Day 8: Test Case Design Techniques
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Boundary Value Analysis (BVA)
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Today, we'll discuss Boundary Value Analysis or BVA. Can anyone tell me what BVA means?
I think it's about testing the limits of input values?
Exactly! BVA focuses on the edges of input ranges because this is where most errors tend to occur. For instance, if we have an input range of 18 to 60, what boundary values should we test?
We would test values like 17, 18, 60, and 61.
Great! Remember, the logic behind this is that if we can handle these boundary values well, the software is likely robust across all valid inputs. Can anyone give me an example of a boundary condition?
How about testing for an age input where the minimum value is 18?
Exactly! So, when constructing tests, always include the immediate values outside the boundaries, as they help verify the software's response to edge cases. This can be easily remembered as BVA, which can also stand for Boundary Violation Analysis.
I like that! It's easier to remember.
As a summary, BVA ensures we test the critical boundary conditions to prevent common bugs. Let's keep this in mind as we move to the next technique.
Equivalence Partitioning (EP)
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Moving on to Equivalence Partitioning, or EP. Can anyone explain what it is?
Isn't it about grouping inputs into categories that are expected to behave the same way?
Exactly! By dividing inputs into equivalent classes, we can select just one representative from each set for testing. For the age input example, we could choose a valid age, like 25, and an invalid age like 16. Why do you think this is useful?
It reduces the number of test cases while still covering all kind of scenarios.
Right! Itβs about optimizing our testing. If we have one valid and one invalid age within the range, we avoid unnecessary duplication of effort. Hence, we only need to test one valid and one invalid representative from each partition. Can anyone suggest how we could identify partitions for a username input that requires 4 to 20 characters?
We could have a valid case with 10 characters, an invalid case below 4, and another above 20.
Great example! As a mnemonic, think of EP as 'Every Partition covers', which reminds us to cover each distinct class efficiently. Does everyone see the value of using EP in reducing our testing workload?
Absolutely! It helps us focus our testing efforts.
So to wrap up, remember that both BVA and EP aim to improve our testing effectiveness, ensuring we cover critical scenarios without overextending our efforts.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, students explore test case design techniques, particularly Boundary Value Analysis (BVA) and Equivalence Partitioning (EP). These techniques help ensure comprehensive testing by effectively categorizing inputs and testing critical edge cases essential for validating software functionality.
Detailed
Day 8: Test Case Design Techniques
This section is pivotal in understanding how to design effective and efficient test cases. Two primary techniques discussed are Boundary Value Analysis (BVA) and Equivalence Partitioning (EP).
Boundary Value Analysis (BVA)
BVA focuses on the values at the edges of input ranges, as these are often where errors occur. For instance, when testing an age input that accepts values from 18 to 60, the boundary cases are 17, 18, 60, and 61. Testing these values ensures that the software behaves correctly at the limits.
Equivalence Partitioning (EP)
EP involves dividing input data into equivalent partitions or categories, so only one representative value from each partition needs to be tested. In the example of the age input, this might include a valid age (e.g., 25), an invalid age below the limit (e.g., 16), and an invalid age above the limit (e.g., 65). This reduces the number of test cases without compromising test coverage.
These techniques not only enhance test efficiency but also ensure comprehensive coverage of potential input scenarios in software testing, making them essential for any QA professional.
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Boundary Value Analysis (BVA)
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Chapter Content
β’ Boundary Value Analysis (BVA): Tests edge cases (e.g., min/max values).
Example: For an age field (18β60):
β’ BVA: Test 17, 18, 60, 61.
Detailed Explanation
Boundary Value Analysis is a technique that focuses on testing the extreme boundaries of input ranges instead of testing in the middle of that range. The idea is that errors are more likely to occur at the edges of a range than in the middle. For example, if we have an age input that accepts values between 18 and 60, we should test the values just outside the limits (17 and 61) as well as the boundary values themselves (18 and 60).
Examples & Analogies
Think of a turnstile that allows entry only for people between the ages of 18 and 60. If a 17-year-old tries to use it, they should be denied access. Similarly, if a 61-year-old approaches, they should also be denied. Ensuring that the turnstile correctly identifies these boundary ages (18 and 60) is critical for proper functionality.
Equivalence Partitioning (EP)
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Chapter Content
β’ Equivalence Partitioning (EP): Divides inputs into valid/invalid groups.
Example: For an age field (18β60):
β’ EP: Test one value in 18β60, one <18, one >60.
Detailed Explanation
Equivalence Partitioning is a testing technique that divides input data into equivalent partitions that can be tested the same way. This helps in reducing the number of test cases while maintaining a wide coverage. Using the same age range (18β60) example: valid input could be any number from 18 to 60, while invalid inputs could include numbers less than 18 or more than 60. Therefore, we can pick one representative from each group for testing: one valid (e.g., 30), one invalid low (e.g., 17), and one invalid high (e.g., 61).
Examples & Analogies
Consider a theater that sells tickets specifically for adults aged 18 to 60. If three groups come to buy tickets: a group of teenagers (15-year-olds), a group of middle-aged adults (40-year-olds), and senior citizens (70-year-olds) β you only need to check one ticket from each of the three groups: one within the range (valid), and two outside of it (invalid) to ensure the system functions correctly.
Test Case Design Practice
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Chapter Content
Exercise:
1. Design test cases for a field accepting 1β100 using BVA.
2. Apply EP to a username field (4β20 characters).
Detailed Explanation
In this exercise, the task is to design test cases based on the testing techniques we've learned. For the first part, using Boundary Value Analysis on a field that accepts values from 1 to 100, you would consider testing the numbers 0, 1, 100, and 101 to ensure that the boundaries are properly defined and handled by the application. For the second part, applying Equivalence Partitioning to a username field that allows 4 to 20 characters would mean you would test usernames with 3 characters (invalid), 4 characters (valid), 20 characters (valid), and 21 characters (invalid). This will help in confirming that the system processes valid inputs correctly while rejecting the invalid entries.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you have an online form for registering accounts where the username must be between 4-20 characters. Testing with usernames such as 'abc' (3 characters) would be an obvious invalid case, while 'abcd' (4 characters) would be valid. Alternatively, 'abcde123456789012345' (21 characters) would be invalid as well. This ensures the system catches violations of the username length requirements effectively.
Key Concepts
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Boundary Value Analysis (BVA): A technique focusing on edge values in input ranges.
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Equivalence Partitioning (EP): A technique that reduces the number of test cases by categorizing inputs into equivalent classes.
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Test Cases: Documented procedures to validate software functionality.
Examples & Applications
For a numeric input of age (18-60), testing the boundary values of 17, 18, 60, and 61.
For a username field that accepts 4 to 20 characters, testing valid cases with 10 characters, and invalid cases with 3 and 21 characters.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Test the edge, donβt you dread! Count the limits, use your head!
Stories
Imagine a castle with walls 18 to 60 feet high. If you check only the corners where the walls touch the sky, you ensure no leaks or issues - thatβs BVA!
Memory Tools
BVA = Border Values Always.
Acronyms
EP = Every Point covered.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Boundary Value Analysis (BVA)
A testing technique that focuses on testing the values at the edges of input ranges.
- Equivalence Partitioning (EP)
A testing technique that divides input data into equivalent classes to minimize the number of test cases.
- Test Case
A documented set of conditions or variables used to determine if a software application functions correctly.
Reference links
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