Equivalence Partitioning Tutorial
What is Equivalence Partitioning?
Equivalence Partitioning is a software testing technique that divides input data into partitions of equivalent data from which test cases can be derived. The goal is to identify a set of test cases that cover all possible scenarios within a functional requirement while minimizing the number of test cases.
By testing a representative value from each partition, we can infer that other values in the same partition will yield the same result. This technique is especially useful for validating input fields and ensuring that different types of inputs are handled correctly.
Why Use Equivalence Partitioning?
The main reasons to use Equivalence Partitioning include:
- Reduces the number of test cases to a manageable level.
- Identifies potential edge cases within the input space.
- Improves testing efficiency by focusing on representative data.
- Helps ensure comprehensive test coverage.
How to Apply Equivalence Partitioning
The process of applying Equivalence Partitioning involves the following steps:
- Identify the input domain: Define the input parameters for the software functionality you are testing.
- Divide the input domain into partitions: Group the inputs into classes where all members are expected to behave similarly.
- Select test cases: Create test cases that represent each partition.
- Execute the test cases: Run the test cases and verify the results.
Example of Equivalence Partitioning
Let's consider a simple example of a function that accepts a number between 1 and 100. We can identify the following partitions:
- Valid Partition: 1 - 100
- Invalid Partition: Less than 1 (< 1)
- Invalid Partition: Greater than 100 (> 100)
Based on these partitions, we can create the following test cases:
- Test Case 1: Input = 50 (valid)
- Test Case 2: Input = 0 (invalid - less than 1)
- Test Case 3: Input = 150 (invalid - greater than 100)
By testing these cases, we can ensure that the function behaves correctly for the entire input range.
Conclusion
Equivalence Partitioning is a powerful technique that can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of software testing. By dividing input data into meaningful partitions, testers can create a more focused test suite, thereby reducing duplication and ensuring broader coverage of the application's functionality.
Employing this technique in your testing strategy will lead to more robust software products and a streamlined testing process.