Software Testing - Test Categories

Genus of Tests

There are two major categories (genus) of tests:

Structural (White Box) - Takes into account the internal mechanism of a system or component.

Functional (Black Box) - Focuses on the outputs generated in response to selected inputs and execution conditions.

Species of Tests

There are also several specific categories of tests that can be used throughout the life cycle:

Desk Check or Code Review - Static code walkthrough or code review (white box).

Unit Test - Lowest level component, module or subprogram test (white box).

Integration Test - Incremental series of tests of combinations or sub-assemblies of selected components in an overall system (black box from the module's perspective, white box from the system's perspective).

System Test - High level testing on the completed product (black box).

Acceptance Test (Validation) - Independent test by QA or the Users prior to delivering the product. Tests are from a users viewpoint (black box).

Regression Test - Re-testing a system after a modification has been made (black box).