ISTQB Test Analysts • Black-Box Testing

Questions and Answers

Black-box testing is usually based on some form of ______.

specification

Common features of black-box test techniques include: Models ( are created during test __ ) and test _ (are derived systematically from these models)

design, conditions

Completely fulfilling the ______ criteria does not mean that the entire set of tests is complete.

coverage

Test conditions are derived systematically from these ______.

models Signup and view all the answers

Deriving tests from the ______ is often part of testing the behavior of the system.

requirements Signup and view all the answers

Black-box test techniques target different types of software and ______.

scenarios Signup and view all the answers

Equivalence partitioning (EP) is a technique used to reduce the number of test cases required to effectively test the handling of ____, output, value and _-related value

inputs, internal, time Signup and view all the answers

By selecting one representative value from a partition, coverage for all the items in the same ______ is assumed.

partition Signup and view all the answers

An equivalence partition can be any non-empty set of ______.

values Signup and view all the answers

EP is strongest when used in combination with ______ value analysis.

boundary Signup and view all the answers

EP, using values from the valid partitions, is commonly used for __ testing a new build or .

smoke, release Signup and view all the answers

This technique is applicable at any test ______.

level Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Black-Box Test Techniques Overview

Black-box testing focuses on examining the functionality of a software application without knowledge of internal code structure or implementation details.
Test design often utilizes models such as state transition diagrams and decision tables to lay out test conditions systematically.

Test Condition Derivation

Test conditions are derived from models created during the test design phase.
Coverage criteria from test techniques measure both test design and execution activities, ensuring a systematic approach to testing.

Coverage Criteria and Test Completeness

Meeting coverage criteria indicates that no additional tests can significantly increase coverage according to the applied test technique.
Fulfillment of coverage criteria does not guarantee overall test completeness; it only suggests that the model has been adequately explored.

Requirement Specifications

Black-box testing typically relies on specification documentation, including system requirement specifications or user stories that outline expected behaviors.
The absence of explicit specifications may lead testers to infer requirements, such as when replicating the functionality of legacy systems.

Variety of Techniques

Numerous black-box test techniques exist, each designed for specific software types and contexts.
Each technique has unique applicability, potential limitations, challenges for Test Analysts, coverage measurement methods, and specific defect focus areas.

Equivalence Partitioning (EP) Overview

Technique for minimizing test cases while effectively assessing inputs, outputs, internal values, and time-related values.
Involves creating equivalence partitions, also known as equivalence classes, from value sets that are processed similarly.
One representative value from an equivalence partition can cover all items within that partition in testing.

Applicability of Equivalence Partitioning

Suitable for any level of testing when all values in a set are expected to be treated uniformly.
Applicable in scenarios where value sets are independent and do not interact.
Can consist of various types of non-empty value sets: ordered, unordered, discrete, continuous, infinite, finite, or singleton.
Valid and invalid partitions can be tested; invalid ones contain values that should not be accepted by the software.

Techniques and Combinations

When combining equivalence partitions from different parameters, various techniques can enhance the testing process.
Best utilized alongside boundary value analysis, which focuses on values at the edges of partitions to broaden test coverage.
Commonly employed in smoke testing of new builds or releases to quickly ascertain if essential functionality operates correctly.

Valid and Invalid Partitions

Selection of sets of values is relevant for both valid and invalid partitions in testing scenarios.
Valid partitions consist of groups that meet certain criteria, while invalid partitions include groups that do not meet these criteria.

Handling of Sets of Values

Important when all members of a set are expected to be processed uniformly by the system under test.
Ensures that the application consistently handles various input categories or conditions.

Application Context

Selection of value sets is crucial when the values used by an application do not have interactive effects on one another.
This separation allows for clearer testing outcomes, as each value can be assessed independently without interference from others.

Description

This quiz covers the black-box test techniques outlined in the ISTQB® Foundation Level Syllabus. Participants will explore models such as state transition diagrams and decision tables, and learn how to derive test conditions systematically. Understand coverage criteria and their importance in measuring test design and execution activities.