List Two Boundary Conditions To Check When Testing

List two boundary conditions that should be checked when testing method readInt

Develop a comprehensive list of two boundary conditions that should be verified during testing of the readInt method. This method accepts three parameters: a Scanner object, a minimum integer value (minN), and a maximum integer value (maxN). The purpose of the method is to read an integer from user input that falls within the inclusive range specified by minN and maxN. When formulating boundary conditions, the focus should be on testing the critical points where behavior might change, such as the edges of the valid range and invalid input scenarios, including boundary values just inside or outside these limits.

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Boundary testing is an essential aspect of software testing that involves evaluating the behavior of a program at the extreme ends of input ranges or operating conditions. For the provided readInt method, which reads an integer input within specified bounds, identifying key boundary conditions ensures that the method correctly handles edge cases and invalid inputs. Two significant boundary conditions that need to be tested include:

1. Testing at the lower boundary (minN): This involves providing input values equal to minN to verify if the method correctly accepts the minimum boundary value as valid input. Specifically, inputting a value exactly equal to minN should result in the method accepting and returning this value without prompting for re-entry or throwing an exception. Testing this boundary confirms that the comparison operator minN works as intended for the lower edge of the range.
2. Testing at the upper boundary (maxN): This involves inputting a value exactly equal to maxN to confirm that the method accepts the maximum boundary as valid. When the input equals maxN, the method should recognize it as valid and terminate the input loop, returning the value. Testing at this boundary ensures that the comparison operator n functions properly at the upper edge of the range.

Additional boundary tests might include just below the lower boundary (minN - 1) and just above the upper boundary (maxN + 1) to verify that the method correctly rejects out-of-range inputs and prompts the user again. These tests guarantee the robustness of the input validation logic.

In practice, verifying these boundary conditions includes simulating user inputs that sit precisely on these limits, as well as inputs that marginally breach them. Proper handling of such cases ensures the method's reliability and correctness in real-world scenarios, where users might enter values on the edge of valid ranges or invalid entries like non-integer inputs.

Devise test data for readInt using white-box and black-box testing

For white-box testing, which involves analyzing the internal structure of the method, test data should encompass all possible decision paths, especially those involving boundary checks and exception handling.

• Input a value exactly equal to minN: e.g., if minN=10, input 10.
• Input a value exactly equal to maxN: e.g., if maxN=50, input 50.
• Input a value less than minN: e.g., 9 to verify rejection and re-prompt.
• Input a value greater than maxN: e.g., 51 to verify rejection and re-prompt.
• Input a non-integer value (e.g., "abc") to test exception handling for invalid input.

Black-box testing focuses on input-output behavior without considering internal code logic. Therefore, test data should include:

• Input exactly minN and ensure method returns the value without re-prompt.
• Input exactly maxN and confirm correct acceptance.
• Input values just outside the boundaries (minN - 1, maxN + 1) and verify rejection and re-prompt.
• Input invalid data like non-integer strings to check re-prompt mechanism.

Designing these test cases ensures comprehensive coverage of the method’s boundary conditions and improves confidence in its robustness.

Additional note on implementing boundary tests

Implementing boundary tests involves simulating or specifying user inputs at the boundary conditions and invalid inputs, often by mocking input streams or using test automation tools. Test scripts should verify that valid boundary inputs are accepted and invalid ones prompt the user again for valid input, as intended by the method's logic. Proper exception handling and input validation logic are critical for achieving reliable input validation in user-interactive methods like readInt.

References

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