Exploratory Testing - James Bach

Summary

The video script challenges the conventional understanding of testing in the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of exploratory testing—a method where testers have the autonomy to make decisions during the testing process. It criticizes the industry's tendency to underestimate testers, suggesting that creativity and intelligence are crucial for effective testing. By arguing that scripted testing, which limits tester autonomy, is less interesting than exploratory testing, the speaker highlights the need for a shift in perspective. They advocate for recognizing testers as intelligent individuals capable of making smart, strategic decisions, rather than mere followers of predefined scripts.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Exploratory testing is about empowerment and control, allowing the tester to make decisions during the testing process.
• 💡 The essence of exploratory testing is the freedom to explore and choose different paths, akin to how other professionals exercise their skills in various ways.
• 🧠 Being a tester is not about following a rigid script, but about using intelligence and creativity to identify issues and find solutions.
• 🚫 The perception that testers are not smart or that testing is a 'stupid' job is a misconception that leads to the need for a special term like 'exploratory testing'.
• 📝 Scripted testing is sometimes necessary, especially when a tester wants to stop making new choices and follow a predetermined plan.
• 🤔 The industry's confusion between testers as mere followers and as intelligent problem-solvers has led to the emphasis on exploratory testing.
• 🌟 Testers should be seen as clever human beings hired for their ability to think critically and adapt to different scenarios.
• 🛠️ The value of exploratory testing lies in its adaptability and the tester's ability to react to new information and changing circumstances.
• 📊 Exploratory testing encourages a more dynamic and responsive approach to testing, which can uncover issues that scripted methods might miss.
• 💼 It's important to recognize the professional skills and decision-making abilities of testers, rather than reducing them to mere executors of tests.

Q & A

What is the core concept of exploratory testing?

The core concept of exploratory testing is that it is a type of testing that is controlled by the tester, allowing them to make choices and exercise their critical thinking skills during the testing process.

Why is the term 'exploratory testing' unique in the context of testing jobs?

The term 'exploratory testing' is unique because it highlights the fact that testers, unlike in many other professions, are often expected to follow predefined scripts and not make independent choices, which is unusual for roles that require intelligence and problem-solving skills.

What does it mean for a tester to have control during testing?

Having control during testing means that the tester has the autonomy to decide what to test, how to test it, and when to make changes or stop testing, based on their observations and understanding of the software being tested.

Why would a tester ever choose to give up control during testing?

A tester might choose to give up control during testing to adhere to strict guidelines or regulatory requirements, or when using scripted testing methods that are more suitable for certain types of testing, such as compliance-based or accessibility testing.

How does the perception of testers as 'stupid' affect the industry?

The perception of testers as 'stupid' or less intelligent leads to an undervaluation of their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which in turn can result in a preference for scripted testing over more dynamic and adaptable exploratory testing methods.

What is the role of intelligence and adaptability in exploratory testing?

Intelligence and adaptability are crucial in exploratory testing as it requires testers to think on their feet, make informed decisions, and adapt their approach based on the outcomes of their testing and the behavior of the software under test.

How does exploratory testing differ from scripted testing?

Exploratory testing involves simultaneous test design and execution, with a focus on discovery and learning, whereas scripted testing follows predefined test cases and is more structured and less flexible.

What are some benefits of exploratory testing?

Benefits of exploratory testing include the ability to uncover bugs that may be missed by other testing methods, the flexibility to adapt to new findings, and the encouragement of creativity and critical thinking among testers.

What are some challenges associated with exploratory testing?

Challenges of exploratory testing include difficulties in replicating failures, determining the need for tools, selecting the best test cases, reporting test results, and documenting all events during execution.

In what situations might exploratory testing be particularly useful?

Exploratory testing can be particularly useful when there are experienced testers on the team, when an early iteration is required, when testing a critical application, or when introducing new testers to the team.

How does the industry's view of testers affect the use of exploratory testing?

The industry's view of testers as mere executioners of scripts rather than intelligent professionals can lead to underutilization of exploratory testing, which relies on the tester's ability to make informed choices and adapt to the software's behavior.