CISSP Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Pairwise testing is a combinatorial software testing technique that specifically focuses on testing all possible pairs of input parameters. The rationale behind pairwise testing is based on the observation that most defects are caused by the interaction of just two parameters. By concentrating on all possible pairs, this method effectively reduces the number of test cases while still maintaining a high level of coverage. This approach leads to significant savings in testing time and resources without overwhelming the testing process with excessive combinations.

In contrast, black box testing evaluates the functionality of an application without peering into the internal structures or workings of the application, which does not specifically focus on pairs of inputs. Integration testing involves combining and testing multiple components or systems but does not necessarily emphasize pairwise input combinations. Dynamic testing is a broader category that refers to testing software as it runs, which might include pairwise testing but is not limited to that specific strategy. Each alternative has its own purpose and focuses, but pairwise testing uniquely targets the interactions of input parameters.