for Agile, QA meetings

Don't let formal meeting agendas turn away attendees. The lean coffee format encourages participation and idea sharing on topics to drive conversation in numerous settings. Continue Reading
News 26 Aug 2022

Intel's Wei Li on low-code/no-code AI and sentience

Wei Li, Intel's vice president and general manager of AI and analytics, outlines how low-code/no-code AI can help developers and chimes in on the sentient AI debate. Continue Reading
News 24 Aug 2022

PyPI phishing renews call for mandatory 2FA, package signing

Some developers view compulsory 2FA and package signing as a threat to productivity, but industry experts say such requirements are inevitable amid ongoing cyberattacks. Continue Reading
News 24 Aug 2022

Low-code platforms create call for business-savvy developers

The rising popularity of low-code platforms may mark a decline for coding as a job priority, but demand is up for developers with a strong grasp of business knowledge, say experts. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Aug 2022

The 5 prevailing Agile pitfalls that prevent true adoption

To successfully implement Agile and maintain its momentum, teams must often overcome a predictable series of both technical and cultural adoption challenges. Continue Reading
Tip 22 Aug 2022

Why security chaos engineering works, and how to do it right

While 'chaos' doesn't sound like something software security managers would want, chaos engineering has an enticing amount of value when it comes to identifying potential threats. Continue Reading
News 12 Aug 2022

Kubernetes training, tech can tackle orchestration pain

DevOps can force developers to work outside their comfort zone and create frustration, but the right Kubernetes training and tools can ease the burden. Continue Reading
News 10 Aug 2022

COBOL programming skills gap thwarts modernization to Java

The challenge of migrating COBOL applications to run in the cloud is made nearly impossible with tricky line-to-line conversions and a lack of developers with the right skills. Continue Reading
News 08 Aug 2022

Devs don't trust AI in software testing

Artificial intelligence can eliminate mundane testing tasks and reduce bugs without human intervention, but its inner machinations make testers uneasy. Continue Reading
News 05 Aug 2022

Velocity-over-quality mindset leads to software testing gaps

Insufficient software testing happens because of a lack of talent, time and cash. But inattentive CEOs and development methodologies such as Agile also contribute to the problem. Continue Reading
Tip 03 Aug 2022

7 essential GitHub features for dev, project management

When teams use GitHub, they want features that simplify project management and enable more control. Here are seven features to tinker with during application development. Continue Reading
News 02 Aug 2022

GitHub launches Projects, ratcheting up dev ecosystem battle

GitHub Projects brings new features to GitHub developers, but users of other application lifecycle management tools such as Jira are unlikely to make the switch. Continue Reading
News 29 Jul 2022

Developer search engine for code snippets comes with caveats

The YouCode search engine gives developers a fast way to find code snippets. But, like any code completion tool, results should be taken with a grain of salt. Continue Reading
News 28 Jul 2022

CircleCI and GitLab integration expands DevOps tool choices

CircleCI expands code repository choices, benefitting mutual customers of the highly optimized platform, say industry analysts. Continue Reading
News 26 Jul 2022

Shadow cast over future of Google's C++ replacement

A C++ replacement is long overdue, but Google's experimental language, Carbon, is far from a perfect solution, some industry experts say. Continue Reading
Podcast 25 Jul 2022

The awkward state of the remote vs. in-person work debate

TechTarget senior news writer Beth Pariseau discusses return-to-work initiatives for IT pros and in-person tech conferences coming back onto the schedule. Continue Reading
News 22 Jul 2022

Developers beware: AI pair programming comes with pitfalls

Despite the promise of faster coding, AI pair programming has a host of pitfalls, including inapplicable code suggestions, security flaws and copyright issues. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Jul 2022

Here's why you still need exploratory testing documentation

While documentation is an important part of exploratory testing, it doesn't have to be extensive -- and it shouldn't get in the way of learning about the software. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jul 2022

Emphasize culture in your Agile implementation approach

Team structure and culture should be a primary focus during any shift to Agile principles and methodologies. Continue Reading
News 15 Jul 2022

Consultancy benefits from green coding certification mandate

In this Q&A, GFT CTO Dean Clark details how his company's green coding certification program is bringing benefits beyond higher-quality, more efficient code. Continue Reading
News 14 Jul 2022

Developer shortage fuels rise in low-code/no-code platforms

Halfway through 2022, interest in low-code/no-code platforms is not slowing down. Experts say the developer shortage is one of the biggest factors as companies continue to invest. Continue Reading
News 12 Jul 2022

New JavaScript runtime Bun challenges Deno, Node.js

Beta release of JavaScript runtime Bun promises to speed up development with an array of out-of-the box features. Continue Reading
Tip 11 Jul 2022

Explore common types of Agile teams

Agile methodologies can take many forms, and one Agile team can look and perform very differently from the next. Communication, however, is always key. Continue Reading
Feature 08 Jul 2022

No-code API tools for Excel wrangle data

Tampa-based Vault Insurance struggled with analyzing spreadsheets at scale until it purchased spreadsheet-to-API software Coherent Spark. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Jun 2022

CircleCI vs. GitHub Actions: CI/CD platform comparison

Learn the differing features, commands and perks that make CircleCI and GitHub Actions distinct CI/CD platforms. Then, decide which offering meets your team's needs. Continue Reading
Tip 24 Jun 2022

Key things to consider when choosing regression testing tools

Making a decision about regression testing tooling purchases means taking stock of plans for CI/CD implementations, existing automation capabilities, staff expertise and more. Continue Reading
News 23 Jun 2022

Amazon CodeWhisperer joins packed AI code completion market

AI code completion tool Amazon CodeWhisperer is now available for developers who are willing to wait. Continue Reading
News 23 Jun 2022

Code completion AI bot trend continues with GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot joins a ballooning field of AI-powered code completion tools. Industry experts debate the tool's utility and long-term staying power. Continue Reading
News 21 Jun 2022

Green software certification, legislation in the works

Green software could be moving from the technology fringes to the mainstream with upcoming legislation and a push for sustainable software certification. Continue Reading
News 16 Jun 2022

Green software summit outlines developer best practices

The Green Software Foundation Global Summit highlights tech sustainability and the important role developers can play in tackling climate change. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Jun 2022

4 low-code best practices to streamline adoption

To be successful with low-code adoption, organizations must clearly define project goals, ensure the right mix of staffing and tools, and regularly asses business value. Continue Reading
News 15 Jun 2022

Tabnine code completion platform adds more powerful AI

Tabnine's code completion assistant adds support for 11 languages with a major AI overhaul. Continue Reading
News 14 Jun 2022

In-demand programming languages devs should get to know

Experts weigh in on which in-demand programming languages offer the best job prospects. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Jun 2022

How test summary reports yield business value and benefits

The data a test summary report compiles can provide great benefits to a development team -- and, in turn, business value to the larger IT organization. Continue Reading
News 09 Jun 2022

Supply chain security takes center stage at OpenJS World 2022

At OpenJS World 2022, the Open Source Security Foundation outlined two ambitious initiatives to fix supply chain security issues in open source software. Continue Reading
Tip 06 Jun 2022

Evaluate proprietary vs. open source testing tools

Cost, complexity and support levels are key items when teams consider proprietary or open source functional testing tools for their development environments. Continue Reading
Tip 03 Jun 2022

6 key phases of the software testing lifecycle

For QA teams, a successful software testing process starts long before the actual test occurs. Continue Reading
News 02 Jun 2022

Mirantis Lens extension debuts on Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop adds a Mirantis Lens extension as another option for developers who want an easier way to work with Kubernetes. Continue Reading
News 02 Jun 2022

Project Volterra could encourage switch to Arm-based PCs

Project Volterra, due out later this year, is an Arm-based PC geared up for AI development. The energy-efficient, faster device might enable Microsoft to catch up with Apple. Continue Reading
Tip 01 Jun 2022

Identify and fix broken builds with CI/CD pipelines

Experiencing broken builds in your CI/CD pipeline? These best practices related to credentials, flaky tests and alerts can boost productivity and confidence. Continue Reading
Tip 26 May 2022

Implement reliability testing methods, tools for better dev

Reliability testing can play an integral role in software development. Here are some methods and tools to incorporate into your app development lifecycle. Continue Reading