CH04. L02. Experience-based Techniques

Summary

The video script delves into Experience-based testing techniques, emphasizing the reliance on a tester's expertise acquired through past experiences. It highlights two main informal techniques: Error Guessing, where testers anticipate defects and focus testing on those areas, and Exploratory Testing, used when specifications are scarce or time is limited. The script underscores the importance of these techniques in complementing formal testing methods, ensuring a comprehensive approach to uncovering software defects.

Takeaways

• 🧩 Experience-based techniques rely on a tester's accumulated knowledge and skills from previous testing experiences with similar applications and technologies.
• 📚 These techniques are informal and do not adhere to a specific methodology, highlighting the importance of individual tester expertise.
• 🔍 Experience-based testing is crucial after formal techniques like black box and white box testing, as it can focus on areas not covered by the formal methods.
• 🔑 There are two main experience-based techniques: Error guessing and Exploratory testing, each with its own approach and application.
• 📝 In Error guessing, testers create a list of potential defects based on their experience and then specifically test these areas, a method known as 'fault attack'.
• 🎯 The 'fault attack' targets expected defects and failures, leveraging the tester's understanding of common software failures.
• 🚀 Exploratory testing is particularly useful in situations where software specifications are lacking or when testing time is limited.
• 🔎 During Exploratory testing, testers explore and investigate the software's functionality to determine what works and what doesn't, guiding further testing decisions.
• 🗂️ For Error guessing, a list of expected defects and a targeted testing design are created to focus on these areas.
• 📋 In Exploratory testing, a test charter is developed, outlining test objectives and the time required for each, integrating test design, execution, logging, and learning.
• 🛡️ Exploratory testing can also be used to review and ensure that the most critical defects are identified during the testing process.

Q & A

What are Experience Based Techniques in software testing?

Experience Based Techniques in software testing are informal methods that rely on the tester's experience and skills acquired through testing similar applications and technologies. They do not follow a strict methodology but are based on the individual tester's expertise.

Why are Experience Based Techniques important even though they are informal?

Experience Based Techniques are important because they allow testers to focus on areas that formal techniques like black box and white box testing may not cover, leveraging the tester's accumulated knowledge and intuition to identify potential issues.

What are the two main techniques under Experience Based Techniques?

The two main techniques under Experience Based Techniques are Error Guessing and Exploratory Testing.

Can you describe the Error Guessing technique?

In Error Guessing, a tester creates a list of potential defects based on their experience and then specifically tests those areas to uncover the expected defects. This approach is known as 'the fault attack'.

What is the purpose of creating a list of expected defects in Error Guessing?

The purpose of creating a list of expected defects is to guide targeted testing efforts towards areas where failures are anticipated, allowing for a more focused and efficient identification of issues.

Under what circumstances is Exploratory Testing typically used?

Exploratory Testing is typically used when software specifications are unavailable or insufficient, or when the testing time is limited, allowing testers to explore the software and make informed decisions about what to test.

What is a test charter in the context of Exploratory Testing?

A test charter in Exploratory Testing is a document that outlines the test objectives along with their respective time boxes, indicating the time needed for each objective to be tested.

How does the Exploratory Testing technique integrate with the test design, execution, logging, and learning processes?

Exploratory Testing is synchronous with test design, execution, test logging, and learning, allowing for a dynamic and adaptive approach to testing where the process evolves as new information is discovered.

What is the benefit of using Exploratory Testing to check on the test process?

Using Exploratory Testing to check on the test process helps ensure that the most critical and serious defects are found, as it allows for continuous assessment and adjustment of the testing approach based on real-time insights.

Why is it recommended to review Experience Based Techniques in the text file?

Reviewing Experience Based Techniques in the text file can provide a deeper understanding of the concepts, enhance the application of these techniques in practice, and offer additional insights and clarifications on their usage.