What is exploratory testing?

Exploratory testing is defined as a method where testers actively explore the software application to identify defects without relying on pre-written test cases. This approach emphasizes simultaneous learning, test design, and execution, allowing testers to leverage their critical thinking and creativity. Testers are free to use their intuition and experience to guide their investigation of the application, which can lead to discovering issues that might not be captured through scripted testing methods.

The value of exploratory testing lies in its flexibility; testers can adapt their focus based on what they observe as they navigate through the application, making it especially useful for uncovering unexpected bugs, usability concerns, or complex interactions in the software that might not be anticipated in a more structured testing framework. This technique helps ensure that the software operates as intended from a real-user perspective, contributing to improved overall quality.