Boundary Value Analysis:
Boundary Value Analysis (BVA) is a test design technique used to identify test cases that target the edges of input value ranges. The approach focuses on the assumption that most errors occur at the boundaries rather than within the range itself.
Here’s a concise breakdown of how BVA works in designing test cases:
Identify Boundaries: The first step is to determine the input ranges for the software being tested. This includes both minimum and maximum values.
Focus on Edge Cases: Instead of testing every single value, BVA emphasizes testing only the values at the boundaries. This typically includes:
-The minimum and maximum values.
-One value below the minimum and one above the maximum.
-Values just inside the boundaries.
Benefit from Common Errors: Programmers often make mistakes when implementing logic for boundary conditions, such as confusion between ‘greater than’ (>) and ‘greater than or equal to’ (≥). BVA can uncover these types of logical errors efficiently.
Test Case Generation: For each boundary identified, test cases are generated. For example, if a function accepts values from 1 to 10, the test cases would include:
-0 (below minimum)
-1 (minimum)
-5 (within range)
-10 (maximum)
-11 (above maximum)
Support for Comprehensive Testing: Boundary Value Analysis is particularly useful in cases where the input data heavily influences the system's behavior, such as financial applications. It allows for a focused test effort while ensuring that critical edge scenarios are confirmed.
o Complementary Techniques: BVA is often paired with other testing methods, such as Equivalence Partitioning, which broadens the coverage by ensuring that not only boundaries but also representative values within each partition are tested.
Implementation in Testing Lifecycle: Often used during the testing phase, BVA assists testers in defining precise test cases, thereby improving the efficiency of the testing process.
Test Coverage Improvement: Utilizing BVA helps ensure that critical conditions are verified, leading to higher test coverage and increasing confidence in the software's performance under various scenarios.
In summary, Boundary Value Analysis is invaluable in software testing for identifying critical test cases that focus on edge values, ultimately enhancing the quality and reliability of software products.
Equivalence Partitioning (EP) is a testing technique used to reduce the number of test cases while still maintaining a high level of test coverage. The fundamental premise of EP is that inputs can be grouped into partitions or classes that are expected to exhibit similar behavior. Testing one representative value from each partition is deemed sufficient.
Steps in Equivalence Partitioning:
Identify Input Domain: Analyze the input field to understand its valid and invalid states. For instance, consider an age input field that accepts values between 20 and 50.
Define Partitions: Divide the inputs into various classes, typically including:
Valid Partitions:
Input within the valid range (e.g., 20-50)
Invalid Partitions:
Values below the minimum (e.g., 19 or lower)
Values above the maximum (e.g., 51 or higher)
Any invalid data types (e.g., letters, special characters)
Select Test Cases: From each partition, select one representative value. Using the earlier example:
Valid: 20 (exact lower limit), 30 (mid-range), 50 (exact upper limit)
Invalid: 19 (just below minimum), 51 (just above maximum), and "string" (invalid data type)
Example Overview:
In the example of the age field accepting values between 20 and 50:
Valid Partitions:
Acceptable values: 20, 30, 40, 50
Invalid Partitions:
Below range: 19
Above range: 51
Invalid data type: "text"
By choosing representative values from these partitions (for instance, testing with 20, 30, 19, and "string"), you effectively cover the necessary scenarios without needing to test every single number between the boundaries.
Benefits of Equivalence Partitioning:
Efficiency: Reduces the total number of test cases necessary for comprehensive coverage.
Error Detection: Identifies potential errors in data handling at both edges of input ranges and various data types.
In summary, Equivalence Partitioning helps testers focus their efforts by identifying representative values from different classes, ensuring that a limited number of carefully selected test cases can adequately validate software behavior.
References:
-Input got from testing course training session.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/software-testing/software-testing-manual-testing
https://www.guru99.com/manual-testing.html
https://www.udemy.com/course/certified-tester-foundation-level-ctfl/learn
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