What is Domain Testing in Software Testing?

Domain testing is a well-known software testing technique. This is a type of Functional Testing that tests the application or the software by inserting inputs and accessing appropriate outputs. In this article, we will get into the depth of domain testing in the following sequence:

• What is Domain Testing in Software Testing?
• Domain Testing Strategy
  • What domain are we testing?
  • How to group the values into classes?
  • Which values of the classes are to be tested?
  • How to determine the result?
• Domain Knowledge
• Domain Testing Structure

Let’s begin!

What is Domain Testing in Software Testing?

Domain testing is a software testing technique. The output has to be tested with a minimum number of inputs, to make sure that the system does not accept invalid values or values which are out of range.

Have you heard about White Box Testing? Well, it is a fine example of domain testing. The prime goal of domain testing is to validate whether the system is intaking the input within the specified range or not. It also checks the delivery of the required output.

After understanding the meaning of domain testing, let us look at the next topic.

Domain Testing Strategy

In domain testing strategy, there are few points that have to be kept in mind:

1. What domain are we testing?
2. How to group the values into classes?
3. Which values of the classes are to be tested?
4. How to determine the result?

What domain are we testing?

Whichever domain you test, comprises of an input and output functionality. After entering the input values, the output is verified.

How to group the values into classes?

To group the values into classes we need to bifurcate the values into some subsets. We call the process, partitioning the values. Now, to clarify the concept, there are two types of partitioning:

1. Equivalence Partitioning :

It divides the input data of a software unit into partitions of equivalent data from which test cases can be derived.

1. Boundary-value Analysis: 

The tests are designed to include representatives of boundary values in a range. 

To gain clarity, I am citing here an example. Here, we are partitioning the values into a subset or the subset. With a simple example, let me explain:

• Group 1 : Employees with salary from 5 to 10 lacs

• Group 2 : Employees with salary from 10 to 15 lacs

• Group 3 : Employees with salary from 15 to 20 lacs

• Group 4 : Employees with salary more than 20 lacs

Which values of the classes are to be tested?

For the values of the class to be tested we need the boundary values. By boundary values I mean,

Group 1 : Employees with salary from 5 to 10 lacs

Here, the values that should be considered are:

1.  Equal to or lesser than 5 lacs. Hence, the amount of 10 lacs should be included in this class.
2. Greater than 5. Hence, the amount 5 lacs should not be included in this class.
3. Equal to or lesser than 10. Hence, amount of 11 lacs should not be included in this class.
4. Greater than 5. Hence, amount of 6 lacs should be included in this class.

After boundary values, the next key to understand is equivalence partition values.

Again citing the same example: Employees with salary from 5 to 10 lacs

As the values from 6 to 10 are valid ones, one of the values among 6,7,8,9 and 10 has to be picked. Suppose you select 8, Hence, the selected value “8” is a valid input for the group between (Salary >5 lacs and <=10 Lacs). 

This sort of partition is referred to as equivalence partition.

Hence, this is the way we group our values!

How to determine the result?

The input is given and the expected output will give us the results and this is accomplished through domain knowledge.

Now, what is domain knowledge? 

Domain Knowledge

Domain knowledge is a fine understanding of a particular sphere. It means that a person is familiar with specific terms of the discipline. It helps to reduce the delivery cycle and shorten development time. It also improves customer service and enhances flexibility. 

Moving further, let us understand the structure of domain testing

Domain Testing Structure

There are certain key points that formulate the structure of domain testing:

• Decide what can go wrong with the boundaries set.
• Find strategies to handle each case.
• Pick several points to test for each error.
• Use one test point to check the adjacent domains.
• Check off redundant test points.
• Start running the tests.
• Determine if any boundaries contain error/fault.
• Verify each boundary of all the domains.

Why push buttons when you can automate? Master it with our Automation Testing Course!

With this, I have reached towards the end of my blog. I hope the content added value to your Software Testing knowledge. Stay tuned!