In the field of testing, there exists a technique known as ad-hoc testing which dismisses the need for a systematic approach. This could also be referred to as black box or behavioural testing, being conducted without any pre-established process.
Contrasting with classical testing, which necessitates documentation like requirement documents, test plans and test cases, ad-hoc testing doesn’t involve comprehensive documentation and encourages a more spontaneous and imaginative method.
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This type of testing is primarily focused on locating defects or imperfections that might be overlooked by regular testing techniques. The testers embark on arbitrary tests with the aim of breaking the system and identifying any likely issues.
Ad-hoc testing demands expert and knowledgeable testers who possess an in-depth understanding of the subject system. This exhaustive approach to testing proves particularly handy in assessing the efficacy of test coverage.
Initiate with Instance of Ad-hoc Testing
Here’s an instance illustrating how you can perform ad-hoc testing on a UI Wizard:
Suppose you’re tasked with creating a plan or template by deploying a UI Wizard. The wizard is equipped with multiple panels for user data entry. As you progress with the wizard, based on user input, certain actions like context pop-ups could be triggered.
To validate this set-up, a tester would traditionally carry out customary tests such as successfully navigating through the wizard, halting the wizard halfway, modifying a created plan, eliminating the plan, and verifying appropriate error prompts when entering negative values.
Besides these standard tests, ad-hoc testing could help unearth more defects. For example:
- Inputting special symbols that aren’t restricted to examine how they’re managed.
- Interacting with pop-ups and executing actions like hitting the backspace key to observe system response.
Attributes of Ad-hoc Testing:
Ad-hoc testing exemplifies a few unique traits:
- Tests are shaped around the aim to discover defects, but they are typically intense and conducted with the purpose of disrupting the system.
- Testers need to possess a thorough understanding of the system under test. This testing style seeks to reveal faults in the test process.
- Ad-hoc tests are usually executed once, unless a defect is detected and a retest is necessary.
When Is the Right Time for Ad-hoc Testing?
Ad-hoc testing can be beneficial at multiple phases of the software development lifecycle, being especially useful when a detailed test cannot be carried out due to limited time.
The general suggestion is to perform ad-hoc testing after the current test set has been run. However, seasoned testers can determine the optimal time for ad-hoc testing, based on their understanding of the system in question.
There are also situations when ad-hoc testing might not be required:
- If a test case exists for a known bug, ad-hoc testing isn’t required. The test case should be adequately documented and can be retested on fixing the bug.
- During customer or client-involved testing of a beta version of the software, ad-hoc testing should be avoided.
- For simple UI screens, the traditional approach of positive and negative testing should be quite effective in discovering defects.
Classifications of Ad-hoc Testing
Ad-hoc testing can be segmented into the following categories:
#1) Buddy Testing
Here, a test engineer and a developer collaborate on a single module, enabling both individuals to gain a broader understanding of the design and testing needs.
#2) Pair Testing
Pair testing consists of two testers working jointly on a module using the same test set up. This encourages brainstorming and collaboration, leading to the exposure of more defects.
#3) Monkey Testing
Monkey testing is executed at the unit testing level. The system is subjected to random tests to verify its ability to cope with unexpected scenarios and potential crashes.
Advantages of Ad-hoc Testing
Ad-hoc testing offers a range of benefits:
- Testers are likely to uncover more defects than through conventional testing methods due to the freedom to employ innovative and artistic testing techniques.
- Ad-hoc testing can be fulfilled at various stages of the software development lifecycle and is not restricted to the test team only. Developers too can benefit from performing ad-hoc testing to enhance their coding skills.
- Ad-hoc testing can complement other test methodologies, possibly decreasing the duration needed for regular testing and improving test coverage comprehensively and product quality overall.
- Ad-hoc testing doesn’t necessitate expansive documentation, letting testers focus on understanding the underlying architecture.
- Where time is a constraint, ad-hoc testing could give value in terms of test coverage and quality.
Limitations of Ad-hoc Testing
Ad-hoc testing also bears its own set of limitations:
- With the absence of an organised structure and documentation, a heavy reliance is placed on testers’ memory to recollect the specifics of ad-hoc scenarios, which can be difficult, especially in complex systems.
- If asked to provide specifics about defects uncovered during ad-hoc testing, without adequate documentation, it might prove difficult to recreate these defects on subsequent tries.
- Effort accountability is also a challenge as ad-hoc testing is not planned or structured, making it hard to account for the time and effort spent.
- Ad-hoc tests require skilled and proficient testers who can actively designate the areas where defects can be expected.
Best Practices for Effective Ad-hoc Testing
To ensure ad-hoc testing is effective, the following best practices should be considered:
#1) Discover Defect-Prone Areas
Understand which aspects are more susceptible to errors and direct your ad-hoc testing efforts accordingly. Assess the volume of defects reported against each feature to prioritize testing.
#2) Acquire Expertise
Experienced testers can employ their knowledge and intuition to expose likely defects. Ad-hoc testing can serve as a means for less-experienced testers to gain system expertise.
#3) Categorize Tests
Based on visibility and priority, categorize features. Focus primarily on testing the most critical and frequently used features. Further, consider categorizing tests based on how various components or modules integrate.
#4) Sketch Out a Rough Plan
Albeit not mandating a detailed plan, possessing a rough framework or jotting down testing ideas for ad-hoc testing can ensure thorough execution and no omissions.
#5) Implement Appropriate Tools
Investigate tools that can help identify defects, unlikely to be immediately visible during functional testing. Inspection of logs and error prompts can provide valuable insights.
#6) Keep Records for Ongoing Improvement
Even though ad-hoc testing doesn’t require comprehensive documentation, maintaining a record of scenarios encountered and defects detected can aid in refining the overall test cases and improving product quality.
Conclusion
Ad-hoc testing is a valuable test technique that encourages testers to be creative and innovative. It offers the chance to expose defects that may have been ignored by regular testing processes. However, it’s crucial to capitalize on the strengths of ad-hoc testing while ensuring it enhances the overall test process and product quality.
About the author: This post was authored by Sneha Nadig, a Test Lead with over 7 years of experience across manual and automation testing projects.
Do you perform ad-hoc testing in your projects? How would you make ad-hoc testing more successful?