Difference between Static and Dynamic Testing


As we know that testing is the most important stage in the process of delivery of any application or software. Testing not only validates the quality of an application but also provides an opportunity to the developer to improve its product.

Every application is being developed in some high or low level language which means some code has been written for its development so on the basis of execution of code written for the application there is classification of testing namely static testing and dynamic testing.

In this article, we will discuss all the important differences between static testing and dynamic testing. Let's start with some basics of static testing and dynamic testing.

What is Static Testing?

Static testing is the testing in which code written for application is not executed during testing phase and only review of code is performed and basis on which defects and code quality has been examined. As its name implies, static testing performs the static verification of the code. It targets the assessment of program code and documentation.

Static testing is generally performed before the compilation of the code. Static testing involves two types of testing techniques namely review and static analysis.

What is Dynamic Testing?

Dynamic testing there is execution of code written for the application and then defects and application behavior has been examined. Dynamic testing is performed to examine the behavior of the software based on dynamic inputs. The dynamic testing of a software product is performed after compilation of the software code.

Dynamic testing is classified into two types namely – white box testing and black testing. In software testing techniques, the dynamic testing is one of the essential tools for detecting any security threats. The dynamic testing increases quality of the product.

Difference between Static and Dynamic Testing

The following table highlights the major differences between Static Testing and Dynamic Testing −

Parameter Static Testing Dynamic Testing
Definition Static testing is the testing in which code written for application is not executed during testing phase and only review of code is performed and basis on which defects and code quality has been examined. Dynamic testing there is execution of code written for the application and then defects and application behavior has been examined.
Nature of testing As name states static testing does the static verification process in which the requirement and corresponding written code has been verified. Dynamic testing does the validation process which examines the expected behavior of the application based on dynamic inputs provided to the application.
Testing target Static testing targets to the assessment of code and documentation. Dynamic testing targets the runtime bugs/bottlenecks in the software system.
Prerequisite For static testing, a checklist of application process and documentation is required. For dynamic testing, test cases for execution are to be developed.
Stage of testing Static testing generally get performed before compilation of code Dynamic testing mostly performed after compilation of code.
Cost to Company In Static testing, the cost of finding the defects and fixing them is less. Also, the Return on Investment is high because static testing is carried out at an early stage of development. In case of Dynamic testing, the cost of finding and fixing the defects is high. Also the Return on Investment (RoI) is low because this process is carried out after the development phase.

Conclusion

The most important difference between static and dynamic testing is that the static testing checks the defects in software without actual execution of the software code and it analyzes the static behavior of the software, while dynamic testing is used to analyze the dynamic behavior of the software.

Updated on: 16-Dec-2022

4K+ Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements