Boundary Value Analysis vs Equivalence Partitioning - Testing Differences

Boundary Value Analysis and Equivalence Partitioning are both black box testing techniques used to identify defects in software applications. In this tutorial, we will compare Boundary Value Analysis and Equivalence Partitioning and highlight their differences.

Understanding Boundary Value Analysis and Equivalence Partitioning

Syntax:

Boundary Value Analysis is a testing technique in which test cases are designed based on the boundaries of input values.

Equivalence Partitioning is a testing technique in which a set of equivalent inputs are grouped into partitions. Test cases are then designed to cover each partition.

Example:

Let's assume we have a software application that validates age. Here's an example of how we can use Boundary Value Analysis and Equivalence Partitioning to identify potential defects:

• The age input field accepts values between 1 and 100.
• If the age is less than 1 or greater than 100, the application displays an error message.

Here are the test cases we can create:

Boundary Value Analysis:

• Test case 1: Age = 0 (Below the boundary)
• Test case 2: Age = 1 (Boundary value)
• Test case 3: Age = 2 (Within the boundary)
• Test case 4: Age = 99 (Within the boundary)
• Test case 5: Age = 100 (Boundary value)
• Test case 6: Age = 101 (Above the boundary)

Equivalence Partitioning:

• Test case 1: Age = 0 (Invalid)
• Test case 2: Age = 1 (Valid)
• Test case 3: Age = 50 (Valid)
• Test case 4: Age = 100 (Valid)
• Test case 5: Age = 101 (Invalid)

Output:

The output of Boundary Value Analysis and Equivalence Partitioning is a set of test cases designed to test the software application for potential defects.

Explanation:

Boundary Value Analysis and Equivalence Partitioning are both black-box testing techniques used to identify defects in software applications. Boundary Value Analysis focuses on checking the values at the boundary limits, while Equivalence Partitioning groups similar values into partitions.

Boundary Value Analysis is useful in testing systems with specific boundary limits, such as systems that validate age, temperature, or other numerical inputs. Equivalence Partitioning is useful in testing systems with multiple inputs or options that can be grouped into partitions.

Use

Boundary Value Analysis and Equivalence Partitioning are commonly used in software testing to identify and prevent potential defects. By using these techniques, testers can ensure that the software application functions according to specifications and user requirements.

Important Points

• Boundary Value Analysis focuses on testing the boundary values of input data.
• Equivalence Partitioning focuses on grouping similar input values into partitions.
• Both techniques are useful in identifying potential defects in software applications.

Summary

In this tutorial, we compared Boundary Value Analysis and Equivalence Partitioning and highlighted their differences. We covered the syntax, example, output, explanation, use, and important points to provide a better understanding of how these testing techniques work. By using these techniques, testers can identify potential defects in software applications and ensure that the user experience is not impacted negatively.