What is Decision Table Testing?

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What is Decision Table Testing?

Decision table testing is a black-box testing technique used in software quality assurance to systematically test the different combinations of inputs and conditions that affect the behavior of a software system. It is particularly useful when there are multiple inputs and conditions that can result in different outcomes or actions.

In decision table testing, a decision table is created, which consists of a set of rules that define the different combinations of inputs and conditions, along with the corresponding expected outcomes or actions. Each rule in the decision table represents a specific scenario or combination of inputs and conditions that need to be tested.

The decision table is typically organized in a tabular format, with the inputs and conditions listed as columns and the possible outcomes or actions listed as rows. The rules are then filled in by specifying the appropriate outcome or action for each combination of inputs and conditions.

During testing, the decision table is used as a guide to ensure that all possible combinations of inputs and conditions are tested. Test cases are derived from the decision table by selecting specific combinations of inputs and conditions to be tested. The expected outcomes or actions specified in the decision table are used to verify the correctness of the software system's behavior.

By using decision table testing, software quality assurance teams can ensure that all possible combinations of inputs and conditions are thoroughly tested, reducing the risk of undiscovered defects and improving the overall quality of the software system. It also helps in identifying missing or redundant rules in the decision table, allowing for better coverage and accuracy in testing.