Ad-hoc Testing is an informal and unstructured type of software testing performed without any predefined test cases or plans. Testers explore the system based on their intuition, experience, and knowledge of the application.
Conducted without test plans, scripts, or formal processes.
Testers rely on domain knowledge and intuition.
Helps identify defects faster in less time.
Example: A tester explores an e-commerce website without test cases, trying unusual search queries, skipping steps in checkout, or applying invalid coupon codes to see if the system breaks.
| Aspect | Ad-hoc Testing | Monkey Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Unplanned but guided by tester’s knowledge | Completely random |
| Knowledge Required | Some application/domain knowledge | Minimal or none |
| Use Case | Exploratory defect finding | Stress testing with random inputs |