Gray Box Testing

Gray Box Testing Definition, Example, Application, Advantages, Disadvantages

DEFINITION

Gray Box Testing is a software testing method which is a combination of Black Box Testing method and White Box Testing method. In Black Box Testing, the internal structure of the item being tested is unknown to the tester and in White Box Testing the internal structure in known. In Gray Box Testing, the internal structure is partially known. This involves having access to internal data structures and algorithms for purposes of designing the test cases, but testing at the user, or black-box level.

Gray Box Testing is named so because the software program, in the eyes of the tester is like a gray/semi-transparent box; inside which one can partially see.

EXAMPLE

An example of Gray Box Testing would be when the codes for two units/modules are studied (White Box Testing method) for designing test cases and actual tests are conducted using the exposed interfaces (Black Box Testing method).

LEVELS APPLICABLE TO

Though Gray Box Testing method may be used in other levels of testing, it is primarily useful in Integration Testing.

ADVANTAGES OF GRAY BOX TESTING

• Determine from the combination of advantages of Black Box Testing and White Box Testing.

DISADVANTAGES OF GRAY BOX TESTING

• Determine from the combination of disadvantages of Black Box Testing and White Box Testing.

Note that Gray is also spelt as Grey. Hence Grey Box Testing and Gray Box Testing mean the same.

I am a Desert Fox

When I was young
I did the White Box

During the dark years
I did the Black Box

Now that my hair is turning gray
And the nights are turning into day
I am into the Gray Box

I am the Desert Fox, Fox, Fox

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