What Is Error Guessing Technique ?

Error Guessing, a software testing technique, harnesses the tester's intuition, experience, and domain knowledge to unearth potential errors in the software. This method leverages the tester's creativity to anticipate where defects might lurk, drawing from their profound understanding of the system, user behavior, and potential vulnerabilities in the code. Employing the Error Guessing technique involves the following detailed steps:

1. Understand the Requirements:

• Thoroughly grasp the software requirements, encompassing both functional and non-functional aspects, along with any pertinent documentation.

2. Gain Domain Knowledge:

• Acquire an in-depth understanding of the software's operating domain, anticipating potential issues associated with the specific industry or business.

3. Analyze Previous Defects:

• Review defect reports and issues identified in prior software versions to gain insights into recurring problems or areas prone to errors.

4. Identify Complex Algorithms and Critical Modules:

• Focus on intricate algorithms or critical modules with a higher risk of defects, where subtle errors might impact overall software functionality.

5. Consider Boundary Conditions:

• Ponder over edge cases and boundary conditions that may not have undergone thorough testing, as unexpected inputs or conditions at extremes can lead to errors.

6. Explore Input Combinations:

• Test various combinations of inputs, especially in scenarios where multiple inputs can interact, uncovering unexpected interactions that might lead to errors.

7. User Experience Analysis:

• View the software from the user's perspective, considering scenarios where users might deviate from the expected path or encounter usability issues.

8. Review Code Logic:

• Scrutinize the code logic, paying attention to complex conditional statements, loops, and exception-handling mechanisms, as these areas often harbor potential errors.

9. Think Like a Malicious User:

• Envision scenarios where a malicious user might attempt to exploit the system, thinking beyond normal use cases to identify potential security vulnerabilities.

10. Use Intuition and Experience:

• Rely on intuition and experience as a tester; investigate further if something feels off or doesn't align with your understanding of the system.

11. Collaborate with Developers:

• Engage in discussions with developers to gain insights into their thought processes while implementing specific features, identifying potential pitfalls.

12. Document and Communicate Findings:

• Record assumptions, test scenarios, and potential error areas. Communicate findings with the development team to ensure all stakeholders are aware of potential risks.

Remember that Error Guessing is inherently subjective and heavily reliant on the tester's skills and experience. It serves as a valuable complement to other testing techniques and proves most effective when integrated with structured testing approaches.