Code-based test design

What is Code-Based (Structural) Test Design?

Code-based test design derives tests from the structure of the code itself, rather than from external requirements — aiming to exercise specific paths, branches, or conditions within the implementation.

Common Techniques

• Statement coverage: ensuring every line of code executes at least once.
• Branch/decision coverage: ensuring every possible branch (true/false) of a decision point is exercised.
• Path coverage: ensuring every possible execution path through the code is tested.

Why This Matters

Code-based techniques are especially valuable for unit testing, complementing requirement-based tests by catching logic errors that may not be visible from external specifications alone.