What is White Box Testing?
The white box test (as opposed to the black box test) refers to a scenario in which the tester has a deeper understanding of the internal functions of the computer or system components.
It is possible to gain a deeper understanding of the system or component when the tester understands these at the program or code level.
So almost all the time, the tester must understand or access the source code that makes up the system – usually in the form of specification documents.
A tester armed with a level of technical detail known only to a developer can then design and execute test events that cover all possible scenarios and conditions designed to handle system components.
When is White Box Testing appropriate?
You now know that such extreme tests do not apply to everyone or under all circumstances.
The harshness of using the white box test is very effective – yes, but not all the time.
The white box test is usually assigned to complex systems and components because such systems are worthy of attention to the details that this technique can bring.
Mission Critical
The core banking system provides the backbone of information technology to operate a bank, with an important function. The Core Banking system keeps track of all transactions and related customer data and enables the bank to operate daily.
Another example might be information technology organizations that support security measures run by governments.
Why is White Box Testing indispensable?
Because of what it is designed to do – that is, test all possible scenarios that a computer might encounter. By testing the source code level, a tester can run through each permutation and program theoretically extractable compound.
When testing at such a granular level, can bring out potential defects. Your team will have the opportunity to evaluate whether some or all of them need to be fixed.
White Box Testing Tools:
The white box test is a type of test in which the tester can see the code. The main purpose of this type of testing is to test the software’s internal functionality, strengthen its security, and improve its usability and design.
Here are some white box test kits to use:
- Veracode
- Parasoft Jtest
- EclEmma
- CppUnit
- NUnit
- RCUNIT
Step-by-Step White Box Testing Example
With that, let’s sink our teeth into a simple example of white box testing. For this purpose, let’s consider the following sample journey:
A customer needs to transfer money to a friend who lives abroad. They’re going to use the mobile banking service provided by their bank to do this.
Step 1: Identify the feature, component, and program to be tested
Zero what you want to test.
When it comes to white box testing, if your target system component is small, it is best. What we are trying to achieve – test all possible scenarios and events for a given feature – testing individual features individually helps to focus on a small enough area of the code.
Step 2: Plot all possible paths in a flowgraph
This step covers most of your product to successfully plan and execute the white box test.
As with any endeavor – whether it is development or experimentation – it is important to understand the ‘scope’.
Also, we already know that Path Coverage offers a comprehensive solution to test coverage.
This step covers a big portion of your preparation to plan and execute the white box Test successfully.
Step 3: Identify all possible paths from the flowgraph
Now, there are two possible paths for this journey:
- 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
As a simple example, there are only two routes to this journey. However, you will get the idea. Identify each sequence and combination of how you can go from the beginning to the end of the journey. Identify any intermediate drop-off points.
Step 4: Write Test Cases to cover every single path on the flowgraph
When you have all the paths available to you in the flowgraph, go ahead and write test cases to test each of these paths.
If you have multiple test cases that you believe will cover each path, you are ready to move on to the implementation phase.
Step 5: Execute, rinse, repeat
You are now ready to perform a white box test for an identified system, component, or module. You have the flow chart and test cases needed to complete the test.
In simple terms, how do you plan and execute a white box test?
You should also check out this blog, which does a good job of explaining how to approach the white box test.
