Experience based testing is a method of software testing that relies on the skills, intuition, and knowledge of an experienced tester to uncover software defects. Unlike traditional methods, which focus on predefined processes and rules, experience-based testing leverages the tester’s expertise to explore the system and identify potential problem areas.
This type of testing is especially useful when formal documentation is incomplete, when time is limited, or when complex systems are involved. Here’s everything you need to know about experience-based testing in straightforward terms.
What Is Experience Based Testing?
Experience based test design techniques taps into a tester’s understanding of the application, technology, and domain to design test cases and uncover defects. It is often used alongside systematic techniques, enhancing the overall testing process. By relying on experience, testers can discover unique issues that structured techniques might miss.
Why Use Experience Based Testing?
- Quick Defect Identification: Testers can anticipate problems based on their knowledge and past experiences, saving time in defect discovery.
- Fills Documentation Gaps: When requirements or specifications are unclear, this approach provides a practical solution.
- Adapts to Complexity: Experienced testers can adapt quickly to complex systems, identifying critical failure points.
- Supports Formal Methods: It complements structured testing techniques, ensuring broader coverage.
Experience based techniques in software testing
Experience-based testing can take many forms. Below are some of the most common techniques:
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Error Guessing
- What It Is: In error guessing testers use their intuition and experience to predict where defects are likely to occur.
- How It Works:
- Based on past projects, testers identify areas prone to failure.
- Tests are created to target those areas specifically.
- Example: In an online payment system, a tester might focus on edge cases like expired cards or failed network connections because they’ve seen similar issues before.
2. Checklist-Based Testing
- What It Is: in Checklist based Testing testers use a pre-defined checklist of items to guide their testing.
- How It Works:
- Checklists are typically created using industry standards, past experiences, and known software issues.
- Each item on the list is systematically checked.
- Example: A tester might use a user interface (UI) checklist to ensure elements like buttons, links, and forms are functioning correctly.
3. Exploratory Testing
- What It Is: A dynamic and creative approach where testers learn, test, and adapt simultaneously.
- How It Works:
- Testers explore the application freely, uncovering defects in real time.
- Minimal documentation is prepared, and goals evolve during testing.
- Example: While testing a game, a tester might experiment with unusual player inputs to find glitches.
4. Fault Attacks
- What It Is: Testers focus on specific areas where failures are expected, intentionally trying to “break” the system.
- How It Works:
- The tester identifies weak points based on system interactions (e.g., APIs, user interfaces).
- Tests are designed to stress those weak points.
- Example: Simulating extreme network loads on a cloud-based application to test its resilience.
How to Measure Coverage in Experience-Based Testing
Test coverage in experience based testing is often measured using a simple formula:
Coverage = (Number of Test Cases Executed) ÷ (Total Test Cases Identified)
This helps gauge the thoroughness of testing, though the focus remains on quality rather than numbers.
When to Use Experience Based Testing
Experience based testing isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It is most effective in the following situations:
- Tight Deadlines: When there isn’t enough time for comprehensive documentation and planning.
- Evolving Requirements: When software requirements are unclear or constantly changing.
- High Complexity: For systems that are too intricate for systematic methods alone.
- Limited Resources: When the testing team lacks access to formal tools or detailed specifications.
Advantages of using Experience based Test Design techniques
- Flexibility: Testers can adapt to the system’s unique challenges.
- Creativity: Encourages thinking outside the box to uncover hidden issues.
- Speed: Quick identification of high-risk areas.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the need for extensive documentation and formal planning.
Challenges of Experience Based Testing
- Dependency on Tester Skills: The quality of testing heavily relies on the tester’s expertise.
- Lack of Predictability: Results can vary based on the individual tester’s approach.
- Limited Repeatability: Tests may be hard to replicate due to the informal nature of the method.
- Potential for Missed Coverage: Important areas might be overlooked if the tester’s experience is limited.
Best Practices for Effective Experience-Based Testing
- Combine with Formal Methods: Use experience based testing alongside systematic techniques for balanced coverage.
- Document Findings: Even minimal documentation can help track and replicate results.
- Learn from History: Build a repository of past defects and failures to guide future testing.
- Foster Collaboration: Leverage the collective experience of the entire team.
- Use Checklists: Standardized checklists ensure critical areas are not missed.
Real-Life Examples of Experience Based Testing
Example 1: Error Guessing in E-Commerce
A tester familiar with e-commerce platforms might anticipate common issues like incorrect cart totals or payment gateway errors. By targeting these areas, they can uncover defects that might be missed by automated scripts.
Example 2: Exploratory Testing in Mobile Apps
An experienced tester testing a fitness app might explore scenarios like poor network connectivity or unusual input combinations to simulate real-world conditions.
Example 3: Checklist-Based Testing in Web Applications
A UI tester might follow a checklist to verify elements like navigation links, font consistency, and responsiveness across devices.
Conclusion
Experience-based testing is a valuable approach in software quality assurance. It leverages the tester’s expertise to find defects quickly and effectively, especially when used in combination with formal testing methods. While it has its challenges, such as reliance on individual skills, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks in fast-paced or complex environments.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to software testing, mastering experience-based techniques can enhance your testing strategy, making you a more versatile and efficient tester.
