Difference Between White Box and Black Box Testing

If you are also confused about what is the difference between white box and black box testing then check out the complete article and get the perfect answer to this question. 

Testing is one of the most crucial stages of the software development process. Just like its name, the testing stage is related to checking the integrity of the software. Under this stage, the developer, the tester, or the quality assurance executives check the working of the software in different stages.

Testing of the software is not related to or limited to the testing of the software externally only. Under testing, you check the integral parts of the software like its coding, algorithm, etc. as well as the external factors like user experience, ease of running the software, etc.

Majorly, there are techniques of testing viz. the white box testing and black box testing. Although, both techniques are used for the testing of different kinds of software. Users get confused with the two. To help you understand in detail regarding the same, we have brought together this simple guide for you.

In the further sections of this article, you will find the main points of difference between white box and black box testing. But firstly, let’s have a look at the definition of both techniques of testing and then proceed to the differences.

What is White Box Testing?

The white box testing technique is related to the testing of the integral or structural parts of the software. With the help of this testing technique, you can find out if there is an error in the coding of the software or any other part. This testing technique also involves the designing of the software.

What is Black Box Testing?

Next is the black box testing technique. Under this technique, external factors like the user-friendliness of the software, interface speed, etc. are tested. This technique is used to test the software even if the integral knowledge is not present. In brief, this technique explains how the software will work on the device of the user.

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What is the Difference Between White Box and Black Box Testing?

If you want to understand the difference between white box and black box testing in detail. We recommend that you take the help of the table provided below for ease:

Particulars/Testing Types	Black Box Testing	White Box Testing
Definition	This type of testing allows you to check the external components of the software like interface and user experience.	This type of testing allows you to check the internal components of the software like coding and design.
Coding Exposure	You can conduct the black box testing even in the absence of the coding.	You can not conduct the white box testing in the absence of the coding.
Conducted By	The black box testing is usually done by testers and the quality assurance teams.	The white box testing is usually done by developers themselves.
Knowledge Level	You do not need any form of special structural knowledge to implement the solutions.	You need a complete special structural knowledge to implement all the solutions.
Domain	The black box testing is related to the external attributes of the software.	The white box testing is related to the internal attributes of the software.
Testing Focus	The black box testing technique deals with the functional testing of the software.	The white box testing technique deals with the structural testing of the software.
Commencement Period	The black box testing technique is commenced as per the document of requirement specifications.	The white box testing technique is commenced as per the document of detailed design.
Programming Knowledge	You do not need any type of programming knowledge to run the black box testing.	You need at least basic programming knowledge to run the white box testing.
Type of Testing	This testing is related to the behavior of the software.	This testing is related to the logic of the software.
Presence in the Development Cycle	You can conduct the black box testing after the development of the software is complete.	You can conduct the white box testing after the development of the software is still in progress.
Nomenclature	Black box testing is also referred to as closed-box testing, behavioral testing, data-driven testing, or functional testing	White box testing is also referred to as open testing, transparent testing, glass testing, clear testing, or open-box testing.
Time Taken	The black box testing technique uses less time.	The white box testing technique uses more time.
Suitability for Algorithm Testing	The black box testing technique is not preferred for algorithm testing.	The white box testing technique is preferred for algorithm testing.
Communication Within Modules	The black box testing technique can ease up the communication within modules.	The white box testing technique can not ease up the communication within modules.
Types of Testing	Non-functional Testing Functional Testing Regression Testing	Path Testing Condition testing Loop Testing
Automation of Testing	You may face some problems while automating under the black box testing.	You will not face any problems while automating under the white box testing.
Main Objective	Users conduct the black box testing to check the working of the software.	Users conduct the white box testing to check the quality of codes of software
Granularity	The granularity under the black box testing is extremely low.	The granularity under the white box testing is high.
Method Used	You need to use the trial and error method for testing.	You need to use the domain of data or boundaries for testing
Advantage	The black box testing poses a good advantage if the coding structure is huge.	The white box testing poses a good advantage if you want to rectify codes.
Knowledge Required	Even the beginners can perform black box testing.	Only professional experts with advanced coding knowledge can perform black box testing.
Commonly Used	The black box testing technique is commonly used to perform Acceptance Testing and System Testing.	The white box testing technique is commonly used to perform Integration Testing and Unit Testing.
Tools of Testing	QTP Selenium LoadRunner Jmeter	NUnit PyUnit Jtest HTMLUnit

Difference Between White Box and Black Box Testing: Explained

We hope that the above-provided definition of testing techniques and feasible table explained the difference between white box and black box testing. Now, you can decide when and how you want to proceed with which form of testing. These testing techniques will allow you to develop better software and improve the performance of an existing one.

However, if you have any questions related to the forms of software testing or white box vs black box testing. You can seek professional help through the comments section below. Write to us about your queries and suggestions and we will revert back to you with answers and suitable replies. As soon as possible.