The exploratory tester's role goes beyond finding bugs. It involves understanding user behavior, improving software quality, gathering feedback, and refining testing strategies. As an exploratory testing expert, you are an investigator who understands the software, uses creativity and intuition to guide the session, and discovers new ways to uncover hidden issues.
Moreover, mastering exploratory testing requires crafting effective test scenarios, navigating complex systems, quickly iterating based on feedback, analyzing data, and proactively identifying potential risks. And that’s where these recommendations come in! These 5 exploratory testing books offer practical advice, real-world examples of improving software quality, and innovative testing methods.
From the principles of exploratory testing to tester responsibilities and concepts like risk-based testing, session-based test management, and user-centered design, these books will help you improve your exploratory testing strategy.
1. Exploratory Software Testing: Tips, Tricks, Tours, and Techniques to Guide Test Design
James Whittaker exposes the hidden causes of today’s most challenging software bugs. He introduces new exploratory testing techniques designed to identify and fix these issues. With almost two decades of experience at leading companies like Google and Microsoft, Whittaker shares manual testing processes that are effective, structured, teachable, and repeatable.
Whittaker details techniques for individual testers and broader strategies to enhance the effectiveness of test teams. He also outlines a hybrid approach that integrates exploratory testing principles with traditional scripted testing methods. The book guides readers on when and how to apply each approach for maximum success.
The author also introduces the concept of Test Tours, a metaphor that can be used in exploratory testing to help you navigate the software’s complexity by providing a framework for organizing your testing and achieving your objectives. In these scenarios, you see yourself as a tourist (tester) exploring (testing) a new city (software). Your exploratory activities will change depending on the goals of your travels.
Written for testers, QA specialists, developers, program managers, and software architects, Whittaker answers questions such as:
- Why do some bugs remain undetected by automated tests, and how can I uncover them?
- What techniques can help me find critical "show stopper" bugs?
- How can I make manual testing more effective?
- What’s the best high-level testing strategy?
- Which inputs should I prioritize?
- Which test cases will provide the most comprehensive coverage?
- How can I combine exploratory testing with traditional testing approaches?
- How should I adapt to feedback?
Key takeaways
- Identification of elusive bugs;
- Innovative Manual Testing processes;
- Techniques for individual and team testing;
- Hybrid testing approach;
- Practical guidance;
- Critical questions answered.
- Application in real projects.
About the author: James Whittaker has been at the forefront of developing cutting-edge testing methodologies. He is known for his innovative approaches to exploratory testing, which have influenced how testers uncover hidden software bugs and improve product quality. As an author, Whittaker has shared his knowledge through books that blend practical techniques with real-world examples, making his insights accessible and actionable for testers, developers, and QA professionals alike.
2. Contemporary Exploratory Testing
This book presents the author’s approach to testing, sharing how they have developed their thinking and methods over time. It includes models and explanations used in teaching testing courses, reflecting the belief that all testing inherently involves exploration. Exploratory testing is a structured method for uncovering insights about the software under test and this book serves as an excellent resource on all aspects of testing.
About the author: Maaret Pyhäjärvi works full-time as a testing specialist at a product company and also helps other organizations as a testing coach and trainer. With extensive knowledge of Exploratory Testing, Maaret has learned how to leverage it in software testing that integrates test design, execution, and learning as simultaneous, interconnected activities.
Moreover, Contemporary Exploratory Testing offers a very comprehensible table of contents:
- Foundations of contemporary Exploratory Testing
- Introduction to contemporary Exploratory Testing foundations
- Self-management in Exploratory Testing
- Detailed constraints
- Documentation constraints
You can find even more about the concept of contemporary exploratory testing in the QA Therapy podcast episode with Maaret Pyhäjärvi!
3. Explore It! Reduce Risk and Increase Confidence with Exploratory Testing
Elisabeth Hendrickson divided this into 3 different sections that helps understand this testing approach and, as the title suggests, reducing risk and increasing confidence as a tester:
- Part 1 introduces the fundamental skills of a seasoned exploratory tester. You'll learn how to craft charters to guide your testing, observe the actual behavior of software (which is often more challenging than it appears), identify intriguing variations, and determine the expected behavior when software is pushed in unconventional ways;
- Part 2 builds on these basics. You'll explore techniques for varying interactions, sequences, data, timing, and configurations. The section also delves into analysis methods like state modeling, data modeling, and context diagramming, tools you can add to your exploratory testing toolkit;
- Part 3 contextualizes these techniques within a software project, such as the usage of heuristics in exploratory testing. It shows how to apply your skills and methods in various scenarios, integrating exploratory testing into the development process from the start.
About the author: Elisabeth wrote her first line of code in 1980 and soon after found her first bug. In 2010, she received the prestigious Gordon Pask Award from the Agile Alliance. She is well-known for her Google Tech Talk on Agile Testing and her widely used Test Heuristics Cheat Sheet, which gives her plenty of knowledge to talk about the techniques discussed in this book - applicable to any type of software.
Take a look at its full table of contents:
- Establishing foundations
- On testing and exploration
- Charter your explorations
- Observe the details
- Find interesting variations
- Evaluate results
- Adding dimensions
- Vary sequences and interactions
- Explore entities and their relationships
- Discover states and transitions
- Explore the ecosystem
- Putting it in context
- Exploring when there is no user interface
- Exploring an existing system
- Explore requirements
- Integrate exploration
- Appendices
- Interviewing for Exploratory Testing skills
- Test Heuristics cheat sheet
4. Toolbox for the Agile Coach - Visualization Examples
In Toolbox for the Agile Coach - Visualization Examples, each page presents a clear visualization along with a brief description, free of deep theoretical explanations. Readers have praised the book for its practical, to-the-point format, making it easy to implement the ideas immediately. Jimmy Janlén, the author, has been hailed as "The wizard of visualization", with readers highlighting how the book offers a wealth of examples that can be used right away, regardless of whether teams are using Scrum, Kanban, or another agile methodology.
One reader noted, "I have this book constantly with me. Actually, I’ve laminated each page to make it workshop-friendly. In my work, I focus on the information needs of each team, and this book captures what’s important in a complex development landscape, presented in a beautiful way."
Whether you’re an Agile Coach, Scrum Master, Kanban Master, or simply someone looking to inspire better collaboration within your teams, this book offers ideas that can be adapted to your context. It’s a must-have for anyone serious about leveraging the power of visualization in agile development.
About the author: Growing up in Kumla, Sweden, Jimmy initially dreamed of creating the stunning visual effects for future "Star Wars" movies. This aspiration led him to study Computer Science, setting the stage for a career in IT. However, as often happens, his path took an unexpected turn, leading him to become an IT consultant specializing in .NET and Microsoft technologies.
For Jimmy, Agile is a mindset and a way of approaching work that prioritizes team collaboration, ownership, and decision-making. While initially skeptical about the success of Agile transformations in large organizations, he has since witnessed its growing success across the globe. His experiences have led him to become a passionate advocate for Agile, particularly in its ability to shape new habits and drive continuous improvement within teams.
5. Agile Testing Condensed: A Brief Introduction
Agile Testing Condensed offers a clear and concise guide to succeeding with testing and fostering a quality-focused culture within an agile environment. The authors, Janet Gregory and Lisa Crispin, have drawn from their two decades of experience in agile testing to help readers grasp key concepts, including:
- Understanding how QA professionals can contribute within an agile team, plus clarifying who is responsible for different testing activities and when these activities should take place;
- Integrating testing into Agile cycles, as well as tools and approaches to do it effectively;
- Methods to ensure everyone is fully integrated and collaborative within the agile development team, making sure the continuous testing practices are in check;
- Methods for assessing the effectiveness of your testing sessions;
- Practical advice on how to gain momentum and success with test automation.
An essential reading for testers, software delivery team members, product teams, business stakeholders, managers, and executives who want to enhance their understanding of agile testing.
About the authors: Janet Gregory and Lisa Crispin are respected figures in the world of agile testing. They have made significant contributions to the agile community through their work, coaching, and writing. Known for their practical and insightful approach, Janet and Lisa have co-authored several influential books, including Agile Testing and More Agile Testing, which provide in-depth examples and strategies for overcoming real-world testing challenges in agile environments.
Elevate your testing skills: must-read Exploratory Testing books for 2024
These five exploratory testing ebooks are essential additions to your 2024 reading list, each offering practical advice to elevate your testing practices. Whether you’re a seasoned tester or just starting out, these books will help you uncover hidden risks, enhance collaboration, and integrate testing into agile environments - you'll be equipped with what’s needed to navigate all complexities.
If you’re looking into putting your knowledge into practice, the Xray Exploratory App is the tool. It enables you to easily document findings, reproduce bugs, and share results in real time, fostering collaboration across teams while keeping exploratory testing structured and efficient.
