What is the main goal of exploratory testing?

The main goal of exploratory testing is to discover defects using tester intuition and experience. This approach emphasizes the tester's ability to think critically, adaptively explore the application, and utilize their understanding of the software and its potential weaknesses. Rather than strictly following predefined testing documentation or scripts, exploratory testing allows testers to engage with the application in a free-form manner, which often leads to uncovering unexpected issues or deeper insights into how the software behaves in various scenarios.

This method is particularly valuable in situations where time is limited or when the application has been poorly documented, as it leverages the tester's skill set to systematically investigate the software's functionality and usability. It can complement other testing types and is commonly used in conjunction with scripted testing to provide a more thorough assessment of the software's quality.