Problems with multiple solutions signify that people can approach issues in the way that best suits their resources, capabilities and requirements. This is true for testing methodology where there are a number of ways that can be taken, but it's truly the end result that matters. The choice comes down to two potential ways: scripted or exploratory. Testing teams can apply a variety of underlying practices to drive their testing efforts and produce better quality products. However, teams must understand the difference between scripted and exploratory testing and which approach to take.
Scripted Testing:
Scripted testing is an approach that focus on precision and control. In, a scripted testing approach the testing effort is disciplined by designing and reviewing all test scripts in advance. In this approach the tests are well documented and executed , and it is easy to repeat tests when required. Scripted testing means designing test scripts early, and executing them later, and these scripts have quite detailed steps, and a clear expected result. In contrast of James Bach's Exploratory Testing definition, “Scripted testing has a test planning and design phase, followed by test execution. The artifacts of the test design phase are test plans, test specifications ,test cases and scripts. These artifacts are used while test execution is conducted for formal testing of a system. “ “If test scripts are used to control the testing then it is scripted testing approach.” Exploratory Testing: “ If test scripts are used as a reference for further testing then it is an exploratory testing approach." James Bach defines exploratory testing as "test design and test execution at the same time." Exploratory Testing in its native form is a path that focus on learning, evolution and freedom. Exploratory Testing in real life is a group of ways of testing which is sometimes used as an implementation example of the approach, sometimes used for testing that don’t comply a script. Exploratory testing permits testers to learn on the way of execution, adjust their test-scripts accordingly in this process and reveal software issues that are often unexpected. The final result is a mature software that reflects a user’s experience versus that of those who created it. Benefits of Scripted Testing: In scripted testing, testers create elaborated test scenarios , later modify into scripts. Scripted tests provide strict guidance based on knowledge of the software application under test and are expected to produce a well-defined set of results. Scripted tests are preferred for their stability and ability to guide the work of less skilled testers. They produce measurable results and reasonable estimates for completion of the work. Due to their high level of repeatability and detail definition (explanation), they are easily automated. Scripted tests are created from requirements, design and code, the important properties of the system will be covered by tests and this coverage can be manifested. Scripted tests, when written to the proper level of detail, can be run by people who would not be able to test the system because of the lack of …show more content…
Does this mean that exploratory testing is perfect and the answer to every software tester’s dreams? Not at all.
Exploratory testing vs. Scripted testing; Is it really only either or?
As mentioned several times by thought-leaders within the testing community, “If you imagine a product as a field of landmines and each landmine is a defect, then it’s pretty clear that treading the same path over and over is not the way to find them all.” This mean that the practical and right approach, with regard to coming as close as possible to “minimal” defects, is going to be a mixture of the two.
Sometimes while exploratory testing uncover the completely unexpected defect of a program, there is a chance that to miss the simplest defect as the tester simply never got there. Now, there may be times when testers need a descriptive set of steps in a scripted test to pass specific requirements, or need absolute control over what is being tested and how it is being tested. Sometimes testers want to use an exploratory approach to test as tester is unfamiliar with a new undocumented or under-documented feature, or when testers want to assess the system in ways which have not previously