Exploratory Testing on Agile Projects: Combining SBTM and TBTM

Exploratory testing provides both flexibility and speed—characteristics that are vitally important with the quick pace of short agile iterations. With session-based test management (SBTM), exploratory testing is structured and documented in pre-defined sessions. A newer approach, thread-based test management (TBTM), organizes test efforts by threads of activities rather than sessions. So, how do you retain the traceability of SBTM without losing the creativity offered by TBTM? The answer is xBTM—a combination of SBTM and TBTM. After introducing SBTM and TBTM, Christin shows how she uses xBTM on projects to obtain maximum efficiency—only creating test documentation that actually adds value. Using a mock example, Christin describes the xBTM workflow on an agile project, covering all the steps from test planning and performing the tests through reporting. Her focus is on sharing practical examples and providing a range of flexible tools that you can immediately apply on almost any project.