What are Black-box, White-box and Experience-based test techniques?
Although there are different testing techniques and categories in the industry, this article will focus on those specified in ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board). In this way, people preparing for the ISTQB Foundation Level exam can benefit from this article.
We will examine test techniques in 3 different categories.
- Black-box
- White-box
- Experience-based
Black-box test techniques: Although it is called Black-box, it can also be written as behavioral or behavior-based techniques in some sources. So don’t be surprised when you see it with this name. In the Black-box testing technique, you don’t need to consider the internal structure of the object you are testing. This testing technique only focuses on the input and output of the test object. It doesn’t care if there is any problem in the codes, database, or API.
For example: Let’s say you are testing a calculator application. When you type 2+2 into the calculator, these are your inputs and you expect it to output 4. If it gave you 4 as the output, your test gave a successful result. You don’t care about what’s going on in the code when you output this, because that’s what needs to be done in the White-box testing technique.
White-box test techniques: It is also mentioned as structural or structure-based techniques in some sources. White-box testing techniques focus on the internal structure and operations of the object you are testing.
For example: If we go over the example we mentioned in the Black-box testing techniques, we still present 2+2 as input and expect the output to be 4. But this time there is a difference, the main point we are interested in is that we need to make sure that the internal structure is working correctly while these operations are being performed.
Experience-based test techniques: The most used thing in this technique is the experience of programmers, testers, and users. Experience-based techniques are often combined with black-box and white-box testing techniques.
In my next articles, I will cover which test techniques are Black-box test techniques, White-box test techniques and Experience-based test techniques.