exploratory-testing

Exploratory testing is a structured manual software testing approach that simultaneously designs and executes tests in real-time, using heuristics like HICCUPS to systematically uncover usability and functional bugs that automated tests often miss.

Session-Based Test Management (SBTM) provides a framework for systematic exploration by structuring manual testing sessions around specific goals, enabling testers to document bug discovery, adapt test design, and learn from application behavior during quality assurance processes.

Yes, exploratory testing is specifically suitable for discovering usability issues and hidden bugs in new features before release by applying structured exploration and bug discovery heuristics to evaluate application consistency and functionality.

Exploratory testing may not be suitable for repetitive regression testing or scenarios requiring strictly predictable, repeatable test execution, as its core strength lies in real-time learning, adapting to application revelations, and discovering new non-regression issues.

To start an exploratory testing session, define a specific target such as reviewing a particular page for consistency and edge cases, then apply bug discovery heuristics like FEW HICCUPS to guide your manual testing and systematically document findings.