Updated June 9, 2023
Introduction to Types of White Box Testing
The following article provides an outline for Types of White Box Testing. There are two popular box testing: white box testing and black box testing. We do testing to test all the standards of the requirements that have been developed. We will test functionality with different inputs and analyze whether the outputs are proper.
This testing is black box testing. We don’t consider what the box or requirement is made of. We focus on functional part requirements that have been developed. In contrast, we have white box testing, which will also test everything, like code standards. Any standard deviation is recorded as a defect and needs to be taken care of. Thus white box testing is testing the internal logic, functions, conditions, and in a way, complete code structure.
Different Types of White Box Testing
People use different names such as Structural testing, Glass Box testing, Open Box testing, or Clear Box testing to refer to white box testing. We can infer from the names of white box testing that the internal structure is transparent, and in a way, we will test the internal structure with white Box testing.
The test case written as part of white box testing covers the code written, any branches, defined paths, internal logic, and the statements of the code. Let’s say that someone is going to perform white box testing. We need to understand that they have acquired prerequisites such as a good knowledge of the programming language in which the code is written, a solid understanding of programming logic, and an understanding of the project’s functional requirements. If the tester is well equipped with this prerequisite, then only he will be able to identify the chunk of code where there is malfunctioning. Hence most of the time, developers only handle white box testing.
Given below are some of the popular types of white box testing:
- Unit Testing
- Static and Dynamic Analysis
- Memory Leaks Testing
- Statement Coverage
- Branch Coverage
- Mutation Testing
- Security Testing
1. Unit Testing
It is probably the first testing carried out for the application being developed. Developers perform unit testing on a block or unit of code during its development to ensure that the specific functionality of that unit is working correctly. Most of the time, unit testing is carried out by the developer only.
As an application developer, when completing a part or functionality development, the developer tests this unit to ensure it is working fine, and depending on the result, only they proceed further. Unit testing is a better way to identify the major bugs in the code. If ignored, then in the later part, we may find it difficult to detect. The bugs identified are easy to detect, easy to fix, and hence efficient cost-wise as well.
2. Static and Dynamic Analysis
Static analysis testing is nothing but the following code to catch any defects. Here we will not be executing the code. Dynamic analysis testing runs the code and analyzes the output to identify possible defects. This type of testing is mainly for the validation of the data.
3. Memory Leaks Testing
We might have heard optimization terms often if we work as IT professionals. This is a major concern for any application, and testing it thoroughly will help from saving the log running time of applications. Generally, memory leaks are a major culprit for the code to run longer times. Hence any memory leaks must be identified. A QA specialist mainly handles this testing, and this testing is a must if you are handling large-scale projects which have a heavy dependency on memory.
4. Statement Coverage
We execute and test all the statements in the code at least once to ensure the main purpose of this testing. This ensures no side effects or functional defects concerning the statements.
5. Branch Coverage
Developers in projects with a wider scope generally do not write the code continuously. There will be branching out at some points to ensure that the code written till that point is working properly, meeting all exceptions. Thus branching out is common in developing the code, and branch coverage ensure that all the branches are working as expected without any major drift from the requirements.
6. Mutation Testing
Developers commonly use this testing to test the code that they have modified after detecting bugs or making corrections. This testing also helps analyze strategy, like which will be the best strategy to adopt in enhancing and developing the functionality.
7. Security Testing
We conduct this testing to identify the rigidity of the application in terms of security and unauthorized access. It tests the application’s performance regarding unauthorized and other security-related attacks, such as hacking. This testing is also essential as the organization intends to compromise on its product.
Advantages and Disadvantages of White Box Testing
Given below are the advantages and disadvantages mentioned:
Advantages
- The main advantage of white box testing is that it helps optimize the code.
- When performing this testing, we can identify hidden defects that may not be detected during black box testing.
- It is easy to automate these tests.
- With the unit testing, we can say that the testing phase starts early in SDLC.
Disadvantages
- Testing the entire structure and internal logic of the code in White Box testing will require considerable time.
- This testing requires skilled and professional’s resources.
- Sometimes white, box testing can become quite complex.
Conclusion
Thus white box testing, in contrast to black-box testing, which tests only the functional part, will test the structural part in detail so any significant defects in code and other standard violations can be captured.
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This is a guide to Types of White Box Testing. Here we discuss the introduction, 7 different types of white box testing, advantages and disadvantages, respectively. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –
