Today’s businesses rely heavily on technology, and most business owners are clueless about what to do in the unfortunate event that the technology fails. After all, managing a business is as varietal a responsibility as there is, and that’s before technology even comes into play. Generally, the technological aspects at work behind-the-scenes in business are handled by technology experts. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know how to speak the lingo when it comes time to address your business’ technological systems. Here’s a guide to understanding Whitebox testing and what it means to your business:
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What is Whitebox Testing?
White-box testing is a method of assessing software coding for full functionality. The software your company uses for myriad business operations and processes must be able to handle everything you (and your employees, and your customers) throw at it; a glitch in your software can equate to major financial losses (not to mention a loss of morale in the workplace). Whitebox testing is just another way of pushing your software to its limits and deterring possible malfunctions before they happen.
How is Whitebox Testing different from Blackbox Testing?
It’s likely that you’ve heard of Blackbox testing before. This is the standard way of testing your software’s overall functionality (or, how it works on the front end). Whitebox testing is different in that it focuses on testing the inner workings, or coding pathways, that comprise a software system. Because Whitebox testing is about what goes on behind the scenes with a software program, it is also often referred to as transparent, glass box, or structural testing.
Levels of Whitebox Testing
This type of testing is generally performed in three levels. Unit level testing occurs with each unit of code that makes up a program; subsequent units of code are not integrated into the software until the previous units test out. Integration testing is the testing of all units as an interactive system. Regression testing involves using recycled testing units during both the unit and integration levels of Whitebox testing.
Special Considerations
Not just anyone can perform Whitebox testing procedures. The tester must be thoroughly knowledgeable of the source code that makes up the software—enough so to be able to design tests for even the most obscure or intricate coding issue.
Due to the sheer magnitude of data your business’ computer software must process, store, and retrieve, you simply cannot afford to overlook Whitebox testing. There is no better way to test the small parts that make up the whole of your software. For that reason, Whitebox testing is a highly specialized task, and you will have to invest your resources accordingly.