Software Quality Assurance Practice Exam

What is the purpose of equivalence partitioning in testing?

1. To reduce test case scenarios

2. To identify extreme values

3. To group inputs into classes

4. To ensure all functionality is tested

The correct answer is: To group inputs into classes

Equivalence partitioning is a testing technique used to divide input data into distinct classes or groups that are expected to exhibit similar behavior when processed by the software. The main purpose is to identify a representative sample of inputs from each partition to effectively reduce the total number of test cases while still ensuring adequate coverage of the input space. By grouping inputs into classes, testers can focus their efforts on a limited number of test cases, based on the premise that if one representative input from a class works as intended, others in that class are likely to work similarly. This method helps in identifying tests that can effectively represent a range of inputs, ensuring that similar conditions are tested without the need to evaluate every possible input individually. In this way, equivalence partitioning aids in the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process, allowing for better resource allocation and a more streamlined testing strategy.