What does experiment mean in software engineering?

In software engineering, an experiment is a controlled test designed to validate a hypothesis or measure the impact of a change. It typically involves defining success metrics, running the test with a subset of users or data, and analyzing the results before making a larger decision. Experiments are central to data-driven development and agile practices.

How do you use experiment as a verb?

When experiment is used as a verb, it always requires the preposition with. For example: We experimented with a new database architecture. We are experimenting with different UI layouts. You can also use it in the noun form: We ran an experiment to test the hypothesis.

What is the difference between experiment and test?

While often used interchangeably, an experiment typically implies a more formal, structured approach with a clear hypothesis and measurable success criteria. A test can be more casual or informal. In tech, experiment is often preferred when discussing controlled, measured trials with documented outcomes.

Is experiment formal or informal?

Experiment is neutral to slightly formal, depending on context. It is commonly used in professional tech settings, meetings, and documentation. It is not casual slang, but it is also not overly formal. You would use it in emails, presentations, and technical discussions.

What are common collocations with experiment?

Common phrases include: run an experiment, experiment with something, A/B experiment, experiment results, pilot experiment, successful experiment, failed experiment. The most common verb form is experiment with.

experiment meaning in tech — Speak Tech English

Commonness	5/5
Versatility	5/5
Formality	CasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ Written	SpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ Diplomatic	DirectDiplomaticDirect
Region	US and UK

Say it like this

✓Let us run an experiment to validate our hypothesis.

✓We experimented with a new approach and it worked.

✓The experiment showed that users prefer the darker theme.

✓Can we experiment on 10% of traffic first?

Real examples

in a standup

"We are running an experiment this week to test the new onboarding flow with half our users."

in a code review

"Before we merge this, we should experiment with it on a staging environment to measure performance."

in a team meeting

"The experiment results show that the new algorithm reduced latency by 25 percent."

in a planning session

"Let us experiment with microservices architecture for the payment system."

Don't say this

Handle with care. Do not use experiment as a verb meaning to test in a casual way without proper process. In tech, experimenting usually means controlled, measured testing with clear metrics and documented outcomes.

✕We are experimenting the new feature.

✓We are experimenting with the new feature.— When using experiment as a verb, you need the preposition with: experiment with something, not experiment something.

✕This is a good experiment to do it.

✓This is a good experiment to run.— You run an experiment (noun) or experiment with something (verb). Do not say experiment to do it.

✕We experimented the database last month.

✓We experimented with the database last month.— Same issue: the verb experiment requires with. You can also say we tested the database.

✕The experiment failed because we did not have a good idea.

✓The experiment failed because we did not set clear success metrics.— In tech, experiments need measurable criteria. Saying an idea was bad is vague; specify what was not measured or achieved.

Other forms

noun

experiment

"The experiment took two weeks to complete and showed promising results."

verb

experiment (with)

"We experimented with three different algorithms to find the fastest one."

noun

experimenting

"Experimenting with new technologies helps us stay ahead of the curve."

adjective

experimental

"The experimental version of the app is available for beta testers only."

Often used with

run an experimentMost common way to use experiment as a noun. You run experiments, not do or make experiments.

experiment withStandard verb form meaning to test or try something. Always followed by with.

A/B experimentA specific type of experiment comparing two versions to determine which performs better.

experiment resultsThe data and findings produced by an experiment. Often discussed in meetings and reports.

successful experimentAn experiment that validated the hypothesis or achieved the defined success metrics.

failed experimentAn experiment that did not achieve its goals. Failure is normal and valuable in tech.

pilot experimentA small-scale initial test before a larger rollout. Similar to MVP.

Similar words

testMore general and casual. Test can mean any kind of checking. Experiment implies a structured hypothesis and metrics.

trialSlightly more formal. Trial often refers to trying something before committing fully, like a trial period.

A/B testA specific type of experiment comparing two versions. Not all experiments are A/B tests.

validationThe goal or result of an experiment. You validate ideas through experiments.

Opposites

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Complete the sentence

1. We should _______ with the new caching strategy before deploying it to production.

Spot the mistake

2. Which sentence uses experiment incorrectly?

The experiment showed that users prefer dark mode.We are experimenting the new API endpoint.Let us run an experiment on 5% of traffic.We experimented with three database solutions.

Pick the most natural phrasing

3. How would a tech professional say this?

We need to do an experiment with the checkout flow.We need to run an experiment on the checkout flow.We need to make an experiment on the checkout flow.We need to test an experiment on the checkout flow.

Complete the sentence

4. The _______ showed that the new feature reduced load times by 30 percent.

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "experiment" in a standup this week?

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