Exploratory Testing: An Overview

There exist various approaches in software testing to test software under development. Exploratory Testing is one such important approach where no predefined test cases are used to test the software. It is proven by researchers that exploratory testing is equally effective in detecting defects as the traditional testing where predefined test cases are used to test the software. Hence, this paper brings in deeper insight to gain knowledge of exploratory testing approach. Accordingly, this paper put forth an understanding of the characteristics, benefits, advantages and challenges, techniques, tools and recent advances in exploratory testing. This awareness acts as a travel light for further areas of research and progress in exploratory testing. Further, thus gained understanding enables the test team to formulate strategies towards better modes of developing customer satisfied software products.