Black box testing avoids the need to look at the code structure, and test the functionality of the software under test. Moreover, it also avoids the need to have knowledge about the implementation details and is based on software specifications and requirements.

The prime area of focus remains on the inputs and outputs of the software system. Any system can act as a black box to test. It could be any custom application or OS or browser. Here, only inputs and outputs are required to test the system without involving internal code.

Black box testing also caters the need to test the application based on programming language like Java. We can say that Java Black Box testing can help cover the maximum code using black box test cases.

Steps to Perform Black Box Testing

You can perform any type of black box testing by following the below steps.

  1. Examining specifications and requirements in the beginning stage
  2. Choosing valid inputs (involving positive and negative test scenarios) to check the SUT response
  3. Determining expected output based on the given output
  4. Constructing test cases with selected inputs
  5. Executing test cases
  6. Comparing actual outputs with the expected outputs
  7. Defects are fixed and retested

Black Box Testing: Types

Some of the common types of black box testing are mentioned below.

  • Functional Testing: The software testers perform the testing based on the functional requirements of a system.
  • Non-functional Testing: It involves testing of non-functional requirements like performance, scalability, and usability, rather than testing a particular functionality.
  • Regression Testing: Regression testing confirms if the new code modification has not affected the existing code after any upgrades or code fixes. For example, the application could be a Java based application. So, Regression testing on Java based application is very common.

Black Box testing: Tools Used

Type of tool to be used for black box testing depends upon the type of black box testing you are performing.

  • Tools like QTP and Selenium can be used for functional/regression testing
  • Tools like Loadrunner and JMeter can be used for non-functional testing

Black Box Testing Strategy

Some of the most prominent black box testing strategies are mentioned below.

  • Equivalence Class Testing: It maintains enough test coverage and reduces the test case number to an optimum level.
  • Boundary Value Testing: It checks if a range of value is accepted by the system. It also reduces the number of test cases and most suitable for systems that have inputs within a certain range.
  • Decision Table Testing: It involves matrix with causes and effects with each column containing a unique combination.

How Black Box Testing is Different from White Box Testing

  • Black box testing validates your functional requirements. On the other hand White box testing validates internal code structure. It also holds good in covering application based on Java. Hence, White box testing on Java based applications is equally important.
  • Black box testing focuses on the behaviour of software systems. On the other hand White box testing requires having knowledge of the underlying programming language.
  • Black box testing facilitates interaction between modules. On the other hand White box testing does not involve any communications between the modules.

Black box testing has a life cycle of its own, commonly known as Software Test Life Cycle (STLC).

  • Requirements: The initial phase of SDLC involves requirement gathering by software testers.
  • Planning and Analysis: Testing type is identified and then a plan is created with possible project risks.
  • Designing: On the basis of gathered software requirements, test cases and scripts are created.
  • Execution: The prepared test cases are executed. It also involves retesting after the bugs are fixed.

360logica software testing team has the readily available expertise, resources, skills and tools to provide black box testing on Java based applications of the highest quality. Our global consulting experience and commitment to the international standard of delivery assure clients of competent services. The technical proficiency of experts at 360logica Software Testing Lab promises product developers of all possible care for testing needs, defect identification and fixing, the lowest possible testing costs, and guaranteed quality assurance for testing functionality of an application.

Meta-tag: Black box testing avoids the need to look at the code structure, and test the functionality of the software under test. Moreover, it also avoids the need to have knowledge about the implementation details and is based on software specifications and requirements. The prime area of focus remains on the inputs and outputs of the software system. Any system can act as a black box to test. It could be any custom application or OS or browser.