White Box vs Black Box Testing: Difference and Comparison

In the field of software testing, both white-box testing and black-box testing are used.

The testing methods look more specifically at flaws and the degree of quality present in a particular product.

Each testing technique calls for a specific level of understanding and expertise on the part of the testing party.

Black box testing is more generalized and takes a lot less time to execute successfully than white box testing, which is more complex and time-consuming.

Even though both of these testing methods are utilized in software development, their purposes also differ quite a little.

The difference between White Box and Black Box testing is that White Box is a software testing methodology in which the tester’s knowledge of the application’s internal workings is leveraged during testing.

On the other hand, Black Box is a software testing methodology in which the tester analyzes application functionality without a thorough knowledge of its internal design.

Key Takeaways

1. White box testing involves analyzing a software application’s internal structure and code, while black box testing focuses on evaluating the functionality without knowledge of internal workings.
2. White box testing requires programming knowledge, as testers need to understand the code; testers can perform black box testing without coding expertise.
3. Black box testing helps identify issues from a user’s perspective, while white box testing uncovers hidden errors and optimizes code quality.

White Box vs Black Box Testing

White-box testing is used to identify defects related to the system’s internal logic and functionality. Black-box testing is a testing technique where the tester only has access to the system’s inputs and outputs and tests the system’s functionality based on its expected behavior.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	White Box Testing	Black Box Testing
Definition	In white-box testing, the internal structure of the software is known to the tester.	It is a software testing technique that examines the functionality of software without knowing its internal structure or coding.
Duration	it is most time consuming	It is the least time consuming.
Types	The types of white box testing are – Path testing, Loop testing, and Condition testing.	Mainly, there are three types of black-box testing—functional testing, Non-Functional testing, and Regression testing.
Tested by	It is mainly performed by developers.	It is mainly performed by the software testers
Usage	It is done at lower levels of testing that are unit testing and integration testing.	It is done at higher levels of testing that are system testing and acceptance testing.

What is White Box Testing?

In white box testing, the software program’s coding, structure, and architecture are scrutinized to ensure that data flows from input to output.

Design, usability, and application security can all be enhanced through the use of white-box testing.

Additionally known as code-based testing, open box testing, clear box testing, and transparent box testing, these methodologies are also known as glass box testing and open box testing.

White box testing is comprehensive as opposed to black box testing, which prioritizes a seamless user experience.

It is a powerful quality assurance tool when used with other bug-quashing strategies.

With the help of this process, comprehensive simulations of every scenario that the application might run across at the code level will be performed.

White box testing’s granularity makes it a powerful tool for crushing bugs.

This open and thorough testing methodology provides information on the application’s potential outcomes.

White box testing is used to find concealed internal flaws and improve code.

Every aspect of an application is put through black box testing techniques by QA teams.

White box testing, however, is reserved just for an application’s most vital parts.

This is because white box methods require a lot of resources. It is used for functions like national security and payment remittance, which have the capacity to alter living conditions directly and cannot afford to fail.

What is Black Box Testing?

Black box testing is when a team of testers examines an application’s operations without previously having a thorough understanding of its internal architecture and design.

The input value and output value are compared during testing.

Black box testing, by virtue of its nature, is also known as specification-based testing, closed box testing, or opaque box testing.

Black box testing mostly concentrates on the thorough analysis of program functioning.

 It is closely related to behavioral testing, however, behavioral testers could know nothing about how an application functions internally.

The majority of contemporary software programs are tested using the black box methodology.

It includes a wide range of test cases, making it possible to find the most flaws.

Throughout the entire process of developing software, this testing technique is employed.

Main Differences Between White Box and Black Box Testing

1. The software testing technique known as “white box testing” allows the tester who will test the product to have knowledge of the internal structure. Whereas, the software testing technique known as “black box testing” is used to test software without being aware of the internal workings of the program or piece of code being tested.
2. To perform White Box Testing, programming knowledge is needed. While, to perform Black Box Testing, however, programming knowledge is not necessary.
3. Unit and integration testing are examples of testing that can be done in a white box. In contrast, Black Box testing is suitable for higher levels of testing, such as System and Acceptance testing.
4. White Box testing focuses mostly on testing the computer code of the system being tested, such as code structure, branches, conditions, and loops. While the focus of Black Box testing is focused on the system being tested’s functionality.
5. Checking the system’s performance is the major goal of White Box testing. This testing’s primary objective is to see how well the system being tested is functioning.
6. It is necessary to have programming skills since White Box testing includes Structural, Logic, Path, Loop, Code coverage, and Open box testing. Black Box testing is used to carry out Functional testing, Behavior testing, and Closed Box testing, therefore, programming knowledge is not necessary.

References

1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7886931/
2. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6329380/

Last Updated : 29 July, 2023