CH05.L01 . Black box or white box testing

Summary

This script delves into the distinctions between Black Box and White Box Testing, highlighting their respective applications in software development. Black Box Testing, akin to 'specification-based testing', is used for functional and non-functional testing without considering the internal system structure, suitable for later stages like System and Acceptance Testing. In contrast, White Box Testing, known as 'structural-based' or 'glass box', involves examining the system's internal code, crucial for early stages such as Unit and Integration Testing. The script also emphasizes the importance of 'Test to pass' for validating minimum requirements and 'Test to fail' for uncovering software weaknesses, suggesting that practice and learning are key to effective test case development.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Black Box Testing is used for functional and non-functional testing without considering the internal structure of the system.
• 📚 Black Box Testing is based on specifications, where inputs are added and outputs are checked against expected results.
• ✅ If the output matches the expected result in Black Box Testing, it's considered a 'pass'; otherwise, it's a 'fail'.
• 👀 Black Box Testing is conducted from the perspective of an end user without technical background, focusing on the program's functionality.
• 🏢 Black Box Testing is suitable for later testing stages such as System Testing and Acceptance Testing.
• 💼 White Box Testing, also known as Structural Based Testing or Glass Box Testing, allows the tester to see the internal structure and requires access to the source code.
• 🔍 White Box Testing focuses on the code structure, ensuring all paths, conditions, and statements are executed and checked for bugs.
• 🔨 White Box Testing is more suitable for initial testing levels like Unit Testing and Integration Testing.
• 📝 Test cases can be written for two purposes: 'Test to pass' for the happy scenario and 'Test to fail' for the bad scenario.
• 💡 'Test to pass' aims to ensure the software meets its minimum requirements, simulating typical user behavior.
• 🚨 'Test to fail' involves creating the most challenging scenarios to find software weaknesses and bugs, often requiring creative and destructive test cases.

Q & A

What is Black Box Testing?

Black Box Testing is a method of testing where the tester focuses on the functionality of the software without considering the internal structure or the source code. It is based on the software's specifications and is used to determine if the software behaves as expected when given specific inputs.

What is White Box Testing?

White Box Testing, also known as Structural Based Testing or Glass Box Testing, is a method where the tester has access to the internal structure of the software, including the source code. It focuses on the paths, conditions, and statements in the code to ensure that all parts of the code are executed and tested.

When is Black Box Testing typically used?

Black Box Testing is suitable for the later stages of testing, such as System Testing and Acceptance Testing. It is used when the tester wants to evaluate the software from the end user's perspective without needing to understand the internal workings of the software.

When is White Box Testing typically used?

White Box Testing is more suitable for the initial levels of testing, such as Unit Testing and Integration Testing. It is used when the tester needs to understand and test the logic and structure of the software code.

What is the purpose of Black Box Testing?

The purpose of Black Box Testing is to verify that the software meets its functional requirements as specified in the software specifications. It checks if the software produces the expected output when provided with specific inputs.

What is the purpose of White Box Testing?

The purpose of White Box Testing is to ensure that all paths and conditions in the software code are tested. It helps in identifying any untested code paths or conditions that might lead to bugs or errors.

What is meant by 'specification based testing' in the context of Black Box Testing?

'Specification based testing' refers to a testing approach where the test cases are designed based on the software's specifications. The tester does not need to look at the internal code but focuses on whether the software behaves as described in the specifications.

What is the significance of 'Structural based testing' in White Box Testing?

'Structural based testing' in White Box Testing means that the test cases are designed based on the structure of the software code. The tester checks if all code paths, conditions, and statements are executed as expected.

What are the two main reasons for writing test cases in any testing technique?

The two main reasons for writing test cases are to 'Test to pass' and 'Test to fail'. 'Test to pass' aims to ensure that the software meets its minimum requirements and behaves as expected under normal conditions. 'Test to fail' aims to identify the weaknesses in the software and find bugs by testing the software under extreme or unexpected conditions.

How does the approach to test case design differ between Black Box Testing and White Box Testing?

In Black Box Testing, test cases are designed from the perspective of an end user, focusing on the software's functionality and expected outcomes. In White Box Testing, test cases are designed based on the internal structure and logic of the software code, focusing on ensuring that all code paths and conditions are tested.

Why is it important to train, practice, and learn in testing techniques?

Training, practicing, and learning in testing techniques help testers to better understand how to write effective test cases for both 'Test to pass' and 'Test to fail' scenarios. This improves the quality of testing and helps in identifying more bugs and ensuring that the software meets its requirements.