Exploratory Testing Quick Reference

Charter Template

"Explore [target] with [resources] to discover [information]"
Example: "Explore the checkout flow with edge case data to discover payment validation bugs"

SBTM (Session-Based Test Management)

1. Write a charter (goal for the session)
2. Set a timebox (25, 45, or 90 minutes)
3. Test and take notes
4. Debrief: What did you find? What's left?

Heuristics: HICCUPPS (Oracles)

• History — Does it work like the previous version?
• Image — Does it match the brand/reputation?
• Comparable — How do competitors handle this?
• Claims — Does it match specs/docs/marketing?
• Users — Would real users accept this?
• Product — Is it consistent with itself?
• Purpose — Does it fulfill its reason to exist?
• Standards — Does it follow regulations/conventions?

Testing Tours (James Whittaker)

• Money Tour — Test the features that make money
• Landmark Tour — Visit every major feature
• FedEx Tour — Follow data through the system
• Garbage Collector — Look in unused corners
• Antisocial Tour — Do everything wrong
• Supermodel Tour — Focus only on the UI