TEST DESIGN
TECHNIQUES:
IMPROVING
TESTING
EFFICIENCY AND
COVERAGE
A Deep Dive
into Effective
Test Case
Design
Methods
Introduction
What & Why?
Overview:
Test design techniques help
ensure comprehensive testing
by identifying critical test cases
that maximize test coverage.
Why It Matters?:
These techniques enhance
testing efficiency, reduce
redundant testing, and uncover
defects effectively.
What are Test Design
Techniques?
Definition:
Test design techniques are systematic
approaches to create effective and
efficient test cases to validate software
functionalities.
Goal:
To ensure maximum test coverage with
a minimal number of test cases.
Common Techniques:
Boundary Value Analysis
Equivalence Partitioning
Decision Table Testing
State Transition Testing
Boundary Value
Analysis (BVA)
Definition:
A technique that tests the boundaries
of input ranges. Errors often occur at
the boundary, making it a critical area
to test.
Example:
For an input field accepting values
from 1 to 100:
Test boundary values: 0, 1, 100,
101.
Benefits:
Identifies edge-case defects, enhances
test coverage, and requires fewer test
cases than exhaustive testing.
Equivalence
Partitioning
Definition:
Divides input data into valid and invalid
partitions (equivalence classes) that
are treated as the same by the system.
Example:
For an age input field accepting values
18 to 60:
Valid Partition: Any age between 18
and 60.
Invalid Partitions: Ages below 18
and above 60.
Benefits:
Reduces the number of test cases by
testing one representative from each
partition, ensuring optimal coverage.
Decision Table
Testing
Definition:
Uses a table to represent combinations
of inputs (conditions) and the
corresponding system behavior
(outputs).
Example:
Testing a discount system based on
customer type and purchase amount:
Conditions: Is customer a member?
Is purchase > $100?
Outputs: Discount applied or not.
Benefits:
Ensures all possible combinations of
conditions are tested, uncovering
complex logic errors.
State Transition
Testing
Definition:
Tests the system's behavior when
transitioning between different states
based on various events or inputs.
Example:
A login system:
States: Logged Out, Logging In,
Logged In, Locked.
Transitions: Successful login,
incorrect password, account
lockout.
Benefits:
Helps identify defects in systems where
behavior depends on the sequence of
events, such as user interfaces or
workflows.
Use Case Testing
Definition:
Focuses on testing the system's
functionality based on real-world use
cases, ensuring that the software meets
user needs.
Example:
Testing an e-commerce checkout
process:
Use cases: Adding items to the cart,
entering payment details,
confirming the order.
Benefits:
Validates end-to-end scenarios from a
user’s perspective, ensuring functional
requirements are met.
Exploratory Testing
Definition:
A simultaneous learning, test design,
and execution process where testers
explore the application to identify
defects.
Approach:
No predefined test cases; testers use
experience and intuition to uncover
edge-case defects.
Benefits:
Finds unexpected defects and provides
rapid feedback, especially useful in new
or complex applications.
Conclusion
Summary:
Test design techniques like
BVA, Equivalence Partitioning,
Decision Table Testing, and
others help in creating effective
and efficient test cases.
Key Takeaway:
Applying the right technique
ensures maximum coverage
with fewer test cases, improving
testing efficiency.
Feel free to reach out for any questions
or discussions on Test Design
Techniques!
Happy testing!
Mobile: +94 76 1830736
LinkedIn: Chinthaka Wagawaththage
