Analysis of exploration testing approach and conclusions from implementation in software development

Purpose: The main purpose of the research is to examine the suitability of exploratory tests in the software testing process. Design/methodology/approach: An experiment, carried out for the sake of this study, consisted of two parts. First, a test was performed, and in the second part a survey was conducted, which allowed for the comparison of exploratory and test-based tests. Findings: The results of the tests indicated a slightly lower effectiveness of the exploratory approach, which may have been caused by the conditions of the experiment: the choice of the tested software, short duration of test sessions, participants lacking knowledge about the investigated software and experience in performing exploratory tests. Originality/value: Despite the weaker results obtained, the exploratory tests proved useful, as evidenced by the detection of distinctive errors, not found during tests based on test cases. In the survey, 90% of respondents confirmed the use of formalized test approach, based on test cases, while just over a half (57%) indicated having experience in conducting exploratory tests. Testers considered both approaches useful, addressing greater need for conducting formalized tests using test cases. Results included in the research allowed to indicate the qualities and shortcomings of the exploratory approach to software testing.