gray box

A gray box is a device, program or system whose workings are partially understood. Gray box testing, also called gray box analysis, is a strategy for software debugging based on limited knowledge of the internal details of the program. The tester may know how system components interact but lacks detailed knowledge of internal program functions and operation.

With respect to internal processes, gray box testing treats a program as a black box that must be analyzed from the outside. Gray box testing is commonly used with Web services applications because the Internet has relatively stable interfaces even though the applications are complex, variable and evolving.

Gray box testing is non-intrusive and unbiased because it does not require that the tester have access to the source code. A clear distinction exists between the developer and the tester, minimizing the risk of personnel conflicts. However, it is more difficult to detect and resolve potential problems, especially in a single application, with gray box testing than with white box testing, in which the internal particulars are fully known.

Read more about gray box: - Crosscheck Networks compares black, white and gray box testing methods.

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know. Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us

RELATED CONTENT Choosing code coverage tools Code coverage is an important aspect of software testing, so how do you choose the right tool? Testing expert Mike Kelly discusses tools he's used... Performance testing and experimental design One-factor experimental design may have a place in performance testing, but testers should be careful with this approach. Testing expert Mike Kelly... How to test software with dynamic requirements Testers cannot assume that requirements will be well-defined and static. Testing expert Mike Kelly explains how to work with dynamic requirements to...