Software Testing Tutorial #33 - Different Test Design Techniques

Summary

This software testing tutorial introduces software test design techniques, emphasizing their importance in achieving better test coverage. The speaker explains the difference between static and dynamic testing, highlighting key methods like reviews, inspections, and code analysis for static testing, and black-box, white-box, and experience-based techniques for dynamic testing. The video focuses on black-box techniques such as equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision tables, and state transitions. The presenter also hints at future tutorials that will provide practical examples, helping viewers apply these techniques effectively in manual testing projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 The presenter humorously mentions that there is something written on the whiteboard by their four-year-old son, which they can't erase due to the child's request.
• 🧑‍💻 The tutorial focuses on software testing techniques, also known as software test design techniques.
• 🧐 One key principle of software testing is that exhaustive testing is not possible, meaning it's impossible to test every scenario in an application.
• 📝 Software test design techniques help optimize test coverage by providing systematic approaches to writing test cases.
• 🔍 Testing techniques can be broadly categorized into static and dynamic testing, which include methods like code review, static code analysis, and data flow inspection.
• 🚀 Dynamic testing can further be classified into white box, black box, and experience-based testing, each with specific methodologies like statement coverage, decision coverage, and error guessing.
• ⚙️ White box testing techniques focus on aspects like statement coverage, decision coverage, and multiple condition coverage to ensure comprehensive code testing.
• 📦 Black box testing techniques are crucial for manual testers and include methods such as equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, decision table, state transition, and use case testing.
• 🎓 The presenter mentions that a detailed explanation of these techniques is available in their ISTQB tutorial series for those preparing for certification.
• 📚 In the next video of the series, the presenter will dive deeper into black box testing techniques, covering each method with practical examples to help viewers write better test cases.

Q & A

What is the significance of software test design techniques?

Software test design techniques are important because they help maximize coverage of the application during testing. Exhaustive testing is not possible, so these techniques provide a structured approach to creating test cases, ensuring that the testing process is thorough and effective.

Why is exhaustive testing not possible in software testing?

Exhaustive testing is not possible because it is impractical to test every possible scenario or input in an application. There are too many variables and scenarios to cover. Therefore, test design techniques are used to focus on the most important and high-risk areas.

What are static testing techniques, and when are they used?

Static testing techniques are used to test the software or related documents without executing the code. They include reviews, walkthroughs, technical reviews, inspections, static code analysis, and analyzing data and control flow.

Can you explain dynamic testing techniques?

Dynamic testing techniques are used when the code is executed, and the application is tested in a live environment. These techniques include white box testing, black box testing, and experience-based methods like exploratory testing and error guessing.

What is the difference between white box and black box testing?

White box testing involves testing the internal structure or workings of an application, using techniques like statement coverage and decision coverage. Black box testing, on the other hand, focuses on testing the functionality of the application without looking at the internal code, using techniques like equivalence partitioning and boundary value analysis.

What is exploratory testing, and why is it important?

Exploratory testing is an experience-based testing technique where the tester actively explores the application without predefined test cases. It helps identify defects that may not be caught by traditional testing methods and allows for a more flexible, creative approach to testing.

What is equivalence partitioning, and how does it help in testing?

Equivalence partitioning is a black box testing technique where input data is divided into partitions, and only one test case from each partition is tested. This method reduces the number of test cases while ensuring that all possible input scenarios are covered.

How is boundary value analysis used in testing?

Boundary value analysis is a black box testing technique where the boundaries of input values are tested. Since defects often occur at the boundaries of input ranges, this technique ensures that these critical points are tested for potential issues.

What is error guessing, and when would you use it?

Error guessing is an experience-based testing technique where testers use their experience to guess where defects might occur in the application. It is used in situations where standard test design techniques may not be enough to catch all issues.

Why is it important to apply both static and dynamic testing techniques?

Applying both static and dynamic testing techniques ensures that the software is tested comprehensively. Static testing catches defects early in the documentation or code without execution, while dynamic testing verifies the application’s behavior during execution, ensuring that the software works as expected.