Black Box Testing

This is a software testing techniques where the functionality is tested without looking at the internal code structure, execution information and knowledge of internal paths of the software. This kind of testing is wholly based on the software requirements and specifications. In ‘Black Box Testing’ just the input and output of the software system without disturbing internal knowledge of the software program is focused. For instance using this technology any software systems can be tested such as Windows, Google, and oracle though these are operating system, website and a database.  

The procedures of Black Box Testing

Generally the testing involves certain steps which are to be followed while Black Box Testing is carried out. In the first phase the requirements and specifications of the system are examined. This tester will select valid inputs to verify if 'software under test processes' them rightly. There can be some invalid input also picked up to check that the SUT is able to identify them. Then the tester will decide the anticipated outputs for all those inputs while the software tester builds test cases with the selected inputs. After this the test cases are executed and the software compares the real outputs with the anticipated outputs. If defects are identified then they will be rectified and testing is carried out again.  

The three categories of testing method

There are lots of categories of Black Box Testing but just three are said to be most essential ones. The first one is functional testing which is pertaining to functional requirements of a system and done by software testers. The other category called non-functional testing is a different one from functionality but tests performance, scalability and usability. The final one is regression testing which is done after code fixes and upgrades to check the new code has not affected the one in use.

Strategies adapted by this method

The Black Box Testing uses certain outstanding strategy while the test is being carried out such as equivalence class testing, boundary value testing and decision table testing. The first one is used to reduce the amount of possible tests to an optimum level upholds reasonable test coverage. In the second strategy the values at boundaries are focused. It decides whether certain ranges of values are good enough by the system or not. It is best for systems where input is within limits. And in the third and final strategy the table brings causes and their effects in a matrix with distinctive blend in each column.

Questions:

• What is Black Box Testing?
• Identify the strategies adapted by Black Box Testing method.