Creating applications may seem an easy task but actually, it is a lot more than just development. There are a number of factors to be considered when conceptualizing an application and setting it into motion. The user interface, technology to be used for development, and devices to be used are some key considerations that developers need to keep in view before diving into the coding section. However, due to the technological advancements the expectations and preferences of the development processes are changing. This change requires a procedure that enables you to explore, adapt, learn and execute rapidly and constantly. That is when exploratory testing blends in with the agile environment.
What is exploratory testing?
Exploratory testing is the simultaneous learning, test designing and test execution of a product. It is the testing approach in which tester is an integral part of the process and it shares similar values as that of the Agile Manifesto. In an agile method, the software is released in small pieces. Each iteration involves planning, estimation, development, integration with the previous iteration and deployment. Nevertheless, in exploratory testing, test designing, test learning, and test execution, all the steps take place simultaneously.
The Similarity in Agile and Exploratory Testing:
• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
• Working the development process over comprehensive documentation
• Partnership with the customer on a contractual basis.
• Responding to the changes by following the formed plan
Benefits of Exploratory Testing:
Following area few of many benefits of exploratory testing:
• It optimizes the testing and quality assurance time greatly
• Proper integration of exploratory testing, the evaluation team can provide real-time feedback and updates to their agile counterparts.
• Can investigate the areas where the automated procedures couldn’t reach.
• Provides freedom of testing to the tester, to look into each and every aspect very closely. It allows the tester to get creative with the testing process rather than being bound in a vicious repeated circle of rules. Such testing allows you to identify realistic bugs as opposed to finding the problems your team can conveniently bear with.
Exploratory testing is an asset to the agile environment that has to be implemented to give more authority to the individuals rather than tools.
4 Important Reasons to Implement Exploratory Testing Into the Agile Environment:
Agile testing consists of short cycles, frequent testing and continuous process of integration. However, implementing exploratory testing into an agile environment can make it even more productive. Following are the four major reasons why exploratory testing should be part of the agile environment.
1. Exploratory Testing Allows You To Make Changes At Any Time Of The Testing Process:
In an agile environment, it is significantly important to facilitate the changes at any point of the testing stage and quality assurance process. Exploratory testing blends in smoothly and makes all the project objectives achievable. It enables the quality assurance engineers to provide constant feedback which aids in producing a refined product. Exploratory testing is lending agile environment a hand in meeting agile timelines and stays quite confident about the product throughout the software development cycle.
2. Allows Focused Communications And Interactions With Clients:
Agile as a process considers effective communication a key to deliver high-quality products. Constant communication and feedback are constructive in creating software according to the clientele need. This feature of the agile environment further provides scope for exploratory testing to abide by the agile scenario. Given the pattern and structure of agile testing functions, it is easier for engineers to do their job if they get timely feedback. Constant feedback allows them to develop an effective customer satisfactory product. For example, if Cox communications customer service is to be automated through AI software, the engineers would require constant feedback from the company to develop a product, which automates the whole process without losing a shred of data.
3. Enables You To Probe Beyond Testing:
It is obvious that when your focus shifts from some mundane and repetitive task to something where you can get your creative juice flowing, the productivity increases. Exploratory testing is helping in building a strong team management system, which allows gaining full benefit from the expertise of different members of the testing team. It not only helps in keeping pace with the software releasing timeline but also ensures top-notch quality.
4. Build Quality Software With Continuous Enhancement:
In the world of technology “being continuous” is highly important. Continuous development, deployment, and improvement are considered keys to successful software production. The basic idea of an agile environment is to make this very concept of continuous development, a part of every software cycle. Exploratory testing with its exclusive design and structure enables simultaneous learning, test design, as well as implementation. This allows the team to keep testing sources feedback and implement the suggested changes consistently throughout the process.
I hope the article has helped you in understanding the importance of exploratory testing in the agile environment. Leave your queries or concerns in the comment section. Ciao!
Author Bio:
Robert James is an MIS with a vast experience and research in tech and entertainment industries. He also likes to write in order to deliver the latest news regarding these industries and enlighten audiences regarding the various happenings. Robert recently covered a story on the Warner Bros CEO Tsujihara’s Scandal which generated major hype. Besides this, he indulges in MMA fighting in his leisure time
