Adhoc Testing Explained with Types and Best Practices
We call it Ad-hoc when we don’t have organization or structure. Thus, ad-hoc testing will be when the testing is executed without any planning or structuring.
Ad-hoc testing is a type of black box or behavioral testing. With Ad-hoc testing, you don’t need to follow any strict process. There’s no formal process of testing to document.
Let’s jump into this blog and learn in detail.
Table Of Contents
What is Adhoc Testing?
Adhoc testing is a type of software testing that is performed without a predetermined test plan or script. This method involves exploring or testing features spontaneously as the tester perceives potential issues or areas that require further testing.
It is beneficial when looking for defects not included in test plans, discovering severe application issues quickly, or identifying edge cases overlooked during standard testing processes. Although Adhoc Testing does not adhere to formal documentation processes, it requires adequate preparation before beginning the process. Know more here
When to Execute Adhoc Testing?
Sometimes you don’t have all the time in the world to test everything, right? That’s where Adhoc testing comes in. You do it after the formal testing, and it’s quick and dirty. But here’s the thing – only if you understand the system you’re testing can the ad-hoc testing be effective.
We can tell you a few stages when you can perform ad-hoc testing:
1. During initial testing:
You can use ad-hoc testing early in software development to understand the software and identify any major issues.
2. During System Integration Testing:
Ad-hoc testing can also be used during system integration testing. It identifies issues that might arise when various software components are brought together.
3. In Response to User Feedback:
You can perform Adhoc testing in response to user feedback or bug reports. By doing this, you can determine the cause of a problem and develop a solution.
4. After Testing Executed:
Once all issues have been addressed and improvements made, you can confidently release your product
Characteristics of Adhoc Testing
The characteristics are as follows:
1. Unplanned: There are no pre-written test scripts or test cases to follow for Adhoc testing. We know it is unplanned and unstructured. So testers test as they think the users would use the software without following any specific order or sequence. Example: A tester testing a messaging app might send random messages to themselves and others without any set sequence or order.
2. Informal: Adhoc testing is informal, meaning it’s a quick and easy way to test the software without going through formal procedures or documentation. People often perform it alongside other, more formal testing. Example: If a tester notices a new feature in the software, they might quickly test it without any formal plan or documentation.
3. No predefined goal: Adhoc testing has no predefined plan, meaning testers can use their instinct and experience to identify potential issues in the software. Bugs may be found in this testing, or they might not be.
4. Problem-oriented: This testing focuses on identifying issues and defects in the software rather than following a fixed path.
Types of Adhoc Testing
There are different types of Adhoc testing as follows:
1. Buddy Testing:
Buddy testing is a unique software testing approach involving two team members – one from the development team and one from the testing team. This collaborative effort allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the application, as both individuals work together on the same module, sharing ideas and uncovering defects and bugs. By combining the expertise of both teams, buddy testing can help ensure that the application is thoroughly tested and ready for release.
2. Monkey Testing:
This testing involves testers randomly performing actions on the software application to see how the application responds to unexpected inputs.
For Example, A tester randomly enters text into the search bar of an e-commerce site and then stops it to see how the site responds to unexpected stops.
3. Pair Testing:
Get ready to double up on the fun of testing! With the Pair testing approach, two testers are assigned to tackle a module, brainstorm brilliant ideas, and team up on the same machines to uncover any aggravating defects. One person takes the lead as the tester, while the other steps in as the writer(or you can take the help of a developer), taking notes on the findings.
Overall, Adhoc testing plays a significant role in the software development lifecycle. It ensures that software is not failing at unexpected places.
Adhoc Testing Example
Ad-hoc testing is when a tester goes to paths that user, normally, would not. What does it look like when we do ad-hoc testing for web browser testing?
If I were to do ad-hoc testing for a web browser, I would start by exploring the different functionalities of the browser. I will randomly click various buttons, links, and menus to see if they work correctly. I will try to randomly stop a page from loading, switch tabs, switch to and from different applications and go to paths that a user would not go to in normal scenarios.
Best Practices of Adhoc Testing
Here are some of the best practices that can help ensure the effectiveness of Adhoc testing:
1. Good understanding of the system:
Adhoc testing is most effective when performed by testers who clearly understand the software and the expected functional behavior.
2. Test in a realistic environment:
Adhoc testing should be done in a realistic environment that represents how users would use the software in the real world. Testers should include various input combinations and scan all application parts.
3. Use skilled testers:
Experienced testers can help identify defects that may have been overlooked in structured testing processes. They can also use their instinct to find defects based on prior experience and knowledge.
4. Valid documentation:
It’s essential to keep track of what tests were performed, the results, and any issues encountered along the way. Without proper documentation, it can be challenging to reproduce bugs or understand why a particular test failed. So, make sure you’re documenting your Adhoc testing efforts thoroughly!
5. Work with a squad:
Adhoc testing can be improved by using the input and knowledge of others. Feedback and suggestions from other development team members can help improve the results of Adhoc testing.
6. Use historical data:
Use data gathered during prior testing cycles. Check bug-tracking databases and other resources to identify potential areas of improvement.
Following the above best practices can be valuable in identifying errors in the software.
Summary
Adhoc testing can be a lifesaver when finding those pesky bugs in your software. While Adhoc testing can be a fun way of testing software, it’s important not to get too comfortable and neglect best practices. But don’t rely solely on just this testing to ensure the quality of your product.
Follow the recommended testing procedures and protocols to ensure your software works as intended. This way, you catch potential issues and ensure your software is reliable and trustworthy. So, have fun with Adhoc testing, but don’t forget to keep things structured and professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who performs Adhoc testing?
Any software development team member, including developers, testers, or business analysts, can perform ad-hoc testing. However, experienced and skilled testers or quality assurance personnel who understand software functionality and user scenarios usually perform this testing.
Is Adhoc testing black-box testing?
Yes, Adhoc testing is a type of black box testing.
It means the tester has limited knowledge of the software’s internal workings. We conduct Adhoc testing with a flexible testing plan. It focuses on issues or concerns about the software’s functionality without focusing on the implementation details or the internal architecture.
Do we write test cases in Adhoc testing?
No, Adhoc testing lacks test cases and so documentation. Ad-Hoc testing is a kind of testing that comes under the category of ‘Unstructured Testing.
