Exploratory Testing is an effective manual testing technique. It involves simultaneous learning, test design, and test execution. The tester designs the test cases as they are performed and uses information gained from testing to design new and better tests. These tests are not documented and therefore there is minimal preparation time. Testing is dependent on the tester’s ability to think of tests and finds defects. Exploratory Testing ranges from a little structured Free Style ET to a more structured Chartered ET. Another variation is Session-Based ET.

Advantages of Exploratory Testing include the following:

• Less preparation time is required
• Testers can develop new tests based on the results of tests executed that may not have been able to be planned in advance
• Majority of time is spent on testing and not documenting Test Plans and Test Cases
• Important defects are found quickly
• More intellectually stimulating than writing or executing structured Test Cases

Disadvantages of Exploratory Testing include the following

• Requires experienced, talented, and disciplined testers to be effective
• Difficult to provide accountability as to what has been tested
• Test Cases are not reviewed in advance that may have discovered requirement or design errors
• Difficult to provide repeatability for tests