Error Guessing is an experience-based test technique that relies on the tester's intuition and creativity to identify defects that other test techniques may not cover. Here's what you need to know about Error Guessing as a test engineer:
Definition: Error Guessing is a technique where the tester uses their experience and intuition to identify defects by imagining how the software may fail in different scenarios. This technique is based on the idea that experienced testers can identify defects that may not be apparent through other test techniques.
Objective: The main aim of Error Guessing is to identify defects that may not be covered by other test techniques, to improve the quality and reliability of the software.
Process: Error Guessing involves brainstorming potential scenarios where the software may fail or behave unexpectedly and then designing test cases to simulate these scenarios. Testers may use their experience, intuition, and creativity to identify potential defects and design test cases to uncover them.
Advantages: Error Guessing can be a useful technique for identifying defects that may not be covered by other test techniques, especially for experienced testers who have a deep understanding of the software and its potential failure modes. It can help improve the quality and reliability of the software by uncovering defects that may have gone undetected through other testing methods.
Limitations: Error Guessing can be subjective and dependent on the tester's experience and intuition, leading to inconsistent results. It may also not be an efficient use of testing resources, as it relies on manual exploration of the software rather than systematic testing methods.
Examples: Examples of scenarios where Error Guessing may be used include imagining what would happen if a user entered invalid input into a form, what would happen if the software encountered unexpected network conditions, or what would happen if a user tried to perform actions out of sequence.
In conclusion, Error Guessing is an experience--based test technique that can be useful for identifying defects that other test techniques may not cover. While it may not be a systematic or efficient approach to testing, it can be valuable for experienced testers who deeply understand the software and its potential failure modes. Test engineers should consider using Error Guessing and other test techniques to ensure comprehensive software testing.