Differences between Black Box Testing and White Box Testing

Software Testing is the most important part of SDLC. The primary objective of software testing is to identify defects, and errors and check the quality of software. Two key techniques to achieve this goal this are black box testing and white box testing. Black box testing and white box testing are the two most commonly used techniques in software testing, they have different perspectives and methods to ensure the quality of software.

What is Black Box Testing?

Black-box testing is a type of software testing in which the tester is not concerned with the internal knowledge or implementation details of the software but rather focuses on validating the functionality based on the provided specifications or requirements. The tester only focuses on the input and output of the software.

What is White Box Testing?

White box testing techniques analyze the internal structures the used data structures, internal design, code structure, and the working of the software rather than just the functionality as in black box testing. It is also called glass box testing or clear box testing or structural testing. White Box Testing is also known as transparent testing or open box testing.

Difference between Black Box Testing and White Box Testing

Parameters	Black Box Testing	White Box Testing
Definition	Black Box Testing is a way of software testing in which the internal structure or the program or the code is hidden and nothing is known about it.	White Box Testing is a way of testing the software in which the tester has knowledge about the internal structure or the code or the program of the software.
Testing objectives	Black box testing is mainly focused on testing the functionality of the software, ensuring that it meets the requirements and specifications.	White box testing is mainly focused on ensuring that the internal code of the software is correct and efficient.
Testing methods	Black box testing uses methods like equivalence partitioning, boundary value analysis, and error guessing to create test cases.	White box testing uses methods like control flow testing, data flow testing and statement coverage testing.
Knowledge level	Black box testing does not require any knowledge of the internal workings of the software, and can be performed by testers who are not familiar with programming languages.	White box testing requires knowledge of programming languages, software architecture and design patterns.
Scope	Black box testing is generally used for testing the software at the functional level.	White box testing is used for testing the software at the unit level, integration level and system level.
Implementation	Implementation of code is not needed for black box testing.	Code implementation is necessary for white box testing.
Done By	Black Box Testing is mostly done by software testers.	White Box Testing is mostly done by software developers.
Terminology	Black Box Testing can be referred to as outer or external software testing.	White Box Testing is the inner or the internal software testing.
Testing Level	Black Box Testing is a functional test of the software.	White Box Testing is a structural test of the software.
Testing Initiation	Black Box testing can be initiated based on the requirement specifications document.	White Box testing of software is started after a detail design document.
Programming	No knowledge of programming is required.	It is mandatory to have knowledge of programming.
Testing Focus	Black Box Testing is the behavior testing of the software.	White Box Testing is the logic testing of the software.
Applicability	Black Box Testing is applicable to the higher levels of testing of software.	White Box Testing is generally applicable to the lower levels of software testing.
Alternative Names	Black Box Testing is also called closed testing.	White Box Testing is also called as clear box testing.
Time Consumption	Black Box Testing is least time consuming.	White Box Testing is most time consuming.
Suitable for Algorithm Testing	Black Box Testing is not suitable or preferred for algorithm testing.	White Box Testing is suitable for algorithm testing.
Approach	Can be done by trial and error ways and methods.	Data domains along with inner or internal boundaries can be better tested.
Example	Search something on google by using keywords	By input to check and verify loops
Types	Types of Black Box Testing: Functional Testing  Non-functional testing  Regression Testing	Types of White Box Testing: Path Testing  Loop Testing Condition testing
Exhaustiveness	It is less exhaustive as compared to white box testing.	It is comparatively more exhaustive than black box testing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Differences between Black Box Testing vs White Box Testing

When to use black box testing?

Black Box Testing is commonly used to evaluate the functionality, security, performance, and other aspects of an application.

Is Black Box Testing QA?

Black Box Testing is mostly done by QA Team.

Is Black Box Testing TDD?

No, Black Box Testing is BDD and White Box Testing is TDD.