TRENDS IN TESTING

Black box Testing

What is Black box Testing?

Black-box testing is a method of software testing that examines the functionality of an
application based on the specifications. It is also known as Specifications based
testing. Independent Testing Team usually performs this type of testing during the
software testing life cycle.
This method of test can be applied to each and every level of software testing such as
unit, integration, system and acceptance testing.

Behavioural Testing Techniques:

There are different techniques involved in Black Box testing.
 Equivalence Class
 Boundary Value Analysis
 Domain Tests
 Orthogonal Arrays
 Decision Tables
 State Models
 Exploratory Testing
 All-pairs testing
 White box Testing

What is White Box Testing?

White box testing is a testing technique, that examines the program structure and
derives test data from the program logic/code. The other names of glass box testing
are clear box testing, open box testing, logic driven testing or path driven testing or
structural testing.

White Box Testing Techniques:

 Statement Coverage - This technique is aimed at exercising all programming
statements with minimal tests.
 Branch Coverage - This technique is running a series of tests to ensure that all
branches are tested at least once.
 Path Coverage - This technique corresponds to testing all possible paths which
means that each statement and branch is covered.
 

Calculating Structural Testing Effectiveness:

Statement Testing = (Number of Statements Exercised / Total Number
of Statements) x 100 %

Branch Testing = (Number of decisions outcomes tested / Total

Number of decision Outcomes) x 100 %

Path Coverage = (Number paths exercised / Total Number of paths in

the program) x 100 %

Advantages of White Box Testing:

 Forces test developer to reason carefully about implementation.
 Reveals errors in "hidden" code.
 Spots the Dead Code or other issues with respect to best programming
practices.

Disadvantages of White Box Testing:

 Expensive as one has to spend both time and money to perform white box
testing.
 Every possibility that few lines of code are missed accidentally.
  In-depth knowledge about the programming language is necessary to perform
white box testing.


Interface Testing
Interface Testing is performed to evaluate whether systems or components pass data
and control correctly to one another. It is to verify if all the interactions between these
modules are working properly and errors are handled properly.

Interface Testing - Checklist

 Verify that communication between the systems are done correctly
 Verify if all supported hardware/software has been tested
 Verify if all linked documents be supported/opened on all platforms
 Verify the security requirements or encryption while communication happens
between systems
 Check if a Solution can handle network failures between Web site and
application server
 Alpha Testing
Alpha testing takes place at the developer's site by the internal teams, before release
to external customers. This testing is performed without the involvement of the
development teams.

Alpha Testing - In SDLC

The following diagram explains the fitment of Alpha testing in the software
development life cycle.

Beta Testing
Beta testing also known as user testing takes place at the end users site by the end
users to validate the usability, functionality, compatibility, and reliability testing.
Beta testing adds value to the software development life cycle as it allows the "real"
customer an opportunity to provide inputs into the design, functionality, and usability of
a product. These inputs are not only critical to the success of the product but also an
investment into future products when the gathered data is managed effectively.

How do we run it?

In the first phase of alpha testing, the software is tested by in-house developers during
which the goal is to catch bugs quickly.
In the second phase of alpha testing, the software is given to the software QA team for
additional testing.
Alpha testing is often performed for Commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) as a
form of internal acceptance testing, before the beta testing is performed.
Beta Testing - In SDLC
The following diagram explains the fitment of Beta testing in the software development
life cycle:
Beta Testing Dependencies
There are number of factors that depends on the success of beta testing:
 Test Cost
 Number of Test Participants
 Shipping
 Duration of Test
 Demographic coverage