Equivalence Partitioning and Boundary Value analysis are two most important testing techniques in software testing. Both of these are black box testing techniques and helps to deal with numeric input values. Even though these two are very basic concepts in software testing, they will come handy in countless times in a testers life.
Equivalence Partitioning
When a data range is given, we first divide the data in to partitions which will be treated equivalently.
Within these partitions at least one partition will contain valid data and there will be partitions with invalid data.
Look at the following example where a text box only accepts the age between 17 and 61.
- Numbers with valid inputs
- Numbers below the smallest valid input
- Numbers above the largest valid input
When writing test cases we will have to only use any single value from each identified three partitions as the result will be the same in any number in a partition. So the above case can be tested with only three test cases.
Note: There is no rule to test only one value from each equivalence class you created for input domains. You can select multiple valid and invalid values from each equivalence class according to your needs and previous judgments.
Boundary Value analysis
Boundary value analysis is based on testing at the boundaries between partitions.
It includes maximum, minimum, inside and outside boundaries, typical values and error values.
Assume, we have to test a field which accepts Age 18 – 56,
- Minimum boundary value is 18
- Maximum boundary value is 56
- Valid Inputs: 18,19,55,56
- Invalid Inputs: 17 and 57
When writing test cases we will have to exercise each of the input values we have identified above.
Following points should be noted regarding Boundary value analysis and Equivalence Partitioning Testing Techniques:
- These techniques are used to select limited number of values for testing when the testing conditions are too many.
- These testing techniques can be applied at any level of testing i.e. from Unit testing to User Acceptance testing.
Do We Need Both Equivalence Partitioning And Boundary Value Analysis?
It is important to use Equivalence Partitioning with Boundary Value Analysis because it provides more coverage to the testing. Using them together is a more efficient and intelligent way. It helps to deliver thoroughly tested and high-quality software to the customer.
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