Structural Testing

Structural Testing is a testing methodology that focuses on the internal structure of the software being tested. Unlike functional testing, which concerns itself with the external behavior of the software, structural testing delves into the code, architecture, and system design to ensure the software operates correctly from the inside out. This approach is also known as white-box testing, glass-box testing, or clear-box testing, as it requires an understanding of the internal workings of the software component or system. By examining and leveraging the internal structures, testers can create test cases that thoroughly evaluate the software's logic, data flow, and control structures, which helps identify potential issues that might not be evident through functional testing alone.

Structural testing techniques include path testing, statement testing, branch testing, and condition testing. These techniques aim to ensure that all possible paths, statements, and conditions within the code are executed and verified at least once during the testing process. By doing so, structural testing provides a comprehensive assessment of the software's internal functionality, helping to uncover hidden faults and improve overall quality. It is a crucial part of the development lifecycle, especially in safety-critical systems where reliability and precision are paramount.