Gray Box Testing

Last Updated: August 8, 2013

Definition - What does Gray Box Testing mean?

Gray box testing is a software testing methodology that involves the combination of white box and black box testing. It makes use of the straightforward technique of black box testing, as well as the approach for code targeted systems, as in the case of white box testing. Testers that use gray box testing need high-level application documentation to complete the tests. Gray box testing is geared toward finding defects based on improper structure or application use.

Gray box testing is also known as translucent testing.

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Techopedia explains Gray Box Testing

Because gray box testers have access to design documentation knowledge, they can prepare and create better test cases and plans. However, the testing approach provides testers with only limited knowledge of different application functionalities.

Advantages of gray box testing include:

Works well for large code segments.
Testers are not required to know programming language or methods for testing the application, which makes this testing mostly unbiased and non-intrusive.
Access to programming code is not essential.
Provides clearly defined roles for users and developers during testing. Testing is based on the perspective of the user, rather than the designer.

Disadvantages of gray box testing include:

Most test cases are difficult to design.
Because there are only a few test scenarios, there is limited involved coverage.
Because testers have limited knowledge of the process, it is not considered an efficient testing method.