What are different characteristics of dynamic testing?

Dynamic testing is also known as dynamic analysis. It’s a part of software testing which is basically used to explain the dynamic behavior of a software application or a program. Therefore, dynamic testing can now be defined as the testing the response or reaction (physical in nature) of the system to the dynamic variables ( the variables which keep changing with time and are not constant) that have been used in the program.

As the name suggests, dynamic testing should be carried out dynamically and not like static testing. To carry out a dynamic test for any program, one has to compile the software, run it and work with it. Working with the software involves inputting data values to the variables. It also involves checking the output if whether or not it is up to the expectations of the programmer.

The actual program output is checked against the desired program output. Input and output is checked for validation of the software. Many methodologies like unit tests, system tests, integration tests and acceptance tests have been developed for dynamic testing.

The idea of dynamic testing is typically based on testing the software during execution of the program and also during its compilation.
- Dynamic testing is totally opposite of static testing.
- The software application must be actually compiled and executed and tested as the dynamic testing is a part of validation process, which is again a part of verification and validation process.
- There are many methodologies that can be used for testing a program dynamically. If you are not comfortable with one technique, you can for the other one.

Functional Test Techniques
- These techniques are commonly known as black box techniques.
- These techniques help in designing test cases which are based on the functions of the software application under test and there is no need to consider the details of the software structure.
- These techniques are used to check for input and expected output.

Black box testing techniques:
There are many black box testing techniques available today. Few have listed below:
- Boundary value analysis
- Equivalent partitioning
- State transition testing
- Syntax testing
- Cause-effect graphing

White box testing techniques:
These are also known as structural test techniques. These are used to check the structural design of the software application for flaws and mistakes.There are many white box testing methodologies present today. They can be used effectively for dynamic testing. Following are some of the white box techniques:

- Branch decision testing
- Branch condition testing
- Branch condition combination testing
- LCSAJ testing
- Modified condition decision testing
- Random testing
- Data flow testing
- Statement testing
- Random testing

Here statement testing technique is one of the structural testing techniques and it is used to examine the components of software components decomposed into smaller parts or modules. Statements can be categorized as executable or non executable and they are tested accordingly. But for this technique you need to provide inputs for the software component, some sort of identification for the statements to be executed and you also need to specify he expected outcome for the module or component. Dynamic testing is carried out by domain experts and professionals.

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