Black Box Testing

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What Is Black Box Testing?

Black Box Testing Definition

Black box testing, also known as behavioral testing, is a type of testing that is performed on software without having to know the internal code structure. The focus of this testing is on the input and resultant output rather than the mechanisms that enable the output. The “black box” in this case represents the program, and the black box is a reflection of the internal code structure being blocked out.

Black Box Testing Example

Black box testing can be performed on any software program since it is not necessary for you to be familiar with the code. Some examples of black box testing include:

  • Functional testing
  • Nonfunctional testing
  • Regression testing
Blackbox testing approaches

Black Box vs. White Box Testing

Black box testing and white box testing are two entirely different styles of testing for software. While they do have some similarities, it is important to distinguish what makes them different from each other.

Black Box Testing

Black box testing is performed by a tester, and it seeks to assess the input and output of a program without looking at the internal structures. It is typically less time consuming than white box testing, and it is primarily concerned with the behavior of your software.

White Box Testing

White box testing focuses on the function of a software while taking into account its code. It is usually performed prior to the software’s launch by the developers. White box testing takes more time than black box testing, and it is concerned with the logic of the software.

Gray Box Testing

Gray box testing serves as a compromise between white box testing and black box testing in that it looks at the functionality of a software with only partial knowledge of the code. It can be used to evaluate all the aspects of an application or to uncover any user interface issues.

Black Box Testing Techniques

Record and playback functional testing tool

Edge Case Testing

Edge cases are errors that occur very infrequently. These errors can be as minor as a visual inconsistency or as serious as a total software crash. In order to root out these edge cases before they become an issue, regression testing can be employed to find the source of the problem.

Development environment for coded test creation

Corner Case Testing

While edge cases occur when only one operating parameter is at an extreme, corner cases occur when multiple parameters are at an extreme. In corner case testing, multiple parameters are tested to identify where issues could arise.

Development environment for coded test creation

Iron Corner Case Testing

Iron corner case testing is also known as boundary value analysis, and it seeks to test cases just outside and just inside edge cases. 

End-to-end testing

User Scenario Case Testing

User scenario case testing asks the tester to step into the shoes of the end user. It utilizes actual test cases to ensure that all possible scenarios are addressed. This type of testing focuses on end-to-end scenarios to handle complex problems.

Integrate automated functional testing in development environments

Decision Table Testing

Decision table testing is a form testing that assesses different combinations of inputs and places them in a table. The corresponding outputs are categorized into “true” or “false,” and these are used to determine where there is a problem that needs resolving.

Integrate automated functional testing in development environments

Error Guessing

Error guessing is the process by which a developer or tester determines where there may be errors in the software and writes corresponding test cases to address these potential errors so that they may be corrected.

Black Box Security Testing Tools

Ranorex: Black Box Security Testing Tools

At Ranorex, we offer an array of tools for different types of black box testing as a comprehensive solution, so regardless of what type of testing you need to employ, we can help you implement it.

Record and playback functional testing tool

Black Box Test Automation

With Ranorex Studio, you can automate your black box testing by selecting from a range of various test types. These will help you address a range of issues that may arise..

Support for UI controls

UI Object Recognition

Ranorex Studio also tracks and analyzes all elements of your user interface and inputs them into a repository for your convenience. This allows you to maintain and manage all identified objects with ease even when your UI changes.

Efficient, modular tests

Data-Driven Testing

You can additionally automate data-driven testing by using corner, edge, or boundary cases by setting up variables, linking them to external data sets, and looping through the data. Ranorex Studio even allows you to determine whether to stop a test as a result of a failure or to continue with the next test.

Efficient, modular tests

Keyword-Driven Testing

Keyword-driven testing relies on action words that represent the user’s behavior. These include words like “Log On” or “Close Window.” It separately documents the steps that the user actually takes to perform the action. Ranorex Studio provides tools to make automated keyword-driven testing accessible and repeatable.

Integrate automated functional testing in development environments

Cross-Device and Cross-Browser Testing

Ranorex Studio allows you to automate tests on one operating system and then execute them locally or remotely on another. This type of testing ensures that all users, regardless of their system, have a consistent experience.

Integrate automated functional testing in development environments

Customizable Reporting

You can monitor the results of your testing with Ranorex Studio’s customizable reports. These reports can include pie charts, screenshots, and detailed error logs. Additionally, you can jump directly into testing from the report.

Integrate automated functional testing in development environments

Black Box Penetration Testing

Black box penetration testing demonstrates how an attacker would try to perform an attack on a software without any knowledge about the internal code. This test can also be automated to ensure potential weaknesses are addressed before a breach occurs.

Benefits of Automated Black Box Testing

There are many benefits to choosing black box testing for your application, including:

End-to-end testing

Simple implementation

To perform the tests, users don’t need to have technical knowledge/skills because the tests do not look at the code of a particular software.

For beginners and experts

Convenient execution

Execution can be outsourced to external testers or automated because you are solely looking at the functionality of the software.

Cross-platform

Accuracy

The risk of false positives is extremely low, and you can be certain that your testing will address all possible issues.

Integrate automated functional testing in development environments

Reduced complexity

Tests can be quite simple since they seek to model common user behavior. As such, they don’t require learning the system details.

Why Choose Ranorex?

When looking to implement black box testing, there are many benefits to choosing Ranorex, including:

  • Reduced maintenance: With Ranorex Studio, you don’t have to start from scratch each time. Our built-in repository allows you to keep track of all your UI elements and manage them even when your UI changes.
  • Customer satisfaction: We are committed to customer satisfaction. That is why we have over 14,000 users, including recognizable names like IBM, Siemens, Cisco, and Dell.
  • Help center support: If you have any questions or concerns, our help center support team is available to address any issues.
  • Free trial: Before you commit to purchasing Ranorex Studio for yourself, we offer a free trial for you to explore all of our features.
  • Reusable test modules: Reusable test modules ensure that you save time and reduce room for error. 
  • Seamless integration: Ranorex Studio integrates seamlessly with an array of software, including Jira, Selenium Grid, and Azure DevOps, among others.
Focus on your application, not your automation

“After automation with Ranorex Studio, our organization’s regression testing time is reduced to 25%. And with the help of build integration, early defect identification is increased from 0 to 10%”

Medium Enterprise Computer Software Company

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Streamline Black Box Testing with Ranorex

Try out Ranorex’s testing tools today for yourself with our free trial and see what it can do for your application.

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The G2 Grid for Test Automation Software identifies leading solutions based on market presence and customer satisfaction. To determine market presence, G2 uses a combination of 15 metrics about a vendor and product such as the number of employees, web and social presence, and growth. The customer satisfaction rating is based on an analysis of reviews submitted by real, verified users. Our high customer satisfaction rating contributes to Ranorex Studio's continued position as a leader in the G2 Grid. Ranorex Studio also receives top marks in areas such as ROIease of use, and ease of implementation. For more independently-verified research and reviews, visit the Ranorex Studio page at G2 Crowd,TechValidate, or Capterra.

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