Boundary Value Analysis: The Ultimate Tool for Robust Input Validation in Software Testing

Table of Content

1. Importance of Boundary Value Analysis for Effective Software Testing
2. Benefits of BVA for Input Validation
3. Test Scenarios and Test Cases for Implementing BVA in Input Validation
4. Boundary Value Analysis Test Cases Example
5. Real-World Examples of Input Validation Using BVA for Different Data Types
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Implementing BVA in Software Testing
7. Best Practices for Considering Boundary Conditions in Testing
8. Advantages and Disadvantages of Boundary Value Analysis
9. Tools for implementing BVA in test automation
10. Boundary value problem vs Boundary value analysis
11. Optimize Your Testing Strategy by QAble’s Tailored Techniques for BVA
12. FAQs

Boundary Value Analysis is a popular technique for black box testing. It is used to identify defects and errors in software by testing input values on the boundaries of the allowable ranges.

The goal of boundary value analysis is to find any issues which may arise due to incorrect assumptions about the system behavior. Testing these boundary values ensures that the software functions correctly.

Every partition for boundary analysis has its minimum and maximum values. Let’s look at the following points to understand BVA in software testing in brief. For every variable, testers check the following.

• Nominal value
• Minimum value
• Above minimum value
• Below the minimum value
• Maximum value
• Boundary value for an invalid partition is called invalid boundary value
• Boundary value for valid partition is called boundary value

Importance of Boundary Value Analysis for Effective Software Testing

In simple words, boundary testing is a particular process to test extreme ends among the partitions of input values. These are the below points that will help you understand why it is important.

• It finds defects in the boundaries of input values as they are error-prone areas of software.
• BVA testing helps achieve top quality and makes it reliable by testing under extreme scenarios. This helps in preventing crashes and errors.
• It plays a significant role in reducing overall effort and time by empowering testers to test a numerous range of input values with limited test cases.
• BVA in software testing also improves the accuracy in testing the system limit. This in turn helps in enhancing customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality software.
• Along with that, boundary value analysis is cost-effective as it cuts down the number of test cases.
• It ensures that the development and QA team effectively what complies with the industry guidelines for software testing.

Therefore, BVA is highly important for comprehensive test coverage, improving the reliability of the software, early detection of defects, and many more.

Benefits of BVA for Input Validation

Boundary value analysis eliminates the time-consuming process of testing every input value. It comprises comprehensive tests which also minimize the resources and time required. In this context, the benefits of BVA for input validation have become apparent. Let’s have a look at these notable benefits.

Improved Test Coverage with Boundary Value Testing

The number of defects at the boundary value is often higher than any other location of the software. So, the process of removing defects becomes seamless with the help of boundary value testing.

For example, if a system is designed to handle input values between 0 and 100. It means that the boundary value analysis involves testing the input values of 0,1, 99, and 100 as they are most likely to cause an error.

Thus, testing these boundary values will ensure that the system can easily handle the full range of input values.

Detection of Defects and Vulnerabilities Using BVA

Boundary Value Analysis is a powerful technique to detect defects in software applications. The task involves testing and identifying input variables to determine how the software behaves on the boundary limits.

Hence, boundary value testing reveals those defects which might not be caught by other testing methods.

For example, you set a minimum age requirement of 18 and a maximum of 65. You need to provide input values at the upper and lower limits along with the values which are just inside or outside of the limit.

Testing the inputs like 17, 18, 19, 64, 66, testers can determine if the application is handling the boundary values correctly. So, if there is any defect present they are exposed instantly which makes it easier to fix them. As a result, BVA in software testing completely enhances the overall experience and reliability of the software.

Therefore, this approach uncovers those edges which may get overlooked during other testing methods.

Increased Accuracy and Efficiency with Boundary Value Analysis

BVA in software testing plays a significant role in increasing accuracy and efficiency in various ways. Testers are relieved as they can identify defects at the early stages which reduces the likelihood of defects reaching the production stage.

Secondly, it improves the accuracy of the test cases as it ensures that everything is covered under all possible input combinations of the boundary values.

It also highlights unexpected behavior or the edge cases that get missed out on traditional testing techniques. You can also optimize your testing efforts by focusing on those areas which can lead to defects.

This approach increases testing efficiency as the number of test cases reduces to achieve adequate coverage.

Enhanced Software Quality and User Satisfaction with BVA

Improved accuracy is one of the best benefits of boundary value analysis. It reduces the pressure on the developers as the software can accurately handle critical input ranges.

In this way, fewer errors occur with accurate results which enhances user satisfaction. Optimized user satisfaction means better user experience. Developers can ensure that the software accurately handles critical data input ranges. It delivers precise results and fewer errors which leads to better user satisfaction.

Catching issues at the earlier stages in the SDLC reduces the development time and cost. Thus, boundary value analysis improves the software quality immensely for better user satisfaction.

Test Scenarios and Test Cases for Implementing BVA in Input Validation

Defining test scenarios and test cases are essential to cover input ranges and boundaries. Let’s know how to identify valid and invalid values of BVA in input validation.Invalid Values are calculated through the following method.

• Minimum Value-1
• Maximum Value +1

Valid Values consist of the following.

• Minimum Value
• Minimum Value+1
• Maximum Value
• Maximum Value -1

Boundary Value Analysis Test Cases Example

Let’s take the age value from 20 to 66Invalid Values- 19, 67Valid Values- 20, 21, 66, 65

Test Case Scenarios

1. Input: enter the age value as 20 (21+1)Output: Valid

‍2. Input: enter the age value as 19 (20-1)Output- Invalid

‍3. Input: enter the age value as 67 (66+1)Output: Invalid

‍4. Input: enter the age value as 65 (66-1)Output: Valid

Real-World Examples of Input Validation Using BVA for Different Data Types

We have listed some of the real-world boundary value analysis examples for different data types. Let’s have a look.

‍Date Input Data- Programs that consider input data such as booking systems are used for BVA for input validation. For example, the program is designed to accept dates between 5th August 2023 and 30 September 2023, then the boundary value will be 5 August 2023 and 30 September 2023. To test the program through BVA, then you need to use the dates 4 August 2023, 5 August 2023, 30 September 2023, and 1 October 2023.

‍Numerical Input Data- Various programs accept numerical input data such as stock analysis, gaming, calculator, and others. If you are designing a program to handle number values between 1 and 100, then the boundary values should be 1 and 100. To complete the BVA test analysis successfully, you need to test with the boundary values of 0, 1, 2, 99, 100, and 101.

Also Read: What to Keep in Mind While Testing a Game Like PUBG?

‍Boolean Input Data- The voting system is a prime example that accepts boolean input data. Therefore, if you design a program to accept true or false values, then the boundary values would be true and false. You need to use false and true values for this program.

‍String Input Data- Text editors, logging systems, data entry stems, web browsers, etc. use string input data. For example, if you are designing a program to accept strings between 5 to 20 characters long, then the boundary values will be 5 and 20. To test this program for boundary value analysis, you should use strings that are 4, 5, 6, 19, and 20 characters long.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Implementing BVA in Software Testing

Errors can arise even after conducting robust scrutiny. Understanding the common mistakes will reduce the chances of errors to implement BVA in software testing. Here are some of them.

‍Ignoring internal boundaries- Focusing only on external boundaries is one of the common mistakes. Thus, apart from external boundaries, you should also consider internal boundaries for a comprehensive approach. It helps in identifying invalid and valid outputs for effective boundary value analysis.

‍Considering every boundary value equally important- It is essential to prioritize those values which are likely to cause errors. Considering every value as important will lead you to spend too much time and effort on those values which may not cause errors.

‍Lack of proper understanding of input domain boundaries- For every QA professional, it is essential to clearly understand the input domain along with the boundaries connected to it. Doing this helps in identifying invalid and valid inputs which boosts the effectiveness of boundary value analysis.

‍Not considering the impact of boundary values on other parts- It is crucial to calculate the impact of the values on other sections of the system. Otherwise, it will cause you to miss out on the errors which occur due to interaction between different parts of the software.By avoiding the above mistakes, you can easily implement BVA in software testing and identify critical errors in the system.

Best Practices for Considering Boundary Conditions in Testing

These are some of the best practices for considering boundary conditions for testing.

Verify system behavior

Always verify that the system behaves as expected when the boundary conditions are met. Check that the system doesn’t display error messages, show unexpected behavior, or get crashed.

Always test with realistic data

Realistic data for testing reflects the actual usage of the system. Doing this ensures that the system can proficiently handle different types of input values for real-world scenarios.

Equivalence Partitioning

Using equivalence partitioning to determine the test cases representing different input values is highly beneficial. Using this method, you can easily cover all possible input values.

Negative Testing

You must test the system with invalid input values as well. These values consist of beyond input boundaries to identify defects. Thus, the above practices for boundary value analysis will ensure that your system works seamlessly. Ultimately, it will lead you to build a reliable and robust system.

Also read: What is TestNG.xml and How to use it?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Boundary Value Analysis

Here's a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of Boundary Value Analysis (BVA) in software testing:

Advantages:

1. Efficiency: BVA focuses testing efforts on boundary values, which are more likely to uncover defects compared to other inputs within the range. This targeted approach makes testing more efficient.
2. Thoroughness: By testing boundary values, BVA ensures that critical points in the input domain are thoroughly examined, increasing the likelihood of identifying bugs related to boundary conditions.
3. Coverage: BVA helps achieve better coverage of input space by considering both sides of boundaries (minimum and maximum values) as well as values just inside and outside the boundaries.
4. Simplicity: BVA is a straightforward technique that can be easily understood and implemented by testers, making it suitable for various types of software testing.
5. Early Detection of Defects: BVA can help identify defects early in the development lifecycle, which reduces the cost and effort required to fix them compared to detecting them in later stages.

Disadvantages:

1. Incomplete Coverage: BVA may not detect all defects, especially those not related to boundary conditions. Testing only at boundaries may overlook errors that occur within the input domain.
2. Limited Applicability: BVA is most effective when applied to numerical or range-based inputs. It may not be as suitable for testing other types of inputs, such as text or date inputs.
3. Dependency on Specifications: BVA relies on accurate specifications of boundary values provided by requirements documentation. If these specifications are incorrect or incomplete, the effectiveness of BVA may be compromised.
4. Difficulty in Identifying Boundaries: Determining the exact boundaries of input domains can sometimes be challenging, especially in complex systems with numerous input variables and constraints.
5. Overemphasis on Boundaries: BVA may lead to overemphasis on boundary testing at the expense of other types of testing, such as equivalence partitioning or random testing, which can also uncover defects effectively.

Tools for implementing BVA in test automation

These are some of the essential tools for implementing BVA in test automation.

‍TestNG- The TestNG tool is a testing framework that supports unit and web application testing, UI/UX testing, usability testing and accessibility testing. Its main feature is to specify test data with expected results to make it suitable for boundary testing.

‍Selenium- It is one of the most popular open-source automation tools used for web application testing. It is used to test boundary values by specifying minimum and maximum input values and verifying system response.

‍Apache JMeter- The popular load testing tool called Apache JMeter is essentially used for functional testing. Various features such as data-driven testing, pre and post-processors, assertions, and boundary conditions for implementing BVA.

‍HP UFT- The HP UFT is a commercial test automation tool that is a great asset for boundary analysis. It supports multiple programming languages which you can use for a wide range of applications.

‍Rational Functional Tester- It is an automated testing tool that supports non-graphical and non-graphical user interfaces. Furthermore, it has built-in support that empowers boundary testing.Hence, incorporating the above tools can have a significant impact on accelerating the BVA process. But, it is important to understand that the effectiveness of any tool depends on how it is used as well as the professional.

Boundary value problem vs Boundary value analysis

Optimize Your Testing Strategy by QAble’s Tailored Techniques for BVA

Our Able Army is always ready to explore the latest technologies and incorporate them into our methodologies to deliver an unmatchable experience. The technique for boundary value analysis involves testing the input values which are at the edges of the input domain.

These are some of the techniques that can help you with that.

• Identifying Input Domain- The first task is to identify the input domain for the test cases. For this, it is essential to determine the maximum and minimum value that the input domain should consider.
• Determining Boundary Values- Testers need to identify the boundary values of the input domain. For example, if the input domain lies between 1 and 10, then the boundary values would be 1, 10, and any other value in between.
• Testing Boundary Values- After determining the boundary values, it is essential to test them to ensure that the software behaves correctly. Thus, testing the application at maximum and minimum values.
• Testing Values Outside the Boundary- Testing those values which fall outside the input domain is equally crucial. For this, you need to test values that are one unit above and below the minimum and maximum values.

Henceforth, the above steps for boundary value analysis are essential to building a robust and reliable software product. At QAble, we understand the importance of thorough and effective software testing.

Our team of experienced testers uses a variety of techniques including boundary value analysis to ensure that your product meets the highest standards of reliability and quality.

Whether you need performance testing, functional testing, or any other type, QAble has the expertise to deliver the best results. So, let’s work together to develop user-friendly and efficient software.