What is Equivalence Partitioning?

Software Quality Assurance Questions Medium



80 Short 74 Medium 48 Long Answer Questions Question Index

What is Equivalence Partitioning?

Equivalence Partitioning is a software testing technique used to divide the input data into different equivalence classes or partitions. The main objective of this technique is to reduce the number of test cases while still ensuring adequate test coverage.

In Equivalence Partitioning, the input data is divided into groups or classes that are expected to exhibit similar behavior. Each partition represents a set of valid or invalid inputs that should produce the same output or behavior from the software being tested.

The idea behind this technique is that if a test case within a particular partition detects a defect, it is likely that other test cases within the same partition will also reveal the same defect. Therefore, it is not necessary to test every possible input value individually, but rather focus on representative values from each partition.

Equivalence Partitioning helps in optimizing the testing effort by selecting a minimal set of test cases that cover all the different partitions. This technique ensures that both valid and invalid inputs are tested, as well as the boundaries between partitions, which are often the areas where defects are more likely to occur.

Overall, Equivalence Partitioning is a systematic approach to test case design that improves the efficiency and effectiveness of software testing by reducing redundancy and maximizing test coverage.