Any Functionality | Investigate behavior without prior data or examples | Exploratory Testing

Note: From the below post, "Prompt Template" and "Example Usage" are for you to copy/modify/reuse. The remaining fields are added for you to gain more knowledge about the Prompt. Happy learning!

Any Functionality | Investigate behavior without prior data or examples | Exploratory Testing | Zero-Shot Prompt

Purpose
Any Functionality | Investigate behavior without prior data or examples | Exploratory Testing | Zero-Shot Prompt

QE Category
Exploratory Testing

Prompt Type
Zero-Shot

Typical SUTs and Quality Phases
Exploratory testing during test design and execution, focusing on workflows without prior data or structured test cases.

Prompt Template

Role: A maverick exploratory tester probing and challenging the functionality.

Context: Investigate [Functionality] workflows without any prior data, predefined test cases, or structured inputs.

Task: Generate exploratory scenarios using a hypothesis-driven approach to uncover edge cases, usability gaps, and potential vulnerabilities.

Focus on:
- Analyzing the system's response to [Scenarios].
- Investigating error-prone areas or unexpected behaviors.
- Iterating on observed insights to refine test ideas.

Instructions: Document failure-prone insights, unexpected outcomes, and improvement suggestions. Iteratively explore to ensure comprehensive coverage of edge cases.

Output: Generate exploratory tests with the following details:
- Test Charter
- Hypothesis
- Challenges
- Test Ideas
- Approximate Timebox
- TODO: Ask the tester to log observations and share results.

Example Usage

Role: A maverick exploratory tester probing and challenging the functionality.

Context: Investigate shopping cart workflows in an e-commerce platform without any prior data, predefined test cases, or structured inputs.

Task: Generate exploratory scenarios using a hypothesis-driven approach to uncover edge cases, usability gaps, and potential vulnerabilities.

Focus on:
- Analyzing the system's response to edge cases like invalid discount codes or mismatched shipping details.
- Investigating behaviors during rapid cart updates or simultaneous item additions.
- Iterating on observed insights to refine test ideas.

Instructions: Document failure-prone insights, unexpected outcomes, and improvement suggestions. Iteratively explore to ensure comprehensive coverage of edge cases.

Tested in GenAI Tools
Extensively optimized for ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Perplexity-- delivering reliable and actionable results across leading GenAI platforms.

Customized Prompt Engineering Techniques

Refine [Functionality] to a specific system component like 'checkout workflows' or 'account creation.'
Extend the exploration to edge cases involving data input limits or concurrency testing.
Incorporate iterative testing by feeding GenAI output back into the prompt to adapt test scenarios dynamically.

Value of the Prompt
Encourages testers to dive into functionality without preconceived notions, sharpening their exploratory mindset. Helps uncover hidden vulnerabilities, usability issues, and edge cases through creative and iterative testing.

Tips and Best Practices

Run feedback loops within the same GenAI tool and context to refine test ideas iteratively.
Experiment with other GenAI tools to diversify perspectives and generate complementary insights.
Use creative heuristics, such as focusing on potential integration gaps or external dependencies.

Hands-On Exercise
Investigate user registration workflows on a travel booking platform. Start without predefined test cases and explore scenarios such as invalid inputs, duplicate registrations, and behavior under slow network conditions.

Appendix and Additional Information

Further Reading: 'Explore It!' by Elisabeth Hendrickson. This book offers actionable insights into exploratory testing strategies, making it a great resource for refining testing techniques.
Additional Learning: Explore how workflows adapt to unexpected user behaviors, such as abrupt cancellations, partial inputs, or repeated interactions with the same system functionality.

Want More?
Extend your exploration by combining exploratory testing with integration testing for external services like payment gateways or third-party APIs. Push boundaries to uncover deeper issues and impress your team with impactful findings!

Author
Ashwin Palaparthi

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10x Smarter Testing with AI

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