What kind of testing approach is exploratory testing?

Exploratory testing is best characterized as informal and adaptive. This testing approach emphasizes simultaneous learning, test design, and test execution, allowing testers to explore the software based on their experience, intuition, and knowledge rather than strictly adhering to predefined test cases.

In exploratory testing, testers can adapt their strategies and focus on areas that present the most risk or have not been sufficiently covered by formal testing methods. This flexibility is beneficial as it allows for a more dynamic response to changing conditions within the software being tested. Testers can investigate nuances, edge cases, and unexpected behaviors that may not be initially considered in structured test plans.

The nature of exploratory testing encourages creativity and critical thinking, facilitating the discovery of defects that might not appear through traditional testing methods. It thrives on tester intuition and expertise, making it a valuable approach when dealing with complex systems or when testing time is limited.