Comparative Analysis of Black Box and White White Box Testing 

In the area of software testing, there are two varying approaches to software testing and this article will give you an idea about the types and uses of both of them. 

Black Box Testing: 

Justifying the name, Black Box testing is a type of software testing method in which the person testing is not exposed to the internal codes of the software that is being tested. This kind of testing helps to compare the actual output with the desired output that the software should produce. Black Box testing includes testing the software without knowing the basic functioning of the software. 

Types of Black Box Testing: 

1. Functional Testing 

Functional testing includes the testing of specific details of an application. The usage of functional testing tool is also encouraged for testing this aspect in software testing. The person testing the software is unaware of the internal structure, and the entire focus is on the functionality of the software.

2.  Non-Functional Testing 

If the non-functional aspects of the software like performance, usability, and scalability are tested using the Black Box test, then it comes under the domain of non-functional testing. 

3. Regression Testing 

Regression testing is done to make sure that the new features do not have any bad effect on the already existing functions and features of the software.

Black Box Testing: Advantages and Disadvantages

Everything has pros and cons, and Black Box testing is no exception to it. This part of the write-up will focus on the advantages and disadvantages that Black Box testing possesses. 

Advantages: 

• It gives a true, unbiased response which helps in resolving the issues accurately.
• Since black box testing does not require technical expertise, the scope of testing increases. 
• Identifies the problem at an early stage, which leads to fixing the bugs timely. 
•  It gives a new perspective from the user’s end. 

Disadvantages: 

• Difficult to use in case of complex software which is highly technical
• The limited technical knowledge of the subject might lead to negligence of the exact problem in the software. 
• Some parts of the software cannot be tested due to their complex nature. 

White Box Testing 

White Box testing means the testing of the technical aspect of the software. It includes testing the codes, functions, and data structures of the program. Unlike black box testing, white box testing checks the mechanical nature of the software. White box testing is also called clear box, transparent box and glass box testing due to its tendency to show codes to the respondents. 

Types of White Box Testing

Some of the few types of white box testing are mentioned below:

1. Mutation Testing

Mutation testing functions by making a few changes in the original code to see if the software still functions consistently or not. The idea is to see if the software is expanded, will it still function properly or not.

2. Unit testing

As the name suggests, unit testing is done to test the functioning of every unit and component of the software. It helps to identify the problems and errors in each line of the code. 

3.  Penetration Testing 

To see if the software is prone to external cyber attack or not, the programmer tries to ethically hack the system and identify the possible loopholes using penetration testing. 

White Box Testing: Advantages and Disadvantages

White box testing has the following advantages: 

Advantages: 

• An in-depth study of the codes leads to a better problem-solving approach to make the software error-free. 
• Unlike black box testing, this is a comparatively hassle free testing method because no external testers are required. 
• The process can be automated as all of the testings are done on internal codes. 

Disadvantages: 

• It is a comparatively complex process
• The inputs can only be taken from the programmer’s end and not the user’s end. 
• White Box testing can be a tedious and time-consuming process. 

End Note 

The two opposite approaches for software testing, namely: black box testing and white box testing are elaborated in the article. Both the approaches can be used in collaboration to have a comprehensive test result. It is important to have a good understanding of both to deliver error-free software to the end user.