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Getting started with Software Testing


Different methods involved in Software Testing

Different methods which can be used for testing the software.

Black Box Testing

Black Box Testing or Behavioral Testing is a testing method in which involves the internal structure/design/implementation of the application being tested is not known to the tester.

This method to find errors in the following categories:

  • Missing functions
  • Interface errors
  • Errors in data structures or external database access
  • Behavior or performance errors
  • Initialization and termination errors

 

Advantages

Disadvantages

Test cases can be designed once the specifications are complete

Tests can be redundant after developer has run a test case.

Tester need not know programming knowledge or implementation of the software.

It is difficult to design test cases without clear specifications of the project.

White Box Testing

White Box Testing is a testing done by the developer where they check the internal structure / design of the code.  It is also known as Transparent Box Testing, Clear Box Testing, Glass Box Testing and Open Box Testing.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Testing is deeper, with the possibility of covering paths.

Since tests can be complex, skilled resources are required, with more knowledge of programming and implementation.

It helps in optimizing the code.

Test script maintenance can be a difficult if the implementation changes frequently

Testing can be begins at an earlier stage.

Sometimes unable to look into every corner to find out hidden faults that may results in failures, as various paths will go untested.

Gray Box Testing

Gray Box Testing is software testing which involves the combination of Black Box Testing and White Box Testing. In Black Box Testing, the internal structure of the program/application tested is unknown to the tester and in White Box Testing the internal structure of the program/application in known. In Gray Box Testing, the internal structure of the application is partially known.

Advantages

Disadvantages

From the point of view of the user the test is done.

Testing every possible input stream is impossible because it would take more amount of time; therefore, various program ways will go untested.

It has the combined benefits of both white-box testing and black-box.

The tests can be redundant after software designer has run a test case.

A Comparison of Testing Methods

Black-Box Testing

White-Box Testing

Gray-Box Testing

Application knowledge need not be known

Tester should have full knowledge of application

The tester will have limited knowledge of the application.

Less time consuming

Most time consuming

Partly time consuming

Performed by end user and both tester and developer

Performed by tester and developer

Performed by end user and both tester and developer

Testing is based on external expectations

Internal structures are known to testers.

High-level database diagrams and data flow diagrams are involved in testing.

 

Description

This tutorial has 9 parts to it, which covers basics of software testing, You will gain knowledge on various topics of software testing including testing estimation, software testing levels and also covers importance of documentations.



Prerequisites

No prior knowledge on Software Testing is essential

Learning Objectives

This tutorial is written as an overview of Software Testing

Author: Subject Coach
Added on: 10th Feb 2015

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