Exploratory testing is a method of testing that combines planning, testing, and execution into simultaneous events to find defects in software applications. It involves using creativity, science, and intuition to test an application's functionality, often by exploring the application as if it were a new user or experienced user trying to use it. Exploratory testers learn the skills needed through experience, understanding of the application, and asking questions of developers. The approach is flexible, speed-efficient, and effective, requiring only access to the application and its functions for testing. It can be used with Agile development and other methodologies, blending technical experience with human behavior understanding to test applications. Exploratory testers use their own experiences, such as using personal apps, to find defects and leverage that knowledge when testing other applications. The approach also involves building skills in test automation while exploratory testing, preparing for frequent failures, and using creativity, science, and intuition to build testing techniques.