What characterizes exploratory testing?

Exploratory testing is characterized by its informal approach, where testers actively engage with the application to discover defects and gather information without relying on predefined test cases. This method allows testers to leverage their creativity, intuition, and experience to explore various aspects of the software. They may focus on user experience, usability, and unexpected behaviors, making exploratory testing particularly useful in scenarios where requirements may not be fully clear or when quick feedback is required.

By fostering a free-flowing interaction with the application, exploratory testing encourages testers to think critically and investigate beyond the limitations of scripted tests. This real-time testing strategy can uncover issues that might be missed in traditional testing methodologies that strictly adhere to predefined procedures and documentation.