Where does Exploratory Testing fit with its advantages and disadvantages.

Exploratory testing is called for in any situation where it is not obvious what the next test should be, or when you want to go beyond the obvious tests. More specifically, freestyle exploratory testing fits in any of the following situations:
- when you need to provide rapid feedback on a new product or feature.
- when you need to learn the product quickly.
- when you want to investigate and isolate a particular defect.
- when you want to check the work of another tester by doing a brief independent investigation.
- when you have to find out the single most important bug in the shortest time.
- when you have already tested using scripts, and seek to diversify the testing.
- when you want to investigate and isloate a particular defect.
- when you want to investigate the status of a particular risk in order to evaluate the need for scripted tests in that area.

Advantages of Exploratory Testing

- It does not require extensive documentation.
- It is responsive to changing scenarios.
- Under tight schedules, testing can be more focused depending on the bug rate or risks.
- Improved coverage.

Disadvantages of Exploratory Testing

- Dependent on tester's skills.
- Test tracking not concrete.
- More prone to human error.
- No contingency plan if the tester is unavailable.

What specifics affect Exploratory testing

- The mission of the particular test session.
- The tester skills, talents, preferences.
- Available time and other resources.
- Status of other testing cycles for the product.
- How much the tester knows about the product.