In the field of software testing, we make use of different software testing methods. These are conducted to provide information about the quality of the product or service. Test methodologies focus on executing the program with the purpose of finding bugs or other defects. There are three popular methods for software testing: black box testing, gray box testing and white box testing. We have here laid out a comparison chart of these three useful testing methods to help you in getting a better insight about their functioning. You will also gain understanding of how these methods are different from each other and their usefulness.
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Comparison table for testing methods used in software testing:
Black Box Testing | Gray Box Testing | White Box Testing | |
---|---|---|---|
Secondary Names | It is popularly known as “Functional Testing”, “Behavioral Testing”, “Opaque-Box Testing” and “Closed-Box Testing” | It is popularly known as “Translucent Testing” | It is popularly known as “Structural Testing” , “Glass Box Testing”, “Open Box Testing”, “Clear Box Testing” and “Transparent Box Testing” |
Level of knowledge required | It is not necessary to have knowledge of the internal workings of the application | You need to have no or have little knowledge of the internal workings of the application | It is required to have complete knowledge of the internal workings of the application |
Initial Responsibility | Testing is done by a testers, developers and end users | Testing done by a testers, developers and end users | Testing is done by developers |
Focus | Testing focus is on output results rather than inputs | Testing is conducted from user’s point of view. It is also performed on the basis of high level database diagrams and data flow diagrams | Testing focus is on input and output results |
Time Required | It is considered as the least time consuming testing. | It is considered as partially time consuming testing. | This is a highly time consuming testing method. |
Applicable Areas | Black Box Testing is not applicable for algorithm testing | Gray Box Testing is not applicable for algorithm testing | White Box Testing is applicable for algorithm testing |
Fulfillment | This testing is based on requirements and test cases | It requires high level knowledge of internal workings of the application | This testing is based on input data and exercise of codes |
Functional Areas | Best for finding functional, GUI, performance, database errors | Best for Data domains and Internal boundaries | Best for finding logical errors, typographical errors, syntax errors hidden gaps and extra lines of code |
Drawbacks Occurrences | Following this testing, it is difficult to find all possible inputs in lesser time | Testing does not focus on web designing tests | This testing cannot test every paths of a code in a program |
Detection of bugs and defects | Among reliable testing methods, black box testing provides surety to have minimum bugs/defects/errors in the application | Provides surety to have least bugs/defects/errors in the application | Provides surety to have lesser bugs/defects/errors in the application |
We hope that this chart on different testing methods helps you in differentiating these methodologies on a better level. If you have something to add on, please share it with us in the comments section below.