Autonomous Exploratory Testing vs. Scenario Testing: What’s the Difference?
Autonomous Exploratory Testing vs. Scenario Testing
– What Sets Them Apart?
At Apptest.ai, mobile app test automation is primarily divided into two methods:
Autonomous Exploratory Testing and Scenario Testing.
Apptest.ai leverages AI-powered autonomous exploratory testing to overcome the limitations of traditional scenario testing, providing a more flexible and efficient testing environment.
What is Scenario Testing?
Scenario testing follows pre-defined test cases and user paths to validate an application’s functionality.
Key Features:
- Runs based on predefined test scenarios
- Follows specific user flows (e.g., Login → Payment → Logout)
Limitations:
- Requires updates when UI changes unexpectedly
- Test cases must be continuously updated when new features are introduced
What is Autonomous Exploratory Testing?
Autonomous exploratory testing allows AI to navigate through the UI without predefined test scenarios, automatically identifying unexpected issues. Unlike scenario testing, it does not rely on specific user flows but instead explores various UI elements dynamically, uncovering potential errors.
Key Features:
- AI analyzes and explores UI without predefined test paths
- Automatically identifies buttons, input fields, and navigation elements
- Detects critical issues such as crashes, non-responsive screens, and “404 not found” errors
Advantages:
- Flexible to UI changes: AI adapts to modified UI structures in real-time without requiring code updates
- Minimal maintenance burden: Eliminates the need for predefined test cases, reducing maintenance overhead
- Detects unexpected bugs: Capable of uncovering unanticipated errors
When to Use Exploratory vs. Scenario Testing?
| Comparison | Autonomous Exploratory Testing | Scenario Testing |
| Testing Method | AI autonomously explores the UI | Based on predefined test cases |
| Maintenance Burden | None (automatically updates) | Requires manual updates |
| Bug Detection Capability | High (can detect unpredictable issues) | Detects errors within a predefined scope |
| Use Cases | Apps with frequent UI changes, need for exploratory bug detection | Testing critical user flows, ensuring app stability |
The Future of AI Testbots: More Advanced Testing
Autonomous exploratory testing is a powerful feature unique to Apptest.ai, setting it apart from traditional automated testing methods. Many companies are recognizing its ability to detect crashes, unresponsive screens, and other critical errors without requiring predefined test cases.
However, like any automation, autonomous exploratory testing also has some challenges. For example, it may click on elements that shouldn’t be interacted with (e.g., “Report” buttons) or repeatedly follow the same path in certain screens.
To address these issues and expand test coverage, Apptest.ai offers path adjustment features for autonomous exploratory testing. More details will be shared in our upcoming blog post at the end of February—stay tuned!
Discover how autonomous exploratory testing can detect unexpected bugs and enhance app quality!
