Guideline-Based vs. Partition-Based Testing
publish date: 2026/06/18 03:41:37.072724 UTC
A development team is testing a sorting algorithm. They have already applied equivalence partitioning (testing empty arrays, single elements, already sorted arrays, and large random arrays). Their team lead suggests also testing with arrays that have all identical elements and arrays in reverse-sorted order. What testing approach does the team lead's suggestion represent?
Correct Answer
Explanation
Testing with all-identical elements and reverse-sorted arrays reflects experience-based knowledge of where sorting algorithms commonly fail. These are not strictly new equivalence partitions from the specification - they represent guideline-based testing, where domain expertise and experience guide selection of additional test cases that are known to expose common defects.
Reference
Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition