What is the Difference Between Static and Dynamic Testing?

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The main difference between static and dynamic testing lies in the way they analyze and assess software systems. Here are the key differences between the two types of testing:

  • Static Testing:
  • Performed without executing the program.
  • Analyzes code, requirements documents, and design documents.
  • Aims to prevent defects.
  • Involves checklists and processes for testing.
  • Covers structural and statement coverage testing.
  • Generally takes less time.
  • Performed in the early stage of software development.
  • Dynamic Testing:
  • Performed by executing the program.
  • Analyzes the functional behavior of software systems, such as memory usage and performance.
  • Aims to find and fix active defects.
  • Involves test cases for execution.
  • Covers boundary value analysis and equivalence partitioning testing.
  • Generally takes more time.
  • Performed at the later stage of software development.

Both static and dynamic testing methods are essential for ensuring the quality of software systems, and they should be used together to achieve the best results. Static testing helps prevent defects, while dynamic testing identifies active defects.

Comparative Table: Static vs Dynamic Testing

The main difference between static and dynamic testing lies in the stage of software development at which they are performed, the techniques used, and the type of defects they aim to prevent or find. Here is a table summarizing the differences between static and dynamic testing:

Feature Static Testing Dynamic Testing
When Early stage of software development Later stage of software development
Techniques Reviews, walkthroughs, inspection Functional and non-functional testing, data/control flow analysis
Goal Prevention of defects Finding and fixing defects
Execution Testing is done without executing the program Testing is done by executing the program
Methods Checklist and process to be followed Source code and test cases for execution
Coverage Structural and statement coverage Functional behavior of memory/CPU usage and overall performance of the system
Meetings More meetings compared to dynamic testing Fewer meetings compared to static testing
Cost Less expensive than dynamic testing More expensive than static testing
Time Generally takes less time Generally takes more time
Tools Checkstyle, Clang, Eclipse, Sonarqube, Soot, Source meter BoundsChecker, DroidBox, Diakon, Procmon, ValGrind

In summary, static testing is about preventing defects before they occur, while dynamic testing focuses on finding and fixing defects after they have been introduced into the software.