Difference between Ad-hoc and Exploratory Testing
Overview
Ad-hoc testing is a software testing technique where the application is tested randomly without any proper documentation being followed. Exploratory testing on the other hand uses multiple software testing techniques to have as much test coverage as possible. Ad-hoc testing is used for tight-budget projects whereas exploratory testing is used by experienced testers where the risk associated with the product is high.
About Adhoc Testing
Adhoc testing is a software testing technique where the application is tested without any specified technique. The approach of testing is random, without detailed documentation under rigid time and budget constraints. Adhoc testing is primarily used for small-budget projects where there are limited functionalities to test. Adhoc testing gives the tester full flexibility and liberty to test the project. Adhoc testing is done by experienced tester who use error-guessing as they have an idea of the modules more prone to errors.
About Exploratory Testing
Exploratory testing is a structured thinking testing technique where the test cases are not detailed and planned, but let the tester how to use their learning, knowledge, and competencies to check the software program. Exploratory thinking gives the tester room for thinking about creative ways to detect errors and thereby improve the quality of the product. The biggest challenge here lies in the documentation as test cases are documented after the test case execution.
Ad Hoc vs Exploratory Testing
| Ad hoc testing | Exploratory testing |
|---|---|
| Ad hoc testing is a random testing approach where the tester uses his skills to randomly test different parts of the application | Exploratory testing allows the tester to be creative and find bugs without properly developing the test case. |
| Ad hoc testing has no proper documentation attached to it | Exploratory testing has little documentation where the module is defined but not the test case |
| Ad hoc testing allows the tester to use his existing skills to test the product | Exploratory testing lets the tester develop initiative and creative skills by challenging the tester to explore more. |
| There is no target or specified module given to the tester | A module is assigned to the tester, but is given the freedom to test the application. |
| Ad hoc testing is done on small-sized projects | Exploratory testing is done on relatively bigger-sized projects as no bug should reach production. |
| Ad hoc testing is done when the product is at much earlier stages of development | Exploratory testing is done at the later stages of the product development to find more bugs. |
Conclusion
- Ad-hoc testing is a random software testing technique where the tester uses his experience and skills to find the bugs in the product.
- Exploratory testing allows the tester to be creative, and use any approach to find the defects in the module.
- Ad-hoc testing has no documentation whereas exploratory testing has no test case defined.
- Reporting bugs is tougher in ad-hoc due to poor documentation.