White-Box Testing vs. Black-Box Testing

Understanding the Difference

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Question

Which of the following would best describe the difference between white-box testing and black-box testing?

Answers

Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

C.

Black-box testing observes the system external behavior, while white-box testing is a detailed exam of a logical path, checking the possible conditions.

Source: Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Certified Information Systems Auditor 2002 review manual, chapter 6: Business Application System Development, Acquisition, Implementation and Maintenance (page 299).

White-box testing and black-box testing are two testing methods used in software development to ensure the quality of the software product. Both testing methods have their unique characteristics and testing approaches. The primary difference between these two testing methods lies in the way they approach testing and the type of information they consider.

White-box testing, also known as clear box testing, glass box testing, or structural testing, is a testing technique where the tester has knowledge of the internal workings of the software application. This means that the tester has access to the source code, architecture, and design of the software application. White-box testing is performed to test the internal logic of the software application, including control flow, decision-making, and error handling. The main objective of white-box testing is to ensure that the software application works as expected and follows the design and coding standards.

On the other hand, black-box testing, also known as functional testing, behavioral testing, or specification-based testing, is a testing technique where the tester has no knowledge of the internal workings of the software application. In black-box testing, the tester only focuses on the inputs and outputs of the software application and does not have any knowledge of how the software application works. The main objective of black-box testing is to ensure that the software application meets the functional requirements and performs as expected.

To answer the question, the correct answer is C, "White-box testing examines the program internal logical structure." This is because white-box testing focuses on testing the internal logic of the software application, which includes control flow, decision-making, and error handling, among others. The other options are incorrect. Option A is incorrect because the team performing the testing can be internal or external, and it is not a defining characteristic of white-box testing. Option B is incorrect because the testing approach is not determined by the order in which the testing is performed. Option D is incorrect because black-box testing is not performed by business units; it is performed by testers who have no knowledge of the internal workings of the software application.