Differences between various software testing methods

Method	Purpose	Input/Output Focus	Coverage Criteria	Complexity	Automation Potential	Suitable for
Decision Tables	Represent complex decision logic	Conditions and Actions	Conditions, Decisions	Moderate to High	Low to Moderate	Decision-based systems
State Transition Testing	Test transitions between system states	States and Transitions	State Transitions	Low to Moderate	Low to Moderate	Systems with finite states
Boundary Value Analysis	Test at the boundaries of input ranges	Input values	Boundary Conditions	Low to Moderate	Low to Moderate	Numerical inputs
Equivalence Partitioning	Divide input domain into equivalence classes	Input values	Equivalence Classes	Low to Moderate	Low to Moderate	Wide range of inputs
Pairwise Testing	Cover all possible pairs of input values	Input combinations	Combinations of Input Pairs	Moderate	Moderate	Inputs with interactions
Decision Coverage	Ensure every decision point is exercised	Code decisions	Code Decisions	Moderate to High	Moderate to High	Code-based testing
Condition Coverage	Ensure every condition in a decision is exercised	Conditions	Conditions	Moderate to High	Moderate to High	Condition-based testing
Modified Condition/Decision	Ensure each condition independently affects decision	Conditions and Decisions	Conditions and Decisions	High	High	Safety-critical systems
Use Case Testing	Test functionality described in a specific use case	Use Case Scenarios	Use Case Flows	Low to Moderate	Low to Moderate	Use case-driven development
User Story Testing	Test functionality described in a user story	User Stories	User Story Flows	Low to Moderate	Low to Moderate	Agile development
Exploratory Testing	Simultaneous learning, test design, and execution	System Behavior	Defect Discovery	Moderate	Low to Moderate	Quick defect discovery
Model-based Testing	Use models to represent system behavior	Models	Model Coverage	High	Moderate to High	Model-driven development
Risk-based Testing	Prioritize testing based on risk	Risk Assessment	Risk Exposure	Low to Moderate	Low to Moderate	Risk-sensitive projects
Ad Hoc Testing	Informal testing without predefined test cases	System Exploration	Defect Discovery	Low to Moderate	Low to Moderate	Quick defect discovery