Decision Table testing
Decision table testing is a systematic software testing technique used to test a software system’s behavior under various input conditions or factor combinations. It is beneficial when multiple input conditions or rules can affect a system’s outcome, and you want to ensure that the system behaves correctly in all possible scenarios.
Here are the critical steps involved in decision table testing:
1. Identify the Conditions (Inputs):
Determine the input conditions or factors that can influence the behavior of the software. These conditions can be binary (true/false), discrete (having a limited set of values), or continuous (having a range of values)
2.Identify the Actions (Outputs):
Determine the possible actions or outcomes the software can produce based on the combinations of input conditions. These actions represent the expected behavior of the system
3.Create the Decision Table:
Construct a decision table representing all possible combinations of input conditions and the corresponding expected actions. Each row in the table represents a unique combination of conditions, and each column represents a specific condition or action.
4.Define Rules:
Define rules or logic that expressly detail the necessary actions for every possible combination of input conditions. By establishing these rules, we can guarantee that the software behaves in a clear, consistent manner.
5.Test Scenarios:
Generate test scenarios by selecting different rows from the decision table. Each test scenario represents a specific combination of input conditions and should include the expected action.
Execute Tests:
Execute the test scenarios using the software under test. Ensure that the software produces the expected actions for each design.
1.Analyze Results:
Compare the actual outcomes with the expected results for each test scenario. Identify any discrepancies or defects in the software’s behavior.
2.Iteration and Debugging:
If discrepancies are found, debug and fix the issues in the software. Modify the decision table or rules as needed to correct the behavior.
3.Repeat Testing:
Repeat testing with different input conditions and scenario combinations to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Decision table testing is beneficial for testing complex business rules, validation rules, and scenarios where multiple conditions interact to determine the system’s behavior. It helps ensure that the software handles all possible combinations of input conditions correctly and consistently.
In summary, decision table testing is a structured and systematic approach to testing Software behavior under various input conditions, making it a valuable technique for ensuring software quality and reliability.
