White-Box Testing

Definition - What does White-Box Testing mean?

White-box testing is a methodology used to ensure and validate the internal framework, mechanisms, objects and components of a software application. White-box testing verifies code according to design specifications and uncovers application vulnerabilities.

White-box testing is also known as transparent box testing, clear box testing, structural testing and glass box testing. Glass box and clear box indicate that internal mechanisms are visible to a software engineering team.

Techopedia explains White-Box Testing

During white-box testing, code is run with preselected input values for the validation of preselected output values. White-box testing often involves writing software code stubs and drivers.

White-box testing advantages include:

  • Enables test case reusability and delivers greater stability
  • Facilitates code optimization
  • Facilitates finding of the locations of hidden errors in early phases of development
  • Facilitates effective application testing
  • Removes unnecessary lines of code

Disadvantages include:

  • Requires a skilled tester with internal structure knowledge
  • Time consuming
  • High costs
  • Code bit validation is difficult.

White-box testing complements unit testing, integration testing and regression testing

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